At Little Birds we feel that it is very important that every child has the same opportunities and learning experiences offered to them.
We are fully inclusive and all our practitioners are trained to an extremely high level.
We have a number of children who have attended, or who are in attendance at present, who require support to access the same learning opportunities as their peers.
We have an experienced SENDCO, Jodie Edmunds, and along with her deputy SENDCO has an outstanding knowledge and works well with all outside agencies. Our speech and language co-ordinator, Elaine Marsh, has a breadth of experience and knowledge, consistently looking at new ways we can expand each child’s knowledge and learning.
All practitioners have a friendly and welcoming manner and would be happy if any parent/carer approached them with any concerns/questions.
Our new building allows us to be very well equipped for any children with disabilities.
We can accommodate any child aged between 2 and 5 years old during term time.
How does the setting know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
Every child who attends our Pre School will be allocated a Key worker. This person will keep an up to date development plan of your child, this is known as their ‘Learning Journey’. The learning journeys are on an online secure system called ‘Tapestry’. Practitioners will make observations on children using professional judgement, sound knowledge of your Child by getting to you and them, and assess them according to EYFS guidelines. This Learning journey will help the Practitioner to see at what age range your child is working in, it helps them to identify any concerns, extra needs or help that your child may have. Parents are able to access their child’s learning journey with their own email and password through a downloadable app. They can comment, make observations on their child and communicate with their child’s key worker through Tapestry.
If you do not have internet access we will provide you with a home/Pre-school communication book. This can be a great way to communicate with their child’s practitioner any concerns they may have about their child’s learning and development, especially for parents/carers who do not have internet access.
Another way of identifying any needs would be via communication between practitioner and parent. We have an open-door policy and welcome any parent/carer to come and speak to any of our team if they have any queries or concerns. Parents/carers may notice something about their child that we haven’t seen at preschool. At times a practitioner may invite an outside agency into preschool to observe the child with parent/carer’s permission. The observer would then advise us on the next course of action to be taken.
We welcome a child with any SEN needs and will always endeavour to undertake any training to allow the child the same opportunities as their peers. For example; we have had a child in attendance that required oxygen and to enable him to attend preschool his key worker completed oxygen administration training. This meant the child was able to attend and the parent/carer knew that they would have the proper care given.
How will the early years setting staff support my child?
Depending on the support/needs your child may require, the setting will be adapted to suit, we will also make sure we have the appropriate resources and equipment. Our Practitioner completes any additional training that may benefit the child, would make their own activities and adjust any planning of topics and activities as required.
The Practitioner would complete a form called an IEP (Individual Education Plan). This helps the Practitioner to pinpoint any concerns or targets and think about the required outcome and what would be needed to acquire it. The IEP would be shared with you, as the Parent or Carer, you will have the chance to discuss and put your views across. A signature will be required by you for the IEP and will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Your child’s key worker will make sure all staff are informed and updated at all times as to your child’s needs are and what plans we have in place so everyone knows what learning goals each child has.
How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?
At Little Birds Preschool we are responsible for your child’s development within the setting. Therefore, we are required to follow the EYFS (Early Years’ Foundation Stage) curriculum. We have our own curriculum and pedagogy at Little Birds and this displayed in the Pre-school, at the heart of both is your unique Child. We use Birth to 5 Matters to underpin our curriculum.
This helps the Practitioner to identify any needs your child may have and also is a good guide for helping the Practitioner think about and plan their next steps.
We will facilitate your child’s learning by using the EYFS guidelines, your child’s next steps and interests. We use the ‘Tapestry’ (online learning journey) assessment tool and sound knowledge of your Child to gauge where your child is developmentally and plan our learning environment to enable your child to meet their next goal.
How will both you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?
Communication between our Pre School and you as the parent is the key! This helps us to make sure that your child is receiving the best care and guidance and feels included in everything we do.
We have an ‘open door’ policy and would always welcome any parent/carer who wishes to have a chat or discussion about anything regarding your child’s learning or development at preschool. Parents can also contact us through Tapestry and through our confidential face book group and messenger.
Parent consultations are always beneficial. Our Pre School carry out three every year. This is very valuable as you and your child’s key worker will have time to sit down and discuss how your child is getting on and be able to look through their Learning Journeys. We also try to use this time to get your views and opinions, handing out questionnaires to be completed at each consultation.
Periodically we offer ‘stay and play’ sessions as an opportunity for you as parents to share any skills, ideas or activities with your child and the group. This would give you a great insight into what your child’s preschool day is like. We would welcome any parent/carer that wishes to be more involved either by volunteering to help or coming into preschool at any other time. We also hold 3 coffee mornings per year within our Pre-school to help build parent community links. We noticed during Covid-19 that parents with young Children became isolated due to no toddler groups, baby groups being able to be run, so to help create parental networks and friendships we facilitate coffee morning where parents and carers can come in to Pre-school with their children even if they do not attend here and begin to make friendships with parents/carers of Children of similar ages.
What support will there be for my child’s overall wellbeing?
Little Birds is a very caring and nurturing setting. We have an ‘outstanding’ team of practitioners who always ensure that children feel comfortable and happy in preschool. It is extremely important to us that each child has the same learning opportunities and feels confident within the setting.
We have SENDCO trained practitioners and our leader is our SENDCO lead. We work closely with portage, speech and language therapists, health visitors, children’s centre and other lead professionals to ensure your child has the support they need to thrive and prepare for School.
We have clear medication, behaviour and personal care policies which we adhere to and are available for both staff and parents/carers to view at any time. We have care and individual plans as and when needed and ensure all staff are aware of any additional needs of individuals. All plans are freely discussed with you as a family to make sure everyone is happy with the plan.
