Special Educational Needs Policy
At Bridge Farm Day Nurseries we recognise that every child is unique. We feel that all children should have the right to develop their full potential alongside their peers no matter what their individual needs are. We provide a positive and welcoming environment, where children will be cared for and have opportunities and experiences where they can develop and learn from each other.
Each child’s needs are unique and we will work alongside parents to ensure that children’s needs are met and they are enabled to reach their full potential. Some children may be identified as having ‘special educational needs’ and Bridge Farm Day Nurseries are committed in ensuring they receive all of the support they need.
We include all children at Bridge Farm Day Nurseries.
To ensure we meet the individual needs of all children, we:
- Have regard for the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001) and Equality Act 2010.
- Recognise that early identification of special needs is paramount to the child receiving early support and will liaise with parents, the child’s key person, and others caring for the child, our setting SENCO and the FIS (Families Information Service) on 0345 60 800 33. We do this at the earliest instance.
- Include all children who attend our setting in our provision.
- Will support parents and children with special educational needs (SEN)/disabilities.
- Will make adjustments to the environment and will seek specialist equipment and services if needed.
- Will ensure that all children are treated as unique individuals with equal rights to ensure they can access all aspects of the club provision.
- Will provide positive images and role models during play experiences of those with additional needs whenever possible.
- Will celebrate diversity in all aspects of play.
- Recognise it is the responsibility of all members of staff to support children which special educational needs.
- Liaise with other professionals involved with children with special educational needs and their families, including transfer arrangements to other settings and schools.
- Adopt the graduated approach to assessment through early year’s action and early year’s action plus as recommended in the SEN code of practice, ensuring that parents are kept informed at all times.
- Liaise with other professionals involved with the children with special educational needs and their families, including transfer arrangements to other settings and schools.
- We may create IEP’s (Individual education plans) as a system for planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reviewing children’s progress.
- We may create Individual Care Plans (ICP’s) to support children’s care and medical needs.
- Will ensure children’s privacy when intimate care is being provided.
- Use a CAF (Common Assessment Framework).
- Will seek training opportunities to support children’s needs.
- Will monitor and review our policy at least annually.
Our Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (SENCO) are Vicci Green and Elise Thomas.
They work closely with all staff to ensure that systems are in place to plan, implement, monitor, review and evaluate special needs policy of the nursery. These plans and records will always be shared with parents and teachers.
Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
At Bridge Farm Day Nurseries the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering integrated services around the needs of children should more than one agency/service needs to be accessed. The CAF enables us to use a standardised approach to conduct an assessment of a child’s additional needs and decide how those needs should be met. We complete a holistic assessment of a child’s needs and strengths and involve parents and agencies as appropriate. We will then work together to agree what support is needed. A lead professional will be assigned and the families will be fully informed at all stages. Parental involvement is essential to ensuring the welfare of the child.
The Senco’s role
Ensure the SEN Policy is implemented and respected throughout the setting
Support staff to ensure that they understand and are familiar with SEN practice
Promote staff development in relation to staff training in SEN
Ensure appropriate record keeping and observation and assessment procedures are in place.
Our setting provides wheelchair access and an accessible toilet. Our SENCo has Makaton signing training and is trained in early identification of special needs. We have due regard for the disability discrimination act 1995 and the Equalities act 2010.
Complaints about SEN provision are to be taken up with the key person and SENCo. If the complaint cannot be resolved at this level or is involving the SENCo procedures from the complaints policy should be followed.
Partnership with Parents.
Please refer to parental involvement policy.
We will always gain written parental permission before contacting any outside professional with regards to a specific child. Parents will be informed of progress at regular reviews of IEPS.
Parental Partnership Services Information is available on our parent’s notice board. Parents Partnership is a confidential listening service. They will talk through worries and concerns and help you to explore possible options.
The service is for anyone who has a concern about their child’s education.
Contact Telephone No. :- 01473 265210
