Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

All staff are careful to observe and monitor the progress of every child's learning and development, keeping a record of their learning journey and including parents' views after each term, feeding back their next steps as well as involving them with home learning challenges.  Each child is assigned a key person who is responsible for ensuring that they are happy and settled during the session and tracks their development in relation to the EYFS.  Any potential concerns are identified early and the key person mentions this to the senco as soon as possible.  Regular team meetings are held for the whole team to review children's progress and any concerns they may have for the child or family. If additional support is needed then the senco with the support of the key person and family will create an APDR (Access, plan, do, review) to support the child and it outlines the additional provision, provided by the setting.

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

Our SEND policy is shared with and followed by all staff.  This outlines the graduated approach we follow using the assess, plan, do, review model in line with the SEN code of practice.  The Learning Tree has a highly experienced and skilled team of staff who regularly take part in training to support a wide range of issues that may affect our families.  This includes emotional and behavioural (emotional coaching), speech and language acquisition (ECAT, and OWL), attachment disorders and mental health.

All children and families attending The Learning Tree benefit from our personal family based approach which meets the needs of both child and family.  The Learning Tree has continual access to services provided by Cornwall council and other outside agencies, including a dedicated family support worker and experienced safeguarding team.  Support required is identified on or before entry and monitored continually to ensure that an individualised and appropriate level of support is maintained.

Links we have to other agencies

The Learning Tree is situated in the village of Illogan and is committed to working closely with community.  We work closely with family support workers, health visitors, social workers and speech therapists.   We also have strong links with Treloweth School and offer a breakfast and afterschool club with the benefits of a walking bus to promote closeness, consistency and healthy routines

How we support children transferring to school

We pride ourselves on our school transition programme. We work closely with schools in the area and once places have been confirmed we with inform schools of friendship groups to help children continue their first attachments from nursery into adult life. Each child has their own transition plan depending on the school chosen and transition links start early in the academic year where possible, to ensure important, positive relationships are established for children and families with their future school.  Strong links are established with local schools to enable this partnership working.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

All staff have paediatric first aid and safeguarding training.  We specialise in supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, attachment disorder, speech and language, autism, physical mobility needs and epilepsy. All staff working with these children are fully training and practices reviewed on a termly basis to ensure we are continuing to provide the very best care and education to them, whilst ensuring inclusion and equality.

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

As a setting we support health and care needs within the setting. We remind children of good hygiene, washing hands, brushing teeth and how germs are spread, especially during these Covid-19 times. WE do this in fun and engaging activity which we then share with the parents. Close links are formed with the health visitor and the staff has discussed two year old checks with the relevant health visitors,when concerns arise. A copy is always given to the parents to include in their red books for other professional to see.  The parent information board and newsletters often focus on health and well-being, as well as information sharing on our closed Facebook group page for parents and carers. We also hold family events to support these themes.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

Parents are invited into the setting daily (with the exception of Covid-19) and where possible information is shared informally.  There are also regular family events where information can be shared at more formal meetings for example stay and plays, summer fairs ect..

Prior to entry and on entry, parents are already establishing a close relationship with The Learning Tree staff through the tours we offer parents.  Daily chats at pick up and drop off as well as more formal conversations and events are integral to how the setting supports a range of needs and works meaningfully with families.  APDR are shared with families and continually reviewed to ensure that they reflect current need.

Regular stay and play sessions enable families to see their child in a group setting and to sample a range of home learning activities which are then sent home as learning packs.

Our complaints policy

Parents are made aware of the complaints procedure and encouraged to voice concerns at the earliest opportunity.  Ofsted guidance on complaints is displayed.  We work hard to build confident relationships so parents feel empowered to raise concerns with any member of the team.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

The Learning Tree is on the ground floor with step free access. WE have a ramp by the front door and a ramp to access the outside area in the middle of the building to support anyone who has difficulty gaining access outside.

Facilities we have for personal care

There are three private toilets and a changing area for nappies, we also have laundry facilities so clothes can be returned to families in a clean condition.

Specialist resources we have

There is an emphasis on providing tactile and sensory toys, especially in the baby room.  We have access to popular sensory equipment which includes a variety of SEN and sensory resources, such as peanut balls, sensory mats and wobble cushions.  Children have access to soft play and exercise sessions within their daily routine through wake and shake.  We have also started doing intensive interaction to support children and have found that it is really beneficial to the children.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

Risk assessments are carried out to ensure all children can safely access activities.  There is a high ratio of adults to children on outings.  The Learning Tree is open throughout the summer holidays when our care extends to catering for older school children. We endeavour to extend children’s learning thorough real life experiences where ever possible using our private mini bus.