SEND

How does the setting know if children need extra help?

At Riverside, we take time to get to know your child. We keep an eye on their development and progress within their age and stage expectations. If we see that they need extra help in specific areas, we will begin to put measures into place straight away. 

What should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?

If you are worried about your child’s development, you can talk to staff or our SENCO. We can work together to make sure that they get the support they need to make progress and make the most of their time at Riverside.

My child already has a diagnosis, how will you support them?

If your child has an identified special need before starting at Riverside we will work with you to ensure that everything is in place before your child joins us, for example, staff training, special equipment, room organisation etc. 

How will the setting staff support my child?

We have our own SENCO who has experience supporting children with lots of different needs. She works with your child’s Key Person to keep an eye on your child’s development and progress. We work closely with other professionals such as health visitors, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and other healthcare professionals to provide the very best care and educational opportunities for your child. 

How will I know how my child is getting on?

Parents are always welcome to discuss their child’s progress with staff at preschool, by telephone, or by email. We will update their learning journals regularly, do termly summaries of their progress, and our SENCO will have regular meetings with parents. 

How will the learning and development provisions be matched to my child’s needs?

We plan for your child based on where they currently working, aiming to help them make appropriate progress. We follow advice from professionals on how to support your child’s particular needs and the SENCO will make sure staff are trained, where necessary, to support your child’s learning.

What support will there be for my child’s overall wellbeing?

We will involve other professionals to ensure that we support your child in all areas of their learning and development. There is a strong emphasis on providing a caring environment, we encourage all children to look after each other. We do not separate children by age which encourages the older children to be mindful and caring towards the younger. If your child has any specific medical needs our staff undergo any training that is necessary e.g. epi-pen, administering GP/hospital prescribed medicines etc. All staff have a positive approach to children’s individual learning and development, and are sensitive to their needs. 

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

We have very good links with the local children’s centres and with specialists from the local authority. We are proactive in building links with specialists as required, dependent on the needs of the children attending the preschool.

What training and/or experience do staff, who are supporting children with SEND, have?

Our SENCo has experience supporting children with a wide range of needs. Staff have a lot of experience with special needs and regularly attend training and receive updates about best practice for supporting children with additional needs.

How will my child be included in activities outside the setting? 

Your child will benefit from all activities outside the setting and full risk assessments will be carried out. We will discuss your child’s needs with you to ensure they can be included safely. You will not be required to accompany your children on any outside activities, but would be welcome to join us if you wanted to.

How will I be involved in discussions about and planning for my child’s learning and development?

Your child’s key person or SENCO will be available to discuss your child’s needs however it may be necessary to arrange a mutually convenient time for a meeting. If outside professionals come in to see your child we try to organise a meeting at the end of that visit for a brief discussion. If this is not possible any reports are always copied and given to you. 

How accessible is the building/environment?

The indoor environment is very accessible and meets current disability regulations. We have a disabled toilet with wheelchair access and wide opening doors. There are no stairs in the building and there is level access through the front door. Our garden is grassy. We will work with you to adapt our outdoor area to make this area as accessible as possible to your child.

How will the setting prepare and support my child with transitions between home, setting and school?

When your child starts preschool, our SENCO will meet with you and discuss your child’s needs. If necessary, a plan is completed. Settling sessions help build up their hours at a pace that works for them. If your child receives care from another provider (e.g. another nursery or a childminder) we will work with them by sharing learning journals on a termly basis. 

When it is time for your child to leave us to start school, we will contact the setting and invite them to visit your child at preschool. During this visit the teacher or key person from the school will meet and play with your child and discuss their development and progress.

How will Riverside’s resources be used to support children’s special educational needs?

All resources and toys are moveable and can be made accessible, they are age and stage appropriate. We can acquire or borrow specific equipment for specific needs. Your child will receive plenty of adult support. We are a very inclusive setting and use a range of resources and strategies to support children with their varied needs.

How many children with special needs attend at Riverside?

Due to the increased staff workload and resources needed to meet the additional needs some children may have, we limit the number of children with high support needs attending the preschool to 3 at any one time. This means we can concentrate on providing quality education and childcare for those children and all the other children attending Riverside.

Who can I contact for further information about the early years offer at the setting?

For further information about how we can help support your child please contact the Manager or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), office@riversideplayschool.co.uk or 07507 058 922.

For further information on the local authority’s Local Offer of service and provision for children with special educational needs and disability go to www.hertsdirect.org/localoffer