Coaley Village Playgroup

Local Offer

Local Offer Details

How can I inform the nursery of my child’s needs?

At Coaley playgroup we pride ourselves on our compassionate staff and open communication with parents. Prior to a child starting play group, we will provide you with a welcome pack that contains transition forms which give parents and carers the opportunity to tell the playgroup as much as they can about their child so that we can provide a stimulating, tailored activities from the very beginning. We offer two, two-hour settling in sessions where the parents are introduced to the staff and the child’s learning environment and daily routines prior to their child’s first full session at playgroup. This is a prime opportunity for parents and carers to continue to discuss any concerns or requirements they have regarding their child starting the playgroup with the people who will be caring for them. This would also be an opportunity for the parent or carer to observe their child play and learn and would naturally offer up discussions relating to development and capabilities. We are an open playgroup and work together with parents to find the best way to settle their child in.

 

How do Coaley playgroup monitor a child’s progress?

Practitioners consistently monitor children’s learning, recording their development through written and photographic observations. Key workers are responsible for developing activities which are to the abilities and interests of each individual child. Therefore, strong relationships between the children their family and the key worker is paramount.

Each child has an individual online diary made up of this information, which is accessible for parents viewing. In addition, each keyworker has a file which includes termly assessments, two-year-old checks and sheets with activity ideas identifying next steps from the child’s key worker.

Staff have regular meetings and supervisions where they can voice any concerns or support, they may have identified for any of their key children.

 

How will playgroup feedback information on my child’s development and progress?

The staff verbally communicate daily with parents and write in the communication diary.

Observations of children’s learning and development are electronically recorded via Tapestry. Here parents can see an online learning journal of any observations and assessments that have been completed. Parents can comment on Tapestry and upload their own observations and activities from home. Sharing information this way is very valuable in creating a holistic image of the child, their motivation and needs.

We hold key worker meetings three times a year, in addition to reports which are writing and shared at the end of every big term. 2-year-old assessments are completed, and a baseline assessment is completed in September for returning children. Additional meetings are offered to support any children receiving SEND support, to ensure their needs are being met as this change. Theses assessments and observations are vital to key workers in highlighting and identifying from an early age if a child needs support in any of the development areas or if there are other concerns for their wellbeing.

 

What support / learning interventions are available at the playgroup for children with SEND?

 

Examples of support include;

• High quality first teaching and learning opportunities where staff will have the highest possible expectations  for every child.
• Opportunities to build on what the children already know, what they understand and their interests and what they can already do
• Identifying and supporting each child’s preferred learning style
• Differentiated learning to support a range of different learning styles
• Adjustments of the environment if required
• Preparations for change in routine / transitions
• Use of visual cues and multi-sensory strategies such as visual timetables

 

Strategies of support for children with SEND may include;

• An individualised approach and / or additional support if required for a child who is not making developmental progress alongside their peers
• Interventions through small group work and /or 1:1 working
• Support for speech and language and communication including reducing language
• For physical difficulties, support with mobility and independence skills
• Implementation of Education and Health Care plans

 

What support is available at the playgroup for Parents and careers of the child?

Arrangements can be made at any time with the SENDCo and Key Person to meet and discuss your child’s progress or any concerns/ worries you may have. The SENDCO and keyworker will also ensure they meet to discuss any new ideas, any individual education plans or any Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) suggested by outside agencies.

 

Individual education plans and support plans (My Plans) if appropriate will be reviewed together and will include supportive ideas for you at home.

 

If you child is undergoing further assessments, you will also be supported by the SENDCO to ensure that you fully understand and are comfortable with the process.

 

Who to talk to if I am concerned about my child’s progress?

If parents have any concerns regarding a child’s learning and development, then your key worker will in the first instance offer support from or signpost parents to the playgroup SENDCo. A meeting can be requested at any point in order to discuss any concerns that the parents may be having. The SENDCo will then undertake further observations directed towards these concerns with the support of the keyworker and will work with the parents and keyworker to put in place supportive strategies. Where possible this will be decided with the child’s voice and input.

