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How will Barrowby Pre-school know if my child needs extra help? 

We recognise that all children are individuals and develop at different stages. All children have a key person who is responsible for their development and who will build a close relationship with both yourselves (parents/carers) and your child. This relationship, along with a system of ongoing observation in session will make us aware of any developmental concerns.

What should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?

If you have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s development or care, please speak to your child’s key-person. If they are also concerned then these issues will be discussed with the setting’s SENCO.

How will Pre-school support my child?

The setting SENCO will work closely with you and the child’s key-person in order to develop an individual Early Years Support Plan. They will then be responsible for implementing that plan within session. This plan will be reviewed regularly and if your child is not making adequate progress, with your permission, we may feel it necessary to seek advice from outside professionals e.g. Speech and Language therapist, Early Years Intervention Officer, Health Visitor.

How will your curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?

Through our system of ongoing observation and through discussion with you, your child’s key-person will build a full picture of your child and the progress they are making. From this she will be able to assess the areas in which they need support and plan their ‘next steps’ accordingly. Our environment will also be adjusted to the best of our ability, to meet their specific needs.

How will I know how my child is doing and how will you help me support their learning? 

Your child’s key person will build a strong relationship with both you and your child. Our ongoing observations of all the children and also our knowledge of child development allows us to monitor their learning and to plan for their next steps, in line with the EYFS. Apart from termly appointments with your key person, she is also available at the beginning and end of each session to discuss any concerns you may have. We also use an online Learning Journal – Tapestry, to share what your child id doing at pre-school. If your child requires additional strategies to support their learning, these will be discussed with you and, with your consent, support will be given to enable you to implement them at home as well.

What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?

Before your child starts at our pre-school they will be invited to attend a settling in session, with yourself/other carers. This allows you both to become familiar with the setting, it also allows us to begin to build relationships with you and your child. You will be asked to complete an ‘all about me’ booklet with your child which will help us to build a whole picture of them as an individual. You will also be asked to complete a medical form which lets us know of any relevant health issues. If your child requires medication during session time this will be discussed and additional paperwork/consent completed. Policies regarding administration of medicines are available to parents in our foyer area and on our website. All members of staff have a paediatric first aid certificate and we have a named safeguarding officer. Other members of staff receive regular in-house training and attend local authority courses as appropriate. We also have a named member of staff who is responsible for behavioural issues and she will work with you and the SENCO to support any additional behavioural needs your child may have.

What specialist services and expertise are available at pre-school or can be accessed by you?

Our SENCO will work alongside Speech and Language Therapists, the Early Intervention Team, Educational Psychologists, Community Paediatricians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and staff from The Working Together Team. Over the years, our setting has developed close working relationships. We also have links with the local family centres which are able to offer family support and signpost you to relevant training. 

What training have the staff supporting my child with SEND had?

Our SENCO is certified in NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings. She has attended a number of courses relating to the SEND Code of Practice 2015 as well as a variety of courses on additional needs. She attends regular cluster meetings with other SENCO’s (as provided by the local authority) to share and exchange ideas and to keep up to date. As a setting, all our staff attend training as appropriate and pass on their knowledge to each other.

How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?

Activities will be risk assessed paying particular attention to your child’s specific needs. You will be kept informed of upcoming events by your child’s key person and she will discuss with you the best ways in which to include your child. Your consent will be sought before embarking on any activities outside the setting and adult to child ratio will never be less than 1:3.

How accessible is your setting?

Our setting is all on one level and wheelchair accessible, we have a disabled toilet and nappy changing facilities. Where there are language barriers, we will work with The Ethnic Minority and Traveller Education Team (EMTET) to overcome communication difficulties as far as possible or we will seek to find leaflets and information in your preferred language. Visual material will be used in session to aid your child’s daily understanding of our routine.

How will you prepare my child to join your setting, and to transfer to their next?

As previously discussed, you and your child will be invited to attend one settling in sessions, more, if we all feel that is appropriate. This gives you and your child an opportunity to familiarise yourselves with both the environment and the staff team, particularly their key person. During this time, we will ask you to share information about your child which you think will help us to gain a better picture of them and their individual needs. We will also ask you to fill in relevant personal and medical information. If your child attends more than one setting, with your consent we will share your child’s developmental records and any concerns with them. When they are moving on to their next setting, we would be happy to visit that setting with you and your child and to invite their staff to visit your child in our setting. We will also set up a transition meeting with them, yourselves and other professionals at which we can share, with your consent, relevant developmental, medial and personal information.

How are your resources allocated and matched to my child’s needs?

We are a registered charity and our funds are limited, however we will do our best to ensure that your child receives the best support possible. There may be additional funds available from the local authority, we may also be able to borrow equipment from Occupational Therapy or other support services once we know what is required.

How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?

Our SENCO will work closely with the Early Years Specialist Teacher (EYST) and other professionals to decide how much support your child will need and receive. Your child’s key person and SENCO will evaluate the impact of the support through their observations as they assess your child’s development in line with the EYFS and any additional outcomes which your child is working towards.

Who can I contact for further information?

You will be in close contact with your child’s key person and our SENCO. You may also speak to our Manager. If you feel that further professionals need to be involved in your child’s care and learning then we will support you in contacting them. You can also refer to Lincolnshire’s local offer at https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/send-local-offerto see what other services may be available to you. You can also contact Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum at https://www.lincspcf.org.uk/for further independent advice, support and information.

Can staff get extra help from experts outside if they need to?

We are able to contact NHS services and request support/advice as necessary eg training from the specialist allergy nurse, equipment from the Occupational Therapist. You can also contact other services yourself via your GP or Health Visitor.