Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

The child's key person, will identify a concern and follow the internal SENCO referral flowchart.

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

Through observation and assessment using the Early Years Foundation Stage, each child's key person will support their child by providing activities and resources which support their individual development.

Links we have to other agencies

Speech and language, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, educational psychologist, Senior Area SENCO, health visitors etc

How we support children transferring to school

There are strong links with the local primary school. Children in the Butterfly room are supported to develop their school ready skills. Children are supported in developing their key skills such as recognising shapes and colours, holding a pencil, sitting still and listening. In the Spring term children take home a book each week to read at home. They bring in P.E kits to change into during the Summer term, P.E activities are spread throughout the week to enable all children to develop their skills. Primary school staff visit the children in our setting, before they start school. Meetings are held between the duty manager of our pre-school, the SENCO and the relevant school staff to share information about the children they will be receiving.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

The majority of our practitioners are qualified to level 3 standard or above. However we do have others who are either studying for or qualified to level 2. All practitioners train in paediatric first aid, food hygiene, understanding behaviour and child protection, as a minimum requirement. As a management team we ensure these are kept up to date. We also have members of staff who are level 1 – 8 Makaton trained and PECS trained.

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

Physical activities and equipment are provided, in line with the EYFS framework. Risk assessments are made for the outside area and trips. Our setting at Carclaze is part of the Healthy Movers programme, which encourages healthy eating and physical activity.  We have a member of staff trained in bereavement. Emotions are discussed during small group activities and storytime.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

The Preschool works in partnership with families. Parents/carers are invited to open days, where they can discuss their child’s progress with their keyperson. We display a “learning wall” in our setting, so parents/carers know what we are learning. Parents can approach the keyperson at anytime to discuss their child.

Our complaints policy

We endeavour to be approachable so that any concerns or complaints can be dealt with either by the Duty Managers or the Manager. We would hope that between us we could resolve any issue as quickly as possible. However, you may feel you need to contact OFSTED if deemed serious enough. Their details are displayed on the parent/carer noticeboard.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

Access to the setting is via a set of steps at the front of the building, where we have installed a hand rail and lighting.

Facilities we have for personal care

All children are encouraged to find their own photograph on the wall and place it above a coat peg of their own choosing and find their own name card, when entering the setting. At snack time, children are encouraged to identify their own name card and place it on the snack table, where there is a space available. Children wash and dry their own hands, before snack time and choose their own plate and cup. Children are given a choice of drink and food at snack time. All children are encouraged to put on their own shoes and coat. Steps and toilet seats are provided for children to be independent when using the toilet. A photographic sequence of how to wash and dry your hands is displayed above the sinks. A jug is provided for children to pour their own drink, into a cup.

Specialist resources we have

Visual time tables, PECS communication books spot timer, emotion key rings.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

All children are invited on trips and a one to one member of staff with be supplied to those children with SEND who require that individualised support.