Your child’s views and contributions are valued and we often encourage children to lead their own learning. We recognise that this supports your child’s agency and autonomy.
We observe your child’s personal, social and emotional development to ensure that they are fulfilling their potential. We, as a Pre School, promote our golden rules, kind hands and words, sharing and being kind to one another. We will always encourage your child to make good choices, interact with other children, to help make good and positive relationships with peers and grownups.
What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the setting?
We can and have accessed support from the Early Years’ Team, SALT (Speech and Language Therapy), Social Services Team, Portage, Educational Psychiatrist, paediatrician, children’s centre, health visitor and other lead care and educational professionals.
We have good links with the Primary schools and have written successful EHCP plans to support children in their transition to school.
Our preschool leader, Jodie Edmunds is our lead SENDCO and works closely with Elaine Marsh, our speech and language co-ordinator. Both are fully qualified and have the relevant up to date training.
Our team all have up to date core training and would always happy to complete any additional training that may be needed to support your child. Both Elaine Marsh and Tracey Gardner, have extensive experience in 1:1 support for a children.
In the past we have applied for and successfully secured additional funding for children needing extra support. Abi Notley is our very experienced administrator who is happy to answer any funding queries you have.
Our team at Little Birds are very experienced and confident in dealing with other agencies and have good communication throughout with both parents and agencies.
What training are the staff supporting children with SEND have had or are having?
Jodie Edmunds is our SENDCO lead, all of her training is up to date and current. All our staff have a variety of experience and training and are always happy to gain any training necessary to meet the requirements of any special educational needs and disabilities.
Elaine Marsh is our experienced Speech and Language co-ordinator and works closely with Speech and Language Therapists.
All training completed is fed back to the whole group to improve practice and the learning of your child.
How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?
As an inclusive setting, we would always be aware of any special requirements your child may need.
We do go on outings and visits, we always have risk assessments and would always bear in mind and adapt any other requirements needed to include your child. We would give you notification of any planned trips and would welcome your involvement and input. Parental involvement is always encouraged and we welcome any parent that would like to accompany us on any trip.
How accessible is the setting environment?
Our Pre School is all on the ground level. In our new building we do have wheelchair access, double doors/gates, disabled toilet and changing area and disabled car parking.
All of our furniture, resources, sinks etc, are at child level, meaning that your child will have access to all resources and activities at all times.
We can provide support for children and parents with English as an Additional Language (EAL). We would do this by seeking support from outside agencies and the children’s centre to ensure there is a good understanding between both parents and staff. We encourage parents to share stories, customs, religions with the group so that everyone feels included within the preschool. We would also display common words and phrases in languages that children spoke at home to help all practitioners and the child/parents with their understanding.
How will the setting prepare and support my child to join the school or the next stage of education and life?
We prepare your child for their transition into Primary School as much as possible. We encourage their independence by encouraging them to recognise their own needs whether it is going to the toilet, getting a drink or putting their coat and shoes on.
We have very good links with St Mary’s Primary School, our Pre School is situated next door to the Reception class. Our children have access to the school grounds and see the school children every day in adjoining play area. This helps children become more familiar with the school and facilitates a smooth transition.
In your child’s last term with us, they will have regular transition visits into Reception class where they will meet their new teacher, staff and other children who are in attendance at school. We also arrange transition visits to other local school in the area and successfully transition children smoothly into the chosen Primary School.
Due to the government push on school readiness we regularly liaise with the reception teacher to ensure the teacher is aware of your child’s stage of development within the EYFS and any extra support and needs they may have are met. We complete school readiness checks with you as parents throughout your child’s last academic year with us to make sure everyone is aware what stage your child is at.
We have an open-door policy where we will happily discuss any concerns you have regarding your child’s school transition.
How are the setting’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?
At our preschool we do have a variety of resources to help enable the development of your child. We will always try to acquire resources that maybe needed to support any educational needs, for example it may be sensory equipment or tactile resources.
If your child receives EYPP we have an EYPP folder to evidence any resources purchased and how they have benefited your child’s development. If your child is allocated any other additional funding, e.g. SEN additional funding, we would make a plan with you to make sure the money is used in the best possible way to support your child whilst in our setting.
How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?
Once your child has started at preschool we will take the first few weeks to establish a baseline and we will ask you as parents to complete a ‘what to expect when’ document which informs us as to where your child is developmentally.
From this initial assessment we will be able to gauge if any additional support is needed and which areas it may be needed in. We will liaise with you as parents through our online learning journey ‘Tapestry’ and face to face to discuss any concerns that you may have about your child’s stage of development. If any other agencies are required to be involved in supporting your child you will be informed and involved in making the decision as to what is needed, be it speech and language, health visitor, social services or any other agencies.
We monitor your child’s development throughout their time at preschool and evidence the impact the support has via individual plans, summative assessments and the tapestry online learning journey.
How are parents involved in the setting? How can I be involved?
We welcome and encourage parental involvement in all aspects of your child’s learning. We have an open-door policy, regular parent’s evenings and questionnaires, and we use an electronic learning journal called Tapestry which allow back and forth communication between home and Pre-school. We also have a family wellbeing wall celebrate yours and your child’s achievements and happy moments.
Your child’s online learning journey is linked with your email address so you can access your child’s learning journey through Tapestry, make comments and/or observations about any of your child’s developments/achievements. You can also send messages to your child’s key person through Tapestry. We adhere to the GDPR policy.
If you ever feel you need to talk to any staff member we have an open-door policy to enable you to ask any questions or talk about any concerns.
