Introduction and Legislation

ABC Studio Childcare is committed to a policy of inclusion, equal opportunity and following statutory guidelines on special education needs, in particular the SEND (0 – 25 years) Code of Practice 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014. All children have a right to be able to access and gain fully from the curriculum. In certain cases for this to be possible, children may need a greater degree of differentiation and support to realize their potential. The individual needs of all children cover a wide spectrum; disabilities and specific learning difficulties exist across the ability range.

ABC Studio Childcare sees the provision for special educational needs and disabilities as a whole nursery responsibility.

Equality, Disability and Special Educational Needs Statement (as outlined in our Admissions Policy)

We welcome children from all ethnic groups and backgrounds. We have never discriminated, and have no intention in the future of discriminating against any child on the grounds of sex, race, religion, belief or additional needs. We will do all that we can reasonably do to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities/additional needs subject to the resources and facilities available at the time. At the time of registration, parents must inform us in writing of the full details of any disability or additional need and keep the setting updated thereafter. This information will allow us to assess if we can accommodate the child’s needs and make any reasonable adjustments. We will consider all applications fairly. If any additional need or disability becomes apparent after admission, we will consult with the child’s parents.

SENDCO’s

The Special Needs Coordinator is the Nursery Manager.

Definitions of pupils with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities

Children have a learning difficulty if:

• They have a greater difficulty in learning than the majority of pupils of the same age or

• They have a disability (a physical, social or mental impairment) which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities that are provided for children of the same age.

Children must not be regarded as having a learning difficulty solely because the language or form of language of their home is different from the language in which they will be taught.

The code of Practice states that children are only identified as SEN if they don’t make adequate progress once they have had all the intervention/adjustments and good quality personalised teaching.

The aims of the Nursery and the policy

At ABC Studio Childcare, we are committed to enabling each child to access the curriculum. In order to achieve this, learning opportunities must be provided to meet individual learning needs. This applies to both children who have learning difficulties and children who are gifted and more able.

We believe that all children have a right to experience and develop alongside their peers no matter what their individual needs.

For children with statements of special needs we will ensure that the needs of the child are met within the terms of the statement.

We believe it is vital to involve parents at every stage for consultation, discussion and sharing of concerns, successes and agreements. We liaise and consult with external support agencies where it is necessary to provide further professional support for pupils with special needs.

We aim:

• To recognise any special needs a child may have and ensure all staff are aware of the DfE code of practice on identification and assessment of special needs

• To assess each child's specific needs and adapt our facilities as appropriate.

• To work in partnership with parents/carers at all stages

• To liaise with other agencies including the health and education authorities and seek advice, support and training

• To develop and maintain a core team of staff who are experienced in the care of children with special needs

• To ensure that all children are treated as equals and are encouraged to take part in every aspect of the day

• To promote positive images of those with special needs

• To understand that each child’s needs are unique, therefore any attempt to categorise children is inappropriate

• To understand that children learn from interacting with each other and to enable all children to be educated and develop as far as practicable with their peers

Identification in Early years

We try to identify needs at the earliest possible stage often from parents before Nursery entry. Prospective parents are asked to provide information about their child’s development and forms part of our ‘Settling In’ procedures. This helps the Nursery staff to plan for suitable settling in activities in the first few weeks.

The Nursery SENDCO is available to observe and advise staff and coordinate any additional support.

During a child’s first term in the Nursery he/she is assessed according to the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. These assessments are ongoing.

In addition to this staff carry out the statutory Progress Check (aged 2).

Medical conditions

ABC Studio Childcare endeavours to give every support possible to children with serious, ongoing medical conditions and keeps its facilities and provision under review. All reasonable steps are taken to prevent these children from being placed at a disadvantage. Regular planning and review meetings are scheduled with parents, staff and Learning Development.

Mental health

ABC Studio Childcare provides a caring environment where mental wellbeing is of the highest importance. Any issues which may affect this, such as bullying and discrimination, are not tolerated. All members of staff will do their utmost to identify concerns and provide appropriate support to children in school with mental health needs. The SENDCO, will put in place any reasonable advice given by the relevant medical consultant or therapist to support the child in the Nursery. Parents are asked to keep the Nursery closely informed on the progress of a child with mental health issues.

Children with English as an additional language

Children for whom English is an additional language are welcomed into the school. Children who are considered in need of EAL will be offered support in English provided by the staff, as appropriate. Children must not be regarded as having a learning difficulty solely because the language or form of language of their home is different from the language in which they will be taught.