Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

We use the following tracking and assessment tools to identify children that may need additional support;

• Chat Wheel


• Sharing Information Sheet (Parents to complete)


• Every Child A Talker monitoring sheet


• Baseline Assessments


• 2 Year Old Checks 


• Assessments (carried out 3 times a year)


• Cohort Tracking (reviewed every term)


• Electronic learning journals


• Sensory Checklists

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

We use the following strategies/assessments to identify and support children's development needs;

• ILP's


• Visual Timetable


• Now and Next


• Spot Timers


• Makaton 


• Small Group Work

We have experience following set targets from Speech and Language, Senior SENCo, Portage Worker, Education Psychologist and Child Development Teacher.

 

Links we have to other agencies

We have experience working with the following outside agencies;

• Health Visitors


• Speech and Language Therapists


• Early Support


• Portage Workers


• Senior SENCo 


• Social Workers


• Educational Psychologist


• Child Development Teacher


• TAC meetings are attended by both staff and parents.

How we support children transferring to school

• We work with the local schools by inviting the reception class teachers to visit us.


• We feed into a variety of schools, with continued connections between us and Windmill Academy reception class.


• Children are invited into schools to spend time in their new classrooms.


• If a child needs extra support their key worker and teacher will work together to ensure a smooth transition. 


• School contacted as soon as we know their placement if extra support will be needed at school.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

• SENCo Training


• Makaton


• Promoting Positive Behaviour


• EAL Support


• Visual Training


• First Aid Training


• Health and Safety


• Safeguarding


• Autism Champion


• 5 to Thrive


• Healthy Early Years


• Health in the Early Years


• Multi-agency

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

• Snack Menu following Healthy Early Years


• Key Worker system


• SENCo Training


• Promoting Positive Behaviour Training


• Foundation Makaton


• 2 Year Old Checks are completed and a copy given to the parents to share with the Health Visitor


• 75 minutes per 3 hour session of exercise following recommendations from training.


• Yoga and calming time done during session


• Sensory Room


• Lots of time outside.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

• Learning Journals are now online so parents can be in constant communication with Pre-School and their child's learning.


• Parents are welcome to arrange an appointment to discuss their child's learning and well-being throughout the academic year.


• Additionally parents are invited in termly to discuss their child's progress.


• Newsletters are given out at least termly.


• Parents are invited in for private consultations as and when needed.


• I.L.P's are shared with parents.

Our complaints policy

• We follow the same procedure for all complaints, verbal or written no matter how big or small, with the same degree of concern.


• Steps are followed in accordance with our complaints procedure which is available for parents to view.


• The whistle blowing policy is available to staff and parents at all times.


• Ofsted phone number is on clear display for parents on entrance to the building.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

• New secure fenced area allowing for wheelchair.


• New camera system at gated entrance.


• Portable metal ramp to use for gaining access to main building.


• Sensory Room available for quiet time with wheelchair access.


• Outside play area updated for all weather use with equipment suitable for children with reduced mobility.


• Clear signage.


• Support rails in place by steps and toilets.

Facilities we have for personal care

• Open changing unit within our toilet area.


• Low level toilets and hand basins to promote independent self-care.


• Separate adult toilet and hand wash area.


• Hand sanitiser available throughout.

Specialist resources we have

• We have accessed resources from the EAL department such as books, CDs and posters.


• We have resourced equipment to support children with Sensory requirements (New Sensory Room now available)  


• We can access certain equipment through the inclusion team depending on individual requirements.


• Portable ramp available for wheelchair access into the building and garden area.


• Clearly signed building.


• Extra supports throughout including safety rails in the toilet cubicles.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

We have a range of outings and trips throughout the academic year.  All children are invited to attend irrespective of their age or ability.  We include parent helpers in addition to our normal staff ratios to make travel to and from our destination more manageable. We ensure that every trip is appropriate for all children by carrying out a risk assessment.