Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

As new children join our setting, parents are asked to provide information regarding their child's development and learning styles. A variety of systems are used to ensure that every child is learning and developing, such as 'Every Child is a Talker' to track children's speech and understanding, Children are observed throughout their session and assessments are made weekly and children's individual development levels are tracked and discussed during planning sessions. Termly written assessments are made and parent reviews are available to discuss the children's progress. We contribute to children's two year old checks. Place Plus Funding can be applied for if required.

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

The manager has a Early Years  SENCO Level 3 qualification, all staff have attended Makaton training, Learning Language and Loving it, Behaviour training and Emotion Coaching. Training is on going and further training can be accessed if necessary. We work closely with outside professionals. We follow specific written targets. We write Individual Educational Plans following the advice from professionals and will work with the children in small groups or one to one.

Links we have to other agencies

We have worked alongside numerous professionals and will continue to do so. We have good relationships with external agencies and can call on them for advice if needed.

How we support children transferring to school

Our main feeder school is Menheniot Primary. We have an excellent transition process and strong links with Menheniot Primary school- especially with the reception class and also Quethiock and the other surrounding Primary Schools. We know what the schools expectations are of the children and incorporate that into our daily curriculum. We help with the settling in sessions at the new school- whichever one they chose. The manager will visit schools and also invite teachers to playgroup to meet the children. Learning journeys and communication passports are shared with the reception teacher. We make transition photo books with the children and share them, we dress up in school uniforms. Parents are always included in all aspects of transition and are always free to discuss transition.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

All staff are trained in Pediatric First Aid.  Staff have attended Multi Agency Safeguarding Training, Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, SENCo Training, Behaviour management, Makaton, , Emotion Coaching, EDLP, THRIVE, 'Learning Language and Loving it' , Bereavement training and  Healthy foods. Training is always on going. Staff have NG tube feed and Mic-key Button feeding training. Experience in writing EHCP .

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

 

We ensure that we are always present in body and mind when in the setting- we are co-adventurers and co-explorers with the children following their lead and stretching their ideas.

Conversations around Healthy Eating and Dental hygiene are discussed daily and the children exercise daily with morning work outs, gymnastic sessions, yoga and relaxation. We ensure that we get as much outside play as possible with a free flow garden space we actively encourage children to spend more time outdoors. We have strong community links with the Cricket Grounds Willow Maze, The Green flower beds, The Memorial gardens flower beds where we actively dig, plant, prune and explore nature.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

 Parents have access to an online journal where they can see their child's activities on a weekly basis and also share their own photos and comments with us.We have Parent's review days three times a year; where children's progress is discussed. Although we also operate an Open Door policy where parents are free to chat at any point about their child. These meetings are an opportunity for parents to provide feedback. We also have a public and closed parents only Facebook page to share notices, helpful and educational child related links to support the parents. 

Our complaints policy

We have a complaints policy in place. Our policies are available to all parents. Parents are encouraged to approach the manager first or the chairperson. The matter is discussed and if the complaint can't be resolved then they are directed to follow the complaints procedure highlighted in the policy. 

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

There are no steps or access problems to enter the building or garden. We have good wheelchair access.

Facilities we have for personal care

All our staff are DBS checked. Policies are always followed. We have a key worker system in place and all children have a key person who attends to their key child's personal needs. We wear aprons and gloves with all changes We have two child sized toilets one has baby changing facilities. One is large enough for wheel chair access. Both toilets have sinks, soap dispensers and paper towels. The main play room has a sink for hand washing and a water fountain. the doors are half doors so you can see over the top with out compromising the child's privacy.

We also have mirrors and tissues on hand for children to attend to their runny noses to encourage independence. 

Specialist resources we have

We have a variety of resources that could be accessed by a range of children. We develop personalized speech and language resources. Specialised equipment may be sourced if required. The staff are and always will be the best resource.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

We ensure that all children can access all our activities and resources. We adapt and create ideas that are often child led and move with the child in mind.

All children are always welcome on all our trips. Trips are decided through a lengthy discussion to ensure they are accessible to all. A high staff ratio and invite to parents to accompany us is usual. Risk assessments are carried out