Once Upon a Time - SEND Local Offer August 2018
1) Identification of additional or special educational needs disabilities (SEND)
How does the setting identify children with SEND?
At Once Upon a Time Day Nurseries we ensure that all of the practitioners within the setting have a
great awareness and understanding of inclusion and special educational needs and disabilities. Each
setting has at least one named special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCO) with up to date
and relevant training. The SENDCO works with other practitioners to agree and implement the
SEN/Inclusion policy, co-ordinates the Special Education Needs provision within our setting, offers
support for parents, supports staff development, liaises with other agencies, keeps appropriate
records, assist staff in making observations and assessments, assists staff in planning for children
with Special Educational Needs, works closely with other settings within Once Upon a Time and
attends regular SEN meetings to obtain help and advice. The SENDCO’s will contact the Early Years
inclusion facilitator at an early stage for informal advice and support.
When children with SEND start at a Once Upon a Time Nursery the manager, key person, parents
and if possible any other professionals involved with the family will come together to complete a
‘Thought Process’ form. This form will give the setting a clearer understanding of the child/parents
needs which will enable us to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that the needs of each family
are met. We will encourage parents to give us as much information as possible about their child
before the child starts at the setting. This will ensure that we have a better understanding of your
child’s needs and will also help us \to identify the child’s development baseline to inform future
planning.
Practitioners within the settings have experience working with children with SEND and are able to
understand child development. If Practitioners suspect that a child who attends any of the settings
may need extra support they will complete observations on the child to form a clearer view. We will
always strive to build positive relationships with all parents. If a practitioner has concerns regarding
a child they will always speak to the parents first and will ask for permission to involve our Early
Years Advisory Team. Parents are encouraged to meet with the advisory team and have as much
input as possible. We will work closely with any professionals working with your child. At Once Upon
a Time we use a range of assessment tools which include, The Early Years Foundation Stage
Development Matters, The Early Support Developmental Journals and the Early Years Speech and
Language Folder.
Each child that attends one of our settings is assigned a key person. The key person will work
collaboratively with the child’s parents in setting development targets; this will also be completed
alongside the SENDCO. The key person will complete two year old checks for each child within their
key group which will show the child’s development and highlight any areas that they may need
support within. Care plans are also put into place if a child has a medical condition/or has long term
medication, ensuring that all practitioners understand the individual care that the child needs.
What should a parent do if they think their child has SEND?
We are committed to working closely with parents allowing them to be fully involved in decisions
that affect their child’s education. Our parental involvement policy ensures parents are involved in
the nursery and their children progress. We support parents in helping their children make progress
at home. We work in partnership with parents, carers and other outside agencies in meeting the
children’s needs.
Should a parent have any concerns about their child we would ask them to approach us. Each
nursery has an open door policy and practitioners are available to the parents at the beginning and
end of the day or at a time that is mutually convenient. The nurseries are committed to working with
families in supporting their children to achieve the best outcomes. Effective communication and
sharing of information helps us to ensure effective relationships and seek the best possible support
for children and their families. The nurseries will be able to sign post parents to appropriate services
as well as seek support from the local authority inclusion team.
2) Support for children with additional needs or SEND
If a child is identified as having SEND, who will oversee and plan their education programme and
how will parents be involved in this?
The Key Person will spend time with their key group of children, getting to know them and forming a
positive relationship with the child and family. As the key person will know the child well they will be
responsible for creating an education plan. This will be overseen by the SENDCO of the setting to
ensure that the needs of the child are fully met. Parents will also have a strong input into this plan
and will have lots of opportunities to tell us their aspirations for their child, which will be included in
the plan. The manager of the setting and other professionals involved will also have input into the
educational plan.
How will the setting differentiate the Early Years Foundation Stage for the needs of individual
children?
The settings are able to differentiate in many ways depending on the child’s needs. Some children
with special educational needs or disabilities may find it hard to meet targets under the EYFS. If this
is the case then Development Journals may be used. To help support the children many different
strategies may be used such as different forms of communication, or visual aids. All plans for each
child are differentiated to ensure that all children are supported in meeting their full potential. The
activities provided for the children take into consideration their individual learning styles and are
adapted to meet individual children’s needs, they will use specific identified equipment and
differentiate language using related communication methods. The nurseries will use a well-stocked
collection of resource books that support with differentiating and planning for the children.
What staffing, resources and equipment does the setting provide for children with SEND?
Throughout our settings the number of adults present enables us to meet your child’s individual
needs. Each child is able to progress at their own rate in all areas of development and they are
supported to reach their full potential. We are experienced in working in close liaison with
professionals across the range of special needs. We ensure our provision is inclusive to meet the
needs of all the children that attend.
The settings always work to a higher ratio’s than is stated in the welfare requirements. This enables
us to be able to give extra adult support to children with SEND. The setting also has access to
Inclusion Funding that is available through the Local Authority to fund additional support if needed.
The settings have many items and equipment that support children and have collected this over the
many years of supporting children with SEND. Once Upon a Time is an 8 setting company and often
loan and share equipment between us all. The settings also uses the Local Authority’s Resources
Lending Library and will use specialist equipment that has been advised from Occupational
Therapists such as specialist chairs and standing frames. These are shown to the practitioners of the
setting and they are taught how to use the equipment and look after it to support the child. All
practitioners at the settings are knowledgeable and trained in all different aspects of SEND. There
are staff members who are trained in communication, including Sign a Long which enables them to
be able to communicate with the children using many different methods. All practitioners work
closely with the Local Authority advisory teachers and the Inclusion Facilitator. The settings also
access training from the Local Authority to ensure that our knowledge is up to date and that each
child is fully supported regardless of their need. The setting uses many programmes to support the
children such as PALS which is a small group activity that promotes social skills in children aged 3 and
over, Bucket time which supports children in turn taking with high interest activities; and Attention
Hillingdon which supports Autistic children in concentration skills.
3) Children’s progress
How will the setting monitor children’s progress and set targets and how are parents involved in
this?
Individual educational plans are written for the children and parents are encouraged to input into
these, they are regularly reviewed and feedback will be given to parents. Practitioners will complete
observations on each child to monitor progress. Practitioners will also be available daily to give
feedback or ensure any questions are answered. Other professionals are welcomed into the setting,
with parent permission.
At Once upon a Time, we recognise the importance of early identification. We do this by
implementing the assess, plan, do, review strategy and by using the one page profile. Staff will
monitor and plan for children’s individual needs and development through the use of tools such as;
Individual Support Plans (ISP’s), development journals, Education, Health Care Plans etc. We will
incorporate advice and guidance from specialists that are involved with the child and family.
An individual record of each child’s development is maintained, showing their abilities and progress.
Targets will be set and to help meet these targets the staff will assist and encourage the children to
attain their maximum potential. Evidence of the children’s achievable targets is noted in
observations, photographs and anecdotal notes. We acknowledge that children learn in different
ways and at different rates and plan for this accordingly.
What arrangements does the setting have for regular home to setting contact?
Parents evening takes place twice each year and we also have two coffee mornings per year. We
have a parent’s board displayed within the hallway with relevant information and a notice board on
the front door for parents to look at. Newsletters are completed each term and sent home to all
parents. We also have a comment box and we send out questionnaires. The manager is contactable
on email and parents can also telephone the setting to speak to all practitioners, the manager,
deputy or senior will be available at drop off and collection times.
Once Upon a Time uses an online