SEN Policy

Supporting children with special educational needs or disability

Policy statement

At Nest in the Woods, we strive to be an inclusive setting in which all children with special educational needs or disability (SEND) are supported to reach their full potential with high quality education appropriate to their needs.

  • We have regard for the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015).
  • We have in place a clear approach for identifying, responding to, and meeting children’s SEND.
  • We support and involve parents (and where relevant children), actively listening to, and acting on their wishes and concerns.
  • We work in partnership with the local authority and other external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for children with SEND and their families.
  • We regularly monitor and review our policy, practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments.

Procedures

  • We designate a member of staff to be the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and give her name to parents. Our SENCO’s are Sally Cliffe & Gemma Shaw
  • The SENCO’s works closely with other colleagues and have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of our Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs Policy and for co-ordinating provision for children with SEND.
  • We ensure that the provision for children with SEND is the responsibility of all members of the setting.
  • We ensure that our inclusive admissions practice ensures equality of access and opportunity. Due to the nature of our setting we invite parents and children for a viewing visit of 2 hours, during which we discuss any additional needs and reasonable adjustments that may need to be made in order for their child to be able to safely attend.
  • We make ongoing observation and assessments of all children to ensure early identification of children with SEND.
  • We complete 2 year checks, the EYFS profile and monitor and review progress every 6-8 weeks.
  • We use the Graduated Approach system, as set out by Warrington LEA, Cheshire East LEA (assess, plan, do and review) applied in increasing detail and frequency to ensure that children progress.
  • We ensure that parents are involved at all stages of the assessment, planning, provision and review of their children’s special education including all decision-making processes.
  • We, where appropriate, take into account children’s views and wishes in decisions being made about them, relevant to their level understanding.
  • We provide parents with information on local sources of support and advice e.g. Local Offer, Information, Advice and Support Service.
  • We liaise and work with other external agencies to help improve outcomes for children with SEND.
  • We have systems in place for referring children for further assessment e.g. Early Help Assessment and Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessment.
  • We ensure that all our staff are aware of our Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs Policy and the procedures for identifying, assessing and making provision for children with SEND.
  • We provide a complaints procedure


Further guidance

  • Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (DfE 2021)
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE 2018)
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (DfE & DoH 2015)
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Childcare Act 2006
  • UNCRC United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Links

Cheshire East Local Offer;
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/pdf/livewell/toolkit-for-send/ce-toolkit-for-send-final-v1.1.pdf /

Warrington Local Offer; Special educational needs and disability (SEND) | warrington.gov.uk

Documents

Cheshire East Graduated Approach; Early Years Graduated Approach | Live Well Cheshire West (cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk)

Warrington Graduated Approach; Early Years – A Graduated Approach – Guidance for Education Providers | Ask Ollie (mylifewarrington.co.uk)

This policy was adopted by Nest in the Woods on 4th November 2022
Date to be reviewed 4th November 2023