1 How do you communicate with the parent/carer whose child has SEND?
My details are displayed on BCP Council Family Information Directory, and on childcare.co.uk. I communicate via phone, texts, emails, video chats and meetings.
Parents can contact me for a face-to-face meeting to discuss their requirements, meet the children on role and see me in action.
I have open communication with parents at drop-off and collection times and am happy to talk via text or email if preferred.
I use development journals with trackers to demonstrate a child’s learning progress, and where they are on a development grid. I encourage two-way communication for parents to interact, suggest ideas for their child to enjoy and learn to their full potential.
I encourage parents to support their child at home, reading, look at story sacs together with props that can support communication and language.
I book reviews to update parents on your child’s progress, discuss strategies towards achieving and learning areas.
Planning and learning experiences are tailored to meet individual child’s ability to progress to the ‘Next Steps’ and to detect where support is needed. If I feel your child needs additional support, we can work with an Educational Support Plan to help manage their learning in a positive way, exploring methods of learning and appropriate activities designed to support their difficulties.
I ask parents to share medical information, illnesses, or development/learning concerns, so we have a clear picture of planning towards your child’s welfare and gaining the support from other agencies as soon as possible. The more information I have the more accurate tracking I can detect.
If a parent/carer is unhappy with my provision, - please approach me first, to discuss your concerns and we will work out a plan to rectify this, if however, you feel this is not appropriate- then you will refer to my Policy on Complaints procedure and follow the guidelines to contact Ofsted / or BCP Council.
2 How do you help children settle into your setting?
I encourage children to settle in by offering short settling-in sessions, to adjust and get to know others in the group. Parents are encouraged to leave their child for these sessions, to best support children getting used to the routine of being separated.
As sole provider, I am your child’s Key Person and SENCO. I will discuss any support required to assist with your child’s development and provide contact with the BCP early years Area SENCo Team as required.
Working in partnership is the key to helping your child thrive to his/her best potential and getting your child the correct support at an early age to achieve the best outcomes. To do this, I work with Health Visitors, and other professionals.
3 What help and support does your setting offer to children with SEND as they move rooms or move on to school?
I have a home environment with open plan down stairs, and free flow between the rooms. Activities are set up with a range of messy play, activity books, painting, puzzles on the dining room table. Large construction toys, blocks, role play, dressing up, are set up in the lounge area for children to access.
I also provide P.E.I.C Visuals (picture, educational, inclusive, communication) this helps children choose activities when finding understanding of language communication verbally difficult.
I interact well with every one, and am always in sight and/or hearing to support and keep children safe, and encouraging learning.
I offer a 27-36-month development check working with parents and sharing information with the Health Visitor. Using the tracker ranges and journal observations to detect any concerns.
I use transition forms for children moving onto another setting, pre-school, or mainstream school.
When supporting a child to transition to a new setting or school, I talk about what to expect and sharing stories to help understand feelings. I will work with the teachers and/or receiving professionals to ensure they have a good understanding of every child’s needs.
4 How do you find out how each child likes to learn?
I make sure that what I am presenting is tailored to every child’s needs, what they enjoy doing, and the way they like to learn.
I monitor and observe children’s play, following their lead and selecting challenges for problem solving tasks, to extend their thought process and critical thinking, this gives me an insight into how they like to learn.
A child likes to share his/her progress of a task with other peers, and becomes confident in doing this. I encourage children to be proud and share what they have done.
A child fully retains attention if they are having fun, and have a good understanding of their task in hand.
I follow children’s lead and adapt activities as needed to ensure they stay engaged and have time to fully explore their interests. My resources allow open play and provide children opportunities to have fun and learn.
We explore the wider world, visiting places of interest to have fun, and exploring natural resources to extend investigations and sensory experiences.
If a child needs a higher level of SEND support, I work with the BCP Area SENCo team and relevant professionals to ensure they get the support they need.
5 Inclusive Practice / SEND training and expertise within this organisation
I am an inclusive childminder and will welcome you to my setting.
I adapt resources for indoors, have clear walk ways, and having a routine of tidying up after every completed activity or session so the floor space is free from clutter and loose materials that can cause unwanted trip hazards.
I am the SENCO and have received regular training and refresher courses over the years.
Training I have completed includes:
- Behaviour Management
- Pre-school SENCO
- Educational Psychology Outreach service
- SEN implementing the code of practice in EYFS settings
- Schemas workshops
- ECAT training
- SENCO 10 wk. course-
- Language and Communication Programme
- Inclusion workshop
- First Aid for Paediatrics
I have had experience supporting children and families with ADHD, speech delay, hearing difficulties, Cleft Palette, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, Asthma, Allergies and Skin conditions, Visual impairments, Diabetic type 2. Behaviour difficulties and Schemas.
If needed I am happy to work with families and professionals to provide the best support possible for the individual needs of all children.