Special Needs (SEND) Children Q&A

How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?

We follow your child’s interests while planning. We will use, where appropriate, an Individual Education Plan and a Development Progress System. We have a Learning Journal for each child, and use Observation, Planning and Assessment processes.

How do we know if a child needs extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?

We regularly observe, assess and monitor individual needs, progress and development. This informs our planning and curriculum provision. Your child will be invited to attend two taster sessions and we can talk to you about any of your concerns you may have at this point.

Who can I contact for further information?

Your setting supervisor is always accessible for you to contact for an initial chat. We always encourage prospective parents/carers and children to visit us. You can observe the children in the setting and discuss your child’s interests and needs.

How are the setting’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?

We carefully assess, monitor and review each individual’s needs. Resources are then allocated so that all children can have full access to the equipment and setting’s areas of learning.

What training are the staff supporting children with SEND had or having?

Staff attend (ongoing) training in SENCO, INCO, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE, AND PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR.All staff are trained in tackling behavioural issues through the Promoting Positive Behaviour approach.

How will the staff support my child?

We will support your child through small groups and high staff/child ratios. We have Key Workers, plus an INCO/SENCO for extra support whenever needed.

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

We have regular and productive contact with parents/carers. There are daily opportunities to speak to your child’s key worker. Appointments (telephone if necessary) can be booked for working parents. We have a home/school book. These are checked daily. Your child is regularly monitored. This will provide the basis for any parent consultations throughout the year. At these consultations we can speak about support at home/next steps etc.

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

The decision is made through ongoing detailed assessments. Individual Education Plans will be monitored and regularly reviewed with parents and key worker. As well as this we have monthly staff meetings together as a group, to discuss individual children’s needs, and how to move forward .

How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?

Your child will be included in all activities. We visit local farms, trips to the park, walks around the area. These are accessible to all children.

How accessible is the setting?

We have a ramp up into the setting and out into the garden area. We have an accessible toilet. We have wide doors and plenty of space to move around each area in the settings.

How will the setting support my child to transfer to the next stage of education and life?

Norto5 KIDZ Academy will offer an initial visit, plus taster sessions for your child. You will meet your child’s key worker. You can make as many visits to the setting as required. When going to school, your child will make visits to their new school, meet their new teacher, and have the new teacher visit them at the setting. These will be arranged by the setting supervisor and the school together.

What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?

Norto5 KIDZ Academy has policies and procedures in place to ensure every child’s absolute safety here at the setting. There is a key worker system in pace. There is individual support for children’s social/emotional needs and if required there are strong links with outside agencies to provide additional support.

How are parents involved in the setting? How can I be involved?

Parents/carers can email or phone us directly. Parents/carers are also encouraged to have ongoing dialogue with their child’s key worker. We hold regular parent/carer consultations. There is also a online blog for parents/carers as well as a regularly updated website and Facebook page. The setting has a live webcam installed that parents can access with a protected password. We hold coffee mornings, and organise social events for the children where the parents are invited.

What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the setting?

We have strong links with the First Team, who provide us with additional support if required.