Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

Systems and strategies we have in place to identify children that may require additional support

Our Forest School provision is linked with our pre School provision and therefore operates under a similar approach to EYFS curriculum allowing for regulate plan-do-review cycle of our provision and of individual children. Regular observations are then taken and assessments made termly to ensure all children are making progress. In so doing we can identify early where additional support may be required and plan strategies early. We hold regular review meetings with all parents.We liaise carefully with parents/carers on entry to assess a baseline stage of development of all our children. 

How we identify and support children's learning and development needs

In addition to the above sessional observations are carefully recorded and used to inform planning. In so doing all our children's development stage, interests and next steps can be accommodated. Where additional support is required we can deploy staff and resources to meet their needs. All this is done with agreement and review by parents.

Links we have to other agencies

We can make referrals to health visitors, speech therapy, family support and inclusion team when it is thought necessary and would then work in conjunction with them and the family to best support the child

How we support children transferring to school

We work with all our Senior group of children throughout their final year with us, from September to build their confidence with peers and adults and in particular communication and language in readiness for school. During the summer term we have many activities based around transitions. We work with parents and new schools to ensure all are ready to transfer. Primary school teachers are invited to visit the children in setting and we share development information to help the new school understand each unique child and how best to support them.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

Designated Child Protection Officer with all staff regularly training in basic child protection. All staff have current paediatric first aid. Most staff have attended SENCO and Behaviour Management training. As a setting we have completed local authority early language development programme and have a focus on communication, language and letters and sounds support with all age groups.

Support we offer regarding children's health and well-being

Risk assessments for the setting are completed and reviewed regularly to ensure children are kept safe. Our behaviour policy is very much a positive reinforcement approach supporting children to understand their emotions, how their actions affect others. We try to support them to learn how to make the right choices and decisions on how to behave. In particular Forest School can expose the children to more risky activities. We take the time to ensure they understand how to keep themselves safe, in  way that they can then use these skills in other and new situations - thus being a useful life skill.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

Planning information and details are available to parents weekly. 

Our complaints policy

We take complaints very seriously and aim to be on hand at every opportunity to deal with concerns early on. We have a written complaints procedure to ensure any complaints, if they can not be dealt with when initially raised, are investigated and resolved in a timely manner by management

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

Forest School is located within the natural environment, as such access may be challenging. We will work with parents to ensure that the needs of their child is met to ensure inclusive access

Facilities we have for personal care

Forest School toileting area and changing space.

Specialist resources we have

Where necessary to support the needs of the child our staff are experienced in the use of visual aids and Makaton sign language etc

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

We are an inclusive setting and would aim to take all reasonable measures to ensure that activities and trips are available to all our children.