What systems and strategies do you have in place to identify children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)?
At First Steps Day Nursery, we work within the key worker system which allows us to monitor and track each child’s development closely. We also use EYFS progress charts to track the development of all children and these are reviewed by the Nursery Manager and SENCo. Concerns are shared with the SENCo who then works with the Key person to address issues raised.
We regularly have parents evening and consultations where any issues can be discussed with parents and we are also on hand to chat with parents at different times of the working day.
How will you support my child and how will you communicate effectively with me?
By using the keyworker system it allows practitioners to form a strong bond and relationship with each individual child. It is the key workers role to set next steps for the child and monitor their learning and progress by completing their learning Journeys and EYFS trackers on a regular basis.
The SENCo oversees the SEND provision in the setting and supports the Key person in providing for each child’s individual needs. It is also then the role of the keyworker to communicate any concerns they may have with the SENCo and parents. The SENCo will work alongside the keyworker and parents to put in the best possible plan to meet each child’s individual needs.
How will the teaching and learning be matched to my child’s needs?
The SENCo works in partnership with the key person to oversee any setting support plans and ensure next steps are being monitored. First Steps also are proud of the relationships we build with both parents and the children in the setting.
From knowing the children, we can build activities that relate directly to the children’s ingests. This allows children to be engaged and thrive of activates which are purposely set up for the children to achieve in a fun and stimulating way.
How will you know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?
All children are observed regularly to ensure development milestones are being met. Observation and pictures are kept in the children’s learning journeys which parents are able to view at any time. Parents evenings are held throughout the year for parents to specifically get the chance to look at these and have a chat with their child’s key worker. This allows parents to see how their child is progressing. We also write reports termly and provide meetings should parents wish to discuss anything.
Also at the end of each session parents have a handover from one of our team to communicate and discuss the days’ events. For our younger children we use daily sheets as a form of communication and our pre-school rooms have white boards with all the information from their day. Communication books have been set up if any additional information is required from both the setting, parents or additional providers the child attends.
What support will you provide for my child’s overall wellbeing?
First Steps Day Nursery overall aim is to provide the highest possible standards of childcare and education in a fun and stimulating environment. As a setting we recognise the importance of their emotional, social and physical wellbeing. Staff ensure their communication is kept to a high standard as they are discussing consistent techniques, using total communication approach. All staff have paediatric first aid and staff will give medication as needed with permission from the parents.
Staff have attended additional training for example’ epi pen training and we are willing to attend training that is needed for individual children. Personal care needs are upheld throughout the daily routine including nappy changes and toileting. It is important to teach children independence skills and self-awareness too. We also encourage children to join in with group activities, to be independent, to take turns and share toys and to talk about how we feel during small group activities and circle times.
What specialist services and expertise are available?
The staff at First Steps Day Nursery attend training to support the children in their care and keep their knowledge as up to date as possible. We also are able to sign up for specialist areas such as PIEC-D training at others that are available. The SENCo works closely with the ELIT team and area SENCo.
The area SENCo is able to offer support and guidance to the keyworker and SENCo to help each individual child. Staff also work closely with the Health
Visitors, Speech therapists, hearing support and other agencies also support through visits where required. Parents are required to sign a permission to share form which allows the setting to share any information required to any other outside agencies.
What training do you have or are you receiving to support children with SEND?
As we are a setting situated in Poole we are lucky to have lots of different courses available to us. Through the use of the CPD training sites we can book onto any course which would be beneficial. We also have many in house training days where the Nursery Managers have identified areas for the staff team to improve and also have had outside speakers and trainers come into the setting.
When any staff member attends a course they are required to feed back information at the next staff meeting and implement to new initiatives and strategies learnt. Signalong and transition to school workshops have also been implemented as parent workshops.
How will you include my child in activities outside the setting, including trips?
Staff are aware of the need of every child and support them both inside and outside of the nursery. Parents and Carers must sign a permission for their child to go. Risk assessments are carried out before a trip and staff are constantly monitoring for any hazards or risks as the trip progresses. Staff to child ratios will reflect the needs of each individual child both when in the setting and support needed when out of the setting.
How accessible and welcoming is your setting?
The nursery is open and friendly with staff available to greet you and help where needed. The setting is accessible for wheelchair users by ramp. Tables and chairs reflect size and ability of the children in the room, and equipment is accessed where needed for individual children. Resources are changed and swapped throughout the different room to regularly challenge children. Any specific needs would be address at time of signing up.
How will you prepare and support my child to join the setting or to transfer to another setting/school?
We have an inclusive process to ensure each child gets the best possible start with us here at First Steps. On enrolment parents will need to fill out some registration forms which has all of the child’s details and needs. The children attend settling sessions with their parents giving time to discuss their individual interests and needs. We offer 2 sessions before they start to settle in 9-11am or 1-3pm. If your child already has specific requirements we know about, we can make sure we have appropriate support, resources, strategies or staff in place from the first day your child attends. Within your child’s first few weeks with us at the setting we will allocate your child with a key person.
As part of the transition process we do for all the children making a setting transition either to another setting or to big school. We share tracking documents with the new setting / school and information on the child’s interests and ways of learning. For children who have specific support in place we share details of that with the new setting/ school. Where required we will make sure meetings between us and new providers or outside agencies can be arranged to ensure the smoothest transition possible.
How much support will my child receive and how are decisions made?
At First Steps we follow the process called the Graduated Response supported by Local Authority. To begin the process of gaining additional support we are supported by the area SENCo. They key person and/or SENCo will discuss any concerns with parents and after signing a permission form to share information with other professionals a form will be sent into the ELIT team and the area SENCo will come in to do a joint observation with the setting to decided the support and the best ways to put these actions into place.
We strive to give all children equality of opportunity however need to ensure that every child’s needs are met within each class in the nursery.
Who can I contact for further information about my child?
The first point of contact for further information on their child is Key Person or room leader. Parents evenings and stay and play sessions are a good time for parents to discuss any worries or concerns, however the team are always on hand to have a chat or book an appointment for a discussion in further detail.
The settings management team are highly involved with the children’s learning and development so parents are able to speak to a member of the management team as well as the practitioners in the room. Also the SENCo is also available to talk to regarding any additional information.
What can I do if I’m not happy with your provision for my child?
The settings Nursery Manager who works alongside the SENCo supporting and offering guidance where necessary. If any concerns have arisen the SENCo and nursery manager are available to meet with you and discuss your worries.
Every parent is issued with the OFSTED details if they would like to make a formal complaint. The nurseries policies are in the main reception of the nursery for parents to view.
How can I arrange a visit to your setting? What is involved?
There is no need to make an appointment to view us here at First Steps. If you come up to main reception a buzz there should be someone here to show you round. We do ask that you avoid between 12 and 1pm as it can be a busy time for us. If you would like to have a chat to someone before coming to have a look please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01202 695009.