Leonard Stanley Early Years

Our building and grounds are fully accessible, including accessible changing and toilet facilities. All children’s needs are met on an individual basis, and all resources/activities can be adapted if required. We are able to communicate with children and their families whose first language is not English, through a variety of ways including producing written communication in their home language.

Our aim is to make this first adventure into the world of education as fun and easy as possible for both parent and child. When a child starts with us we aim to get to know them through initial visits to the group accompanied by their parents then an individual induction plan is decided between the parent and key worker. When the child moves on to another setting we complete a transition record and a staff hand over with the receiving school. As part of Leonard Stanley Primary School we have access to the whole school and our transition process begins when the child starts with us, we have regular sessions with the reception teachers.

Our setting is fully inclusive and prides itself on our individual approach, all activities outside the setting are risk assessed and a strict ratio of adult to child is adhered to. We seek written parental permission before embarking on out of setting trips. We will also seek parent’s advice concerning any special needs requirement.

Our SENDCO holds the National SENDCO Award. Our SENDCO keeps up to date on training through SEN forums, research as well as LA training and any specific training related to the need of the child, accessed through the parent, health visitor or other professionals involved with the child.

Other staff have attended courses/training related to SEND

Our activities centre around the needs of the individual children and our staff are trained to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. This recognises that young children need to learn through constructive open ended play and will learn best when their interests are catered for. Staff's careful planning ensures that children are offered experiences that allow them to learn and develop across all areas of the curriculum and they are encouraged to learn and play in a variety of ways. Funds received through the Early Years Pupil Premium will be allocated to ensure all activities/resources meet each individual child’s needs.

Through regular progress meetings (three times a year) and discussions we will keep you fully informed of your child’s progress, you will also have access to all your child’s records to see the progress they have made as well as your child’s learning journal. In addition parents are encouraged to speak to members of staff on a daily basis and/or through time spent on ‘rota duty’.