All children and their families are welcome at our pre-school, regardless of their level of need. This enables everyone to thrive and progress at a pace and in a way that best suits their needs.
Our setting SENDCO holds a level 3 SEND qualification and has 25 years’ experience working in Early Years. All other staff have experience with supporting children with SEND.
We know the importance of recognising and engaging in different learning styles and providing age/stage appropriate resources and activities. We use communication boards with photos and symbols; a visual timetable is easily accessible to all.
There is a ramped access to one side of the pre-school room and low, wide steps to the other. Our tables are height adjustable to accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids. We can make adjustments to our environment with regard to planning spaces for accessibility.
We truly believe that children learn and develop better when their interests and needs are at the forefront of planning the curriculum and the environment. Children are individually planned for each session based on their interests and needs.
Where extra support in needed, children have Support Plans that outline their short-term goals and how the support will be delivered for good progress to be made. We work in partnership with outside professionals to make sure that the children’s best interests are at the heart of the support and care we provide. We have a strong relationship with Early Years Advisors and Inclusion and Development Workers for Norfolk Couty Council’s Early Years Team.
Staff take regular training in a variety of topics including inclusion and SEND.
We have experience in supporting children with EAL. Staff have undertaken training around this and attend EAL workshops regularly. We know that a child who has a good understanding of their first language will learn English faster and better.
We have supported families through trauma including bereavement, serious illness and being taken into care as well as the long-term effects of COVID. Not just on children but on parents and carers too.
Attachment/behaviour needs is something that we have dealt with many times in the past. Supporting children and families through hard times using strategies designed to support the children/families at their own pace and in a way that puts them first.
Each child has a half termly assessment by their key person. Next steps in line with the child’s needs are set and shared with the parents/carers.
Staff are always available to talk to parents/carers before or after session. We offer consultations twice a year to catch up on new interests and development at home and to look at transitions onto school or another setting.
We have made our Flourish Pledge.
