Barley Lane Montessori Nursery & Preschool SEND Local Offer
Introduction
At Barley Lane Montessori Nursery and Preschool, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children, regardless of their abilities or needs, are nurtured, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We recognize that some children require additional support to reach their full potential, and we are dedicated to meeting the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in line with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015).
1. Identifying SEND
- Early Identification: We monitor all children’s progress regularly using observations and assessments based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. If a child is not making expected progress, we work with parents to discuss any concerns.
- Progress Check at Age 2 : The progress check is carried out between the ages of 24 and 36 months, a critical period for identifying developmental delays. For children with SEND, early identification is crucial for putting in place the necessary support as soon as possible.
- Assessments: If needed, we carry out further assessments in partnership with external professionals, such as speech therapists or health visitors, to understand the child’s needs better.
- Referral Process: We will seek parental consent before referring a child for additional external support, such as from educational psychologists or specialists.
2. How We Support Children with SEND
- Individual Support Plans (ISPs): For children identified with SEND, we develop an Individual Support Plan. This plan sets out specific goals and strategies to support the child’s development and is reviewed regularly with parents and professionals.
- Differentiated Learning: Activities are adapted to meet the needs of all children, ensuring they can participate fully in nursery/preschool life. We use sensory play, visual aids, and one-on-one support where necessary.
- Inclusive Environment: Our setting is fully accessible, with resources tailored to support children with physical, sensory, or learning difficulties. We provide quiet spaces and sensory equipment for children who may need a calm environment.
3. Staff Expertise and Training
- Our setting has a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who oversees the SEND provision. The SENCO ensures all staff are equipped to support children with SEND and coordinates with external professionals.
- Training: All staff receive ongoing training in SEND awareness, including autism, speech and language difficulties, and managing challenging behavior. We also have staff trained in Makaton sign language to support communication needs.
4. Partnership with Parents
- Regular Communication: We work closely with parents, holding termly meetings to discuss their child’s progress and review the Individual Learning Plan. We encourage parents to share their insights and concerns about their child’s development.
- Parent Workshops: We offer workshops and support groups for parents of children with SEND to provide them with resources, strategies, and opportunities to connect with other families.
- Daily Updates: We provide daily feedback on your child’s activities and well-being through home-setting books or our online platform, ensuring parents are always informed.
5. Working with External Agencies
- We have established strong partnerships with local agencies, including:
- Speech and Language Therapists (SALT)
- Educational Psychologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Health Visitors
- SEND Local Authority Teams
- External Support: Where necessary, we collaborate with these professionals to provide additional support, including therapy sessions, developmental assessments, and specialist interventions.
6. Transition Support
- Transition to School: When a child with SEND is ready to move to primary school, we work closely with the new setting to ensure a smooth transition. This includes organizing visits, providing detailed reports, and holding transition meetings with the receiving school.
- Transition within the Setting: As children progress through the setting rooms, we create personalized transition plans to ensure their needs are continuously met.
7. Accessibility
- Physical Accessibility: Our setting building is fully accessible, with ramps, wide doorways, and accessible toilets. We provide equipment and resources tailored to the needs of children with physical disabilities or mobility issues.
- Learning Environment: We offer quiet zones for children who need a calm space and sensory areas designed to support children with sensory processing needs.
8. Monitoring and Reviewing SEND Support
- Regular Reviews: Each child’s progress is monitored regularly, and ILPs are reviewed every term to ensure the support provided is effective. Parents are involved in every step of this review process.
- Feedback: We actively seek feedback from parents and professionals to continuously improve our SEND provision. Any changes or new interventions are communicated promptly to families.
9. Emotional and Social Well-being
- We place a strong emphasis on the social and emotional well-being of children with SEND. Our staff are trained to support children in managing emotions and developing social skills.
- Positive Behaviour Support: For children with specific behavioural needs, we use positive reinforcement strategies and collaborate with parents and professionals to create consistent behaviour management plans.
Contact Us
For more information about our SEND Local Offer or to discuss your child’s individual needs, please contact our SENCO, Miss Samantha Richardson and Mrs. Katheryn Daly, on 02085038662 or via email on officebarleylane@gmail.com
We are happy to arrange a meeting to explore how we can support your child at Barley Lane Montessori Nursery & Preschool