 

When some evidence has been collected, the Playgroup manager and/ or the playgroup SENDCo will have a meeting with the family to discuss if any further support is necessary and what is available, sharing strategies that may help the child and their family. This may include target setting within the setting or seeking assistance from other professionals.

 

All the above information is also detailed in our SEN policy and procedures document, which are available at the setting at any time.

 

How does the funding work?

We can apply for additional funding if a child requires an enhanced adult to child ratio. The SENDCo will make this application using the information and evidence from the team around the child and the support plan in place. The Early Years SEN panel will then make the decision as to whether funding will be granted.

 

If further support is required in addition to the SEN panel funding and if all those around the child agree then a request for an EHC Needs Assessment can be made. If a child receives a statutory EHCP then a personal budget is allocated and parents have a say in how this is used, and an agreed plan put in place for this.

 

How will we support the transition when you leave the playgroup?

We recognise that ‘moving on’ can be difficult transition for a child with SEND, as well as the anxieties this can cause families. We therefore take the following steps to ensure any transition is as smooth as possible. Some examples would include, contacting the new setting to arrange a transfer meeting. Setting up a transfer plan including visual prompts, and ensuring all records regrading the child are passed on securely, as soon as possible.

 

Who do we work in partnership with at the playgroup?

• Other settings the child may attend
• Speech and Language referrals
• Early Help
• Health visitors

Contact Name

Abbie McClung - Manager

Contact Telephone

07434364850

Contact Email

coaleyplaygroup@gmail.com

SEN Provision Type

Universal

SEND Local Offer Form  

Who is your service for?

Universal

Local Offer Age Bands

0-4 (Birth to Pre-School)

How accessible is your service?

Access at the playgroup

Our setting comprises of one main hall and a fenced outside area, both are within Coaley C of E Academy Primary School and are physically accessible  to all in terms of wheelchair access due to the flat surfaces from the school entrance and ramp leading to the playgroup door. Unfortunately, we do not provide a disabled toilet.  Should access to a disabled toilet be required to accommodate a child that is joining playgroup, we will develop an individualised plan with the support of professional advice.

Is the building fully wheelchair accessible?

Yes

Is there disabled changing and toilet facilities?

No

Describe any training or experience you/your staff, have had or are having in issues around SEND?

Total Communication Training

LEA SEND course

Have any members of you/your team had experience of working with children and young people with the following disabilities/additional needs?

a) young people with autistic spectrum disorders

Yes

b) young people who use alternative communication methods

Yes

c) young people with learning difficulties/disabilities whose behaviour challenges us

Yes

d) young people with complex physical/medical requirements

Yes

Please add any further information you feel may be of use for the SEND local offer.

How can I inform the nursery of my child’s needs?

At Coaley playgroup we pride ourselves on our compassionate staff and open communication with parents. Prior to a child starting play group, we will provide you with a welcome pack that contains transition forms which give parents and carers the opportunity to tell the playgroup as much as they can about their child so that we can provide a stimulating, tailored activities from the very beginning. We offer two, two-hour settling in sessions where the parents are introduced to the staff and the child’s learning environment and daily routines prior to their child’s first full session at playgroup. This is a prime opportunity for parents and carers to continue to discuss any concerns or requirements they have regarding their child starting the playgroup with the people who will be caring for them. This would also be an opportunity for the parent or carer to observe their child play and learn and would naturally offer up discussions relating to development and capabilities. We are an open playgroup and work together with parents to find the best way to settle their child in.

 

How do Coaley playgroup monitor a child’s progress?

Practitioners consistently monitor children’s learning, recording their development through written and photographic observations. Key workers are responsible for developing activities which are to the abilities and interests of each individual child. Therefore, strong relationships between the children their family and the key worker is paramount.

Each child has an individual online diary made up of this information, which is accessible for parents viewing. In addition, each keyworker has a file which includes termly assessments, two-year-old checks and sheets with activity ideas identifying next steps from the child’s key worker.

