SEND
(Special Educational Needs and Disability)
Policy and Local offer
Ofsted registered childminder
***My setting***
I provide care for children aged between 6 months and 12 years.
Days / times of opening: Monday – friday 8:00am – 6:00pm
I have recently applied for access to funding for 3 / 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds. Please contact me for more information.
Sedgemoor EY Area SENCO:
Jane Barnett Jbarnett@somerset.gov.uk
Karen Marsh Kmarsh@somerset.gov.uk
01278 446445
***Identification of SEN***
Early identification of Special educational needs is very important to ensure the most effective support strategies are put in place.
I work closely with parents to identify a child's individual achievements and areas where they might need some more support. Through regular discussions we will be able to talk about any concerns either myself, or you as a parent, may have. I follow the Early years foundation stage and make regular observations and assessments to track your child's learning journey and progress.
If I think a child in my care has a special educational need I will:
Keep observational notes
Share these with the child’s parents
Discuss what support is available.
Keep all matters confidential
Work with parents / carers to decide what action to take next
***Planning for individual needs***
I take on a 'key person' role for all of the children in my care. It is my responsibility to ensure activities are planned which reflect each child's interests, schemas and ability.
This is especially important for children who have a special education need as the activities offered will be achievable but with some challenge, and will support the child through their learning journey at an appropriate pace.
An individual education plan (IEP) will be developed for children with a special educational need which outlines short term targets to support the child’s learning. This will be regularly reviewed.
As explained in my Equal opportunities policy, I will take all individual needs into account to allow children to access planned activities, resources and outings.
***Sharing achievements, next steps learning at home***
I use an online system for sharing observations, achievements, next steps and photos. Parents who have access to a computer, tablet or internet enabled mobile will be able to log on at any time and see the progress their child is making whilst at my setting. Parents who do not have access to internet at home will be offered time to view their child's learning journey at my home. Alternatively a paper copy will be made available.
A 3 monthly review will be completed to show the progress made and highlight any 'next steps'. Through the online system parents will be able to add their own observation and next steps to allow us to work in partnership. I always try to make sure I am available to discuss your child's day with you on collection and I am happy to arrange time for meetings as often as necessary.
***Supporting overall well-being***
As a childminder I am able to offer a caring and homely environment to help your child feel safe and secure.
I work closely with all parents during the settling period to make sure each child is supported and their individual needs are met.
I am able to administer long term and short term, prescribed medicine. I will undertake training on administering a particular medicine if necessary.
***The child's view***
I believe it is extremely important for children's individual interests and needs to be respected . To do this there are procedures in place at my setting to allow all children to communicate their thoughts, feelings and wishes. I have completed training in Somerset Total Communication (STC). I have implemented this in my setting through sign's, photos and symbols to support non-verbal / pre-verbal children in communicating.
***Access to special services and expertise***
If a child in my setting has a Special Education Need or disability I will access support from my local area SENCO. I will work alongside any other professionals involved in the care of your child, such as speech and language therapists ect.
***My training and personal experience***
I have completed the following training:
* Recognising and supporting children with SEN (Level 3: short course)
June 2014
* ENCO (Equality needs co-ordinator) October 2012
* STC (Somerset Total communication) January 2005
I have some experience working with children who have a special education need through work placements at college and during my employment at a nursery.
***How accessible is the environment***
I have completed an audit on my setting with regards to accessibility. This will be shared with parents on request.
My home is at the end of a close. There is a bus stop which is about a 2 minute walk away. There are usually parking spaces on the road. Special arrangements may be made to park on the driveway that I share with my neighbour if parking on the road is not convenient, however please discuss this with me first. My home is accessed via a lightly sloped driveway.
There is 1 large step into the front door and 2 through the back door.
The children use toilet facilities on the first floor.
***Supporting transitions***
I will work closely with other settings to support transitions, for example when a child moves to school. Meetings can be arranged if necessary to ensure all relevant information is passed onto the next setting. Depending on the individual child, I will also plan activities to prepare the child for the move.
***Further information***
I am aware that each child and family has very individual needs which I will be more than happy to discuss with you.
E-mail: kellyshouse@hotmail.co.uk
Mobile: 07512 740506
Home: 01278 256292
***Links to other documents***
Training log
Equality Act 2010
SEND code of practice 2014
Equal opportunities policy
UNCRC (1991)
Partnership with Parents policy
Managing behaviour policy
Confidentiality policy
EYFS Statutory framework 2014