Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

We pride ourselves on the strong relationships our dedicated staff build with our families. Every child undergoes a settling period with us to ensure we understand their needs whilst in our care and a baseline assessment of their development is conducted after this. These systems enable our knowledgeable and experienced staff to identify where additional help may be required and our close working relationships with our families mean that we are able to work together to plan strategies that support individual needs. We work with outside agencies to provide further support for individuals with parental consent. Attainment and progress of children within the nursery is monitored by staff alongside the manager. Through discussions we are able to identify any children who have made limited progress or who are performing significantly below peers of the same age.

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

Our settings maintain detailed observations whilst your child is enjoying a wide range of learning opportunities in rich, enabling environments. These observations are used to inform individualised planning, specifically designed to support your child in taking the next steps in their learning and development, according to the EYFS. Our dedicated teams take the time to understand your child and plan to their individual learning style according to the Characteristics of Effective Learning. Whenever additional support is needed, our staff adapt your child’s individualised planning to ensure that the right support is on offer for them and liaise with outside professionals wherever necessary.

Links we have to other agencies

We work closely with Local Authority professionals and their Locality Inclusion Teams. Our teams have built strong relationships with a variety of outside agencies such as the Speech and Language Team, Health and Social Care, the Child Development Centre, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Educational Psychologists.

How we support children transferring to school

We ensure that our parents are supported in understanding the school application process. Our teams endeavour to make every transition for your child as easy as possible. Our children our quite familiar with our reception classes due to our shared outdoor area and free flow between classes. However we also hold a number of transition events, such as the Teddy Bears Picnic, 'Stay and play' and moving up afternoons. We provide our children with support to ensure that they are well prepared for the next step in their learning and development by liaising with reception teachers to ensure they know the whole child. We also hold meet the teacher days where parents are invited to meet the reception teacher and share what they feel is most important for their child.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

Our teams’ professional development is key to the high level of practice that is expected of us. We ensure that regular training is a priority for our staff and run in-house training to keep our practice as up to date as possible and in line with any legislative changes.

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

Our team of dedicated staff take pride in the strong relationships we hold with families and the children who attend our setting. We promote healthy eating and promote an active lifestyle through our daily outdoor learning sessions. Our newsletters anhd Facebook page regularly provide parents and carers with up to date information on current events or activity days that are available throughout the local area.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

We ensure that communication with parents and families is a top priority. We believe in a shared approach to your child’s development and learning and welcome feedback and input from our families at all times. We provide our parents with information on how you can support children’s development at home. Key workers and the manager are available to discuss children's learning and development as well as any concerns a parent may have.

Our complaints policy

We take all complaints extremely seriously and endeavour to resolve any issues with efficiency and care. We follow statutory guidelines and procedures which can be found in our complaints policy.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

Our nursery and school setting is built with level access and adheres to the strict legal requirements in regard to accessibility.

Facilities we have for personal care

Our nursery has a number of cubicles for children to use as well as an individual accessible toilet for children who require intimate care due to delayed toileting or physical disability.

Specialist resources we have

We ensure that the children in our care have access to a wide range of specialist equipment that meets their needs such as sensory resources or visual aids. We endeavour to accommodate any resources that are provided by Health and Social Care teams, Physiotherapists or Occupational therapists.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

We aim to include all children within any activities we offer. Individual needs will always be considered and discussed with our parents whenever necessary.