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 is assigned a key worker who works closely with their key children to support them with the settling in process and help them to gain confidence at the setting. Regular observations are made and information is recorded in learning journeys and shared with parents / carers.

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

New children are invited to visit the setting prior to starting. We offer a free 'Stay and Play' session which is a good opportunity for children and staff to get to know one another. Key workers liaise with new parents to organise home visit which enable us to gain further information about each child's individual needs. Half termly Learning Plans are written and shared between staff and parents / carers.

Links we have to other agencies

We have good links with other agencies whom we liaise with when we require extra support for individuals. Staff have had Makaton, Sensory, Behaviour and Attachment training.

How we support children transferring to school

We have excellent links with Penponds School as we are based on their site. The reception teach is a member of our committee and is very involved with what happens at Little Acorns. During the summer term the manager liaises with reception class teachers from other schools in order to share necessary information.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

All staff have completed basic child protection training and the manager and assistant manager have also completed group 3 multi-agency child protection training. All staff have first aid training.

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

We promote PSED using reward systems; children are encouraged to be kind and helpful and good friends to one another. If a child has a specific need then we will ensure that we receive the necessary training to enable us to fully support that child at Little Acorns. Team around the child meetings would be organised by the manager should there be a need. When there are outbreaks of childhood diseases such as chicken pox and the norovirus, we ensure that all parents receive information on how to deal with these illnesses and are aware of how long their children should remain away from the setting to prevent the illness spreading to others. We complete 2 year old checks. This usually takes place 6 weeks after the child joins our setting. At little Acorns we receive regular support from the Early Years Inclusion Team to ensure our key person systems are working effectively.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

Every term we hold parent consultations to allow us to share information on each child's learning; we encourage all parents to sign up to these. We send out half-termly 'wow' moment sheets which parents can use o inform us of what their child can do at home. These are them recorded in the child's learning journey. Newsletters are sent out 4 times per term. At the start of each new topic parents are informed of what their child will be learning in the weeks ahead and encouraged to contribute if they can. We hold curriculum evenings that link to the topic at the time and allow parents an insight in to what and how their child is learning at Little Acorns.

Our complaints policy

The parent/carer should put the concerns or complaint in detail and in writing to the Manager and/or the Chair of the Management Committee. Relevant names, dates, evidence and any other important information should be included. Little Acorns will acknowledge receipt of the complaint as soon as possible, at least within three working days, and the matter should be fully investigated within 20 working days. If there is any delay the parents/carers will be advised of this and offer an explanation. The Manager will be responsible for sending them a full and formal response to the complaint.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

The pre-school has ramp access and a disabled toiled.

Facilities we have for personal care

We have a discreet changing area. All staff, volunteers and committee members have been DBS checked.

Specialist resources we have

We have two low level toilets and wash basins for the children and a disabled toilet.There is also access to a changing table. We would try to meet any needs we found necessary

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

Trips are well planned by pre-school staff to ensure they are suitable for all our children. Risk assessments are carried out prior to any trip taking place and sought from specific places that we are visiting. These are then shared with parents to inform them of potential risks. Parents are always invited to join us on out trips and children are well prepared for the outing through the use of photographs and social stories. If staff members are transporting children then we ensure that they have the necessary insurance and that a risk assessment has taken place beforehand. parents must provide staff members with their child's car seat.