Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information.
The Romford United Reformed Church Preschool Playgroup aim to work together with parents and carers in partnership to provide learning experiences that are differentiated to meet the needs of each individual child. At our Preschool Playgroup we believe that all children, regardless of their individual needs, are entitled to an education that enables them to achieve the best possible outcomes, and become confident young children with a growing ability to communicate their own views and be ready to make the transition into compulsory education. We recognize the need to identify any support that may be needed and we do this by:
- Monitoring and reviewing the progress made by children.
- Responding to children’s individual needs.
- Working to overcome any potential barriers to accessing activities for learning.
How will the Playgroup know if my child needs extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special needs?
Special educational needs can be considered as falling under these four broad areas:-
- Communication and interaction.
- Cognition and learning.
- Social, mental and emotional health.
- Sensory and/or physical.
At the Romford United Reformed Church Playgroup, a child is considered to have special educational needs if he/she has significant greater difficulty in learning than their peers, or a disability that prevents or hinders a child from making use of the facilities in the setting and requires special educational provision.
Our playgroup recognizes the importance of the early identification and intervention, as well as the assessment and provision for any child with special educational needs.
Our special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) Debbie Allsop works with our practitioners and oversees the identification of children with special educational needs.
The child’s key practitioner is responsible for working with your child on a daily basis and the SENCo supports the key practitioner in the further assessment of your child’s development and learning and also the implementation of this support.
To identify if a child has a special educational need, the following information will be gathered:-
- A two year progress check will be completed.
- Observations will be carried out and recorded.
- We will assess the child’s progress in the prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Those being personal, social and emotional development, communication and language and physical development.
- A two way discussion with the parent/carer regarding their child’s development.
- We will use information provided to us by any outside agencies (if this is appropriate).
How does the playgroup evaluate the effectiveness of its provision for my child?
As practitioners we know that parents know their children best and therefore we listen and understand when parents express concerns about their child’s development. We recognize the importance of early intervention to support both the child and the parents. If a child does not make the progress expected, then a planned and targeted programme will be put into place after discussion with the parent/carers. An Individual Education Plan detailing specific targets will be put into place. These Individual Education Plans are monitored by the SENCo and your child’s progress will be regularly reviewed to ensure that the additional support has had an impact on your child’s progress.
How will both the playgroup and I know how my child is doing and how will the playgroup help me to support my child’s learning?
Our SENCo and your child’s key practitioner will monitor the progress of your child and share this information with you at regular review meetings.
How will the playgroup practitioners support my child?
If your child has a special educational need he/she will be supported by all the practitioners in the playgroup and we will take steps to adapt our provision to help your child in achieving the best progress and outcomes possible.
How is the decision made about the type and how much support my child will receive?
Our SENCo and your child’s key practitioner will work together in liaison with the area SENDCo’s team.
After consultation with you, a meeting will be arranged in order to discuss an Individual Education Plan and agree the support to be put in place, as well as the expected impact on progress, development and/or behaviour. There will also be set dates for reviews.
How will my child be included in activities outside the playgroup setting including outings and trips?
Your child will be supported by their key practitioner and the other practitioners within the setting to join in all activities with their peers.
What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?
Our playgroup is welcoming, safe and stimulating and is a place where children are able to enjoy themselves, grow in confidence and fulfil their potential.
We are committed to meeting the learning and development needs of every child in our playgroup. We know that children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and they have positive relationships with the practitioners caring for them. We provide an environment which is safe and secure for children to play, interact, learn and develop.
What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the playgroup?
There may be times when the playgroup will seek assistance from a specialist outside agency in order for us to effectively care for your child’s special educational needs. These services include the Area Special Needs and Disability Coordinators, Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. Our SENCo, Debora Allsop is trained in the 5 P Approach and is also an Elklan Speech and Language trained practitioner, .
How accessible is the playgroup both indoors and outdoors?
Our playgroup is not ideal for wheelchair users and children/parents/carers with impaired mobility issues as it is situated within a multi-level church building. There is a mobility stair lift to get between some of the levels, but the accessible toilet for wheelchair users etc. is not situated on the same level as the playgroup setting. There is only one disability parking space. Our garden area is situated across the car park and we do not have free flow access. The layout of the building does not make it impossible, but does make it difficult for a child with mobility issues.
How are parents involved in the Playgroup? How can I get involved?
In our playgroup we work together with all parent/carers to ensure that the children in our care will achieve their potential, whatever their need. Parents can meet with their key practitioner at any time to discuss their child’s progress. In addition to this we hold parent and practitioner interviews every spring term and written reports are handed out in the autumn and summer terms where parents are invited to give feedback or can meet with a practitioner to discuss if they prefer. All Parent/carers are sent a termly newsletter telling them about up and coming events, we have a parents comments box in our entrance hall and we have a volunteer parent helper list.
How will the playgroup prepare and support my child to transfer to a new setting or school.
Our SENCo Debbie Allsop will arrange with you and the Area SENDCo for a person centered planning meeting. This will also be attended by the SENCo and/or the teacher of your child’s new setting/school. They will then draw up an action plan to ensure smooth transition for your child between our playgroup and their new setting/school. If any other agencies are involved with your child they may also attend the meeting.
Romford United Reformed Church Playgroup 