Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

Each child has a 'key person' who is responsible for their well being and development. The key person makes observations and tracks their development. If the key person has any concerns about a child they will share these with the parents and the Nursery special needs coordinator (SENCO). If, after these discussions we feel that specialist support is needed the SENCO will refer to the appropriate outside agency informing the parents/carers at each step in the process.

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

All staff continually make observations of the child's learning and development during free play and adult led opportunities. All observations are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) phases of development. If a child's development in any area is not in line with expectations we would put our systems and strategies in place. Further focused observations would be made. Depending on these observations the key person, SENCO and the parents make a decision about whether it is necessary to make a referral to relevant outside agencies or whether we can support the child from expertise within the nursery. If it is felt to be necessary we will refer to the Early Years Inclusion Service (EYIS) or to the Speech and Language Therapy Service (SALT).

Links we have to other agencies

We have close links to the Early Years Inclusion Service, Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Paediatricians, Health Visitors and Occupational therapists. We also have links with the Equality and Diversity Service who can help us to support children and families with English as an additional language.

How we support children transferring to school

We have good links with all local schools. We work with the schools to create a bespoke transition. This may involve; taking the children to the school, foundation stage teachers visiting the nursery and individual children's transition books. We use part of the school grounds for play and development opportunities. We also use school facilities for swimming and ballet. In the final half term leading up to the school starting term we share books with the children and parents/carers between the Nursery and home to familiarise the children with this well established school routine.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

Our nursery has one member staff who have qualified teacher status (QTS).All other staff have at least level 3 childcare qualification or are working towards it.

We also have staff with Children in Care Training, child protection and safeguarding, paediatric first aid, food hygiene, fire safety, SENCO training, loss and bereavement support.

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

Children's physical and emotional health and well being are a priority in the nursery. Fresh, locally sourced, (organic where possible) food is freshly prepared on site and follows current healthy eating guidelines. Milk and water are provided at snack and meal time and at any time during the day as required. Regular outdoor play and Forest School sessions support physical development and emotional/mental health and well being. Research backs up the therapeutic value of the outdoors for young children. Our director has developed a movement programme called Imynda which supports children's physical, emotional and social well being through creative movement and storytelling opportunities. All children at nursery are considered as individuals and treated as such. Their specific needs are considered and supported. We respond promptly to children when they are upset in a nurturing, supporting manner. Daily routines give children the security they need whilst allowing enough time for free play chosen by the children. Comfortable space allows children to sleep when and if they need and children's individual sleep and rest needs are met.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

Parents are able to speak to staff each time they bring children and when they pick them up. When we have any concerns about a child's development, parent's will be consulted at every stage of the processes involved and invited to any meetings with outside agencies. Any individual provision made for a child outside of that given to all children will be explained and shared with parents through meetings at the nursery as and when necessary.

Our complaints policy

If a parent/carer/ has an issue either involving their individual child or the Nursery as a whole, they should in the first instance raise this with either their child’s key person or the Manager. If the parent/carer feels unable to do this, they can contact one of the Directors. In the first instance every effort should be made to resolve any issues or concerns within the Nursery. Naturally Learning nurseries will ensure that all issues/complaints are immediately dealt with and handled sensitively, confidentially and professionally. The following process should be followed, recording details on the complaints log. ‘Minor Complaint’ (Can be dealt with immediately by the Manager without parent correspondence) Manager/Deputy to acknowledge and resolve complaint immediately, or within 2 working days. Complaint to be recorded in the complaints log. ‘Major Complaint’ (Cannot be dealt with solely by the Manager – advice is required and/or parent correspondence is necessary). Manager /Deputy to acknowledge complaint immediately, or within 1 working day of complaint being raised. Manager to immediately notify a Director Complaint to be recorded in the complaints log. Manager to notify parent at all stages of the complaint being investigated. Copies of correspondence to and from parent must be filed in the child’s file with a copy filed in the complaints file too. The Manager should aim to resolve the complaint within 3 weeks of receipt. The Manager should agree any action plan / targets with parent and staff team. These should be recorded with a follow up meeting agreed 1 week after resolution of complaint. A copy of the complaints log must be sent to a Director at the end of each month. In the event that a satisfactory outcome can still not be reached, complaints can be made to OfSTED at: Address: The national business unit OfSTED, Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester, M1 2wd Tel: 0300 123 1231 www.ofsted.gov.uk This number will be easily accessible and displayed for parents at all times In the event of a member of staff wishing to make a complaint, they should refer to Company’s full Grievance procedure.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

There is a ramp leading to the main entrance of the building and a ramp leading out of the building to access the back garden.

There is an alternative entrance to the building and gardens via a front gate accessible for wheelchair users.

Facilities we have for personal care

We have an accessible toilet and a large purpose built changing station for children. 

Specialist resources we have

We have an accessible toilet and a large purpose built changing station for children.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

Naturally Learning offers an ethos which supports outdoor learning. We encourage children to explore their outdoor surroundings on a daily basis. The children have free-flow access to our extensive garden, and Forest School site. The grounds of the High School also offer trails and pathways, as well as playing fields. The Naturally Learning recognises that all have a right to their distinctive and diverse identities and that all people are different and must be treated as individuals. We will provide a supportive, open environment where all children and employees have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Naturally Learning nurseries recognise that we have the ability to promote equality of opportunity for all our users by making our services more responsive to all communities and individual needs. The company values the diversity of all communities, and wants all its services, facilities and resources to be accessible and useful to every individual. We also recognise that our ability to meet these diverse needs is improved by having a diverse workforce which generally reflects local population and has the skill and understanding to achieve our service objectives. We are committed to valuing diversity in our workforce and to developing and training our employees to improve their ability to meet our goals; within an overall framework of equality. Naturally Learning is committed to the integration of children with special educational needs at all of their nurseries. We believe that provision for children in the early years and assessment of their needs are of paramount importance and will give the best long term benefits to children, families and the whole community. We recognise that all children, including those with special needs have the same rights to development care and play. All children attending our nurseries will be offered the same opportunities with support and assistance available to overcome any disadvantage they may face. We encourage appropriate outings for all children. Regular walks and visits within the local community all contribute to a child’s learning. We aim to make appropriate arrangements so that all children can take part in outings. When organising outings/visits appropriate arrangements will be made for children with special needs.