SEND Local Offer

The purpose of the local offer is to provide information to parents and carers about which services are available for children with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND) in their area and how to access them.The following questions and answers forms our local offer and shows how we provide for children with SEND to enable them to reach their full potential.

1) How does Little Treasures know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs or disabilities?

At Little Treasures every child is allocated a key person. Their role is to carry out observations, assessments, tracking and next steps, all linked to the early years foundation stage of development. This will identify individual needs which will be discussed with you and the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo.).If you have any concerns regarding your child's development you can speak to your child's key person or the settings SENCo.

2) How will Little Treasures support children with SEND?

On our registration form you will be asked to specify any educational or disability needs that you know your child has. We conduct a home visit for every child before they start at Little Treasures where we will discuss your child's needs with you and work with you, your child and the SENCo. to set up a one plan. We will work in partnership with you following the assess, plan, do, review cycle to support your child. With your permission we will contact outside agencies including the area SENCo., either for advice or to make a referral with any concerns. We will implement strategies and advice offered as appropriate.

3) How will the curriculum be matched to my child's needs?

Your child's key person and SENCo. will work closely together to ensure the environment, activities and routines support your child's individual needs. They will communicate with all of the staff to provide consistency and understanding within the preschool.

4) How will both you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child's learning?

At Little Treasures we have an open door policy where your child's key person is available to discuss your child's progress and development at any time. Your child is regularly monitored and all observations and assessments will provide the basis for regular parent consultations throughout the year. We carry out the EYFS two year progress check which consists of a short written summary of a child's development when they are between the ages of 24 and 36 months. We offer parent helper sessions which allows you to stay and help and see how your child is developing in the setting. We have WOW cards and home activity cards where you are encouraged to share your child's development and achievements such as sleeping in a big bed or drinking from an open cup. These achievements are then used by your child's key person as part of your child's 'learning journal'. We have a regular newsletter which gives information of the activities the children have participated in and details of any future activities that are planned.

5) What support will be in place for my child's overall well being?

We offer a home visit and settling in sessions which will enable your child to familiarise themselves with the setting and the staff. This also provides an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns/needs with staff. Little Treasures follow the safeguarding, welfare and learning and development requirements of the EYFS framework. All of our policies are available to view via our website or in person. We will make adjustments to promote equality of opportunity far all children and will ensure that children with medical conditions get the support required to meet their needs. Risk assessments are carried out daily. Children are registered in and out of the setting and only allowed out of the preschool with a named person whom is known to staff, unless parents have by prior arrangement notified us of someone different collecting their child. We use a password system in this instance. 

6) What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by LIttle Treasures?

We work with all professionals as required by individual children and always encourage these professionals to come into the setting to visit the child. Parent permission is always sought before advice/referrals are made. The local children's centre have a wealth of information which staff at Little Treasures can access.
The local Speech and language therapy drop in clinics are available if parents have any concerns.

7)What training are the staff supporting children with SEN had or having?

We have seven members of staff trained to a level 3 in childcare and one member of staff is trained in makaton. All of our staff have experience of working with children with additional needs both currently at our setting and in previous roles in their career. At each session there is at least 3 members of staff who are paediatric first aid trained. All staff have completed the SEND code of practice training and the SENCo has completed the course "Essex role of SENCo in the early years" as well as an autism awareness course. One member of staff has completed the renowned Gina Davies; Attention Autism course and all staff regularly attend trading sessions on various relevant subjects and relay this information to all other staff members.

8) How will my child be included in trips regardless of needs?

Parents are informed of the trip and risk assessments are completed before the trip. Volunteers from children's families are requested to assist with the trip. On all trips at least 2 paediatric first aiders will accompany the group. A mobile phone with all the children's contact details, a register and a first aid box will always be taken on trips.

9) How accessible is the Little Treasures environment? Both indoors and outdoors?

Our building is purpose built and is wheelchair accessible, we have a ramp to access the preschool and one disabled toilet. We have direct garden access throughout the morning and offer a 'free flow' approach to the outdoor facilities. Disabled parking is available on request. We use a visual timetable to support routines and communication. Photographs of the preschool toys and resources are used within the setting to help children communicate.

10) How will Little Treasures prepare and support my child to join the preschool and/or transfer to a new setting/school?

We offer home visits to allow you and your child to familiarise themselves with their key person and we offer settling in sessions where you can bring your child to play before they start so your child can become familiar with the setting and the staff. When going to school the new teacher is encouraged to visit Little Treasures to meet the children and talk to their key person.

11) How are Little Treasures resources allocated and matched to children's special educational needs?

We carefully assess, monitor and review each child's individual needs. Resources are then allocated so that all children can have full access to the equipment and settings area of learning.
We are able to apply for funding to support individual children as required; this could be for equipment or one to one support. We would also ensure staff attend any specific training as necessary.

12) How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?

The key person will make regular observations linked to the EYFS ages and stages of development. With yourself and the settings SENCo. we will identify what support is required. Extra support, if necessary, will be put in place. A one plan will be put in place by the key person, SENCo and yourself. The SENCo will give advice on meeting your child's needs within the setting. The key person will keep all staff up to date with children's needs during the session and all staff have a responsibility to make observations during the session. This will ensure all staff working with your child knows your child's strengths and needs and how to support them.

13) How are parents involved in Little Treasures pre-school? How can I be involved?

We encourage parents to come into the preschool to play, read to the children or take part in cooking activities. We send out questionnaires where we ask for parents views and feedback. At Little Treasures we are constantly looking at ways to improve the service that we offer and we value parents involvement and contribution. 

14) Who can I contact for further information?

 

For more information on SEND at Little Treasures, please contact our SENCo. - Zoe Webb

Email: senco@littletreasureslbc.com