Staff have regular meetings and supervisions where they can voice any concerns or support, they may have identified for any of their key children.

 

How will playgroup feedback information on my child’s development and progress?

The staff verbally communicate daily with parents and write in the communication diary.

Observations of children’s learning and development are electronically recorded via Tapestry. Here parents can see an online learning journal of any observations and assessments that have been completed. Parents can comment on Tapestry and upload their own observations and activities from home. Sharing information this way is very valuable in creating a holistic image of the child, their motivation and needs.

We hold key worker meetings three times a year, in addition to reports which are writing and shared at the end of every big term. 2-year-old assessments are completed, and a baseline assessment is completed in September for returning children. Additional meetings are offered to support any children receiving SEND support, to ensure their needs are being met as this change. Theses assessments and observations are vital to key workers in highlighting and identifying from an early age if a child needs support in any of the development areas or if there are other concerns for their wellbeing.

 

What support / learning interventions are available at the playgroup for children with SEND?

 

Examples of support include;

• High quality first teaching and learning opportunities where staff will have the highest possible expectations  for every child.
• Opportunities to build on what the children already know, what they understand and their interests and what they can already do
• Identifying and supporting each child’s preferred learning style
• Differentiated learning to support a range of different learning styles
• Adjustments of the environment if required
• Preparations for change in routine / transitions
• Use of visual cues and multi-sensory strategies such as visual timetables

 

Strategies of support for children with SEND may include;

• An individualised approach and / or additional support if required for a child who is not making developmental progress alongside their peers
• Interventions through small group work and /or 1:1 working
• Support for speech and language and communication including reducing language
• For physical difficulties, support with mobility and independence skills
• Implementation of Education and Health Care plans

 

What support is available at the playgroup for Parents and careers of the child?

Arrangements can be made at any time with the SENDCo and Key Person to meet and discuss your child’s progress or any concerns/ worries you may have. The SENDCO and keyworker will also ensure they meet to discuss any new ideas, any individual education plans or any Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) suggested by outside agencies.

 

Individual education plans and support plans (My Plans) if appropriate will be reviewed together and will include supportive ideas for you at home.

 

If you child is undergoing further assessments, you will also be supported by the SENDCO to ensure that you fully understand and are comfortable with the process.

 

Who to talk to if I am concerned about my child’s progress?

If parents have any concerns regarding a child’s learning and development, then your key worker will in the first instance offer support from or signpost parents to the playgroup SENDCo. A meeting can be requested at any point in order to discuss any concerns that the parents may be having. The SENDCo will then undertake further observations directed towards these concerns with the support of the keyworker and will work with the parents and keyworker to put in place supportive strategies. Where possible this will be decided with the child’s voice and input.

 

When some evidence has been collected, the Playgroup manager and/ or the playgroup SENDCo will have a meeting with the family to discuss if any further support is necessary and what is available, sharing strategies that may help the child and their family. This may include target setting within the setting or seeking assistance from other professionals.

 

All the above information is also detailed in our SEN policy and procedures document, which are available at the setting at any time.

 

How does the funding work?

We can apply for additional funding if a child requires an enhanced adult to child ratio. The SENDCo will make this application using the information and evidence from the team around the child and the support plan in place. The Early Years SEN panel will then make the decision as to whether funding will be granted.

 

If further support is required in addition to the SEN panel funding and if all those around the child agree then a request for an EHC Needs Assessment can be made. If a child receives a statutory EHCP then a personal budget is allocated and parents have a say in how this is used, and an agreed plan put in place for this.

 

How will we support the transition when you leave the playgroup?

We recognise that ‘moving on’ can be difficult transition for a child with SEND, as well as the anxieties this can cause families. We therefore take the following steps to ensure any transition is as smooth as possible. Some examples would include, contacting the new setting to arrange a transfer meeting. Setting up a transfer plan including visual prompts, and ensuring all records regrading the child are passed on securely, as soon as possible.

 

Who do we work in partnership with at the playgroup?

• Other settings the child may attend
• Speech and Language referrals
• Early Help
• Health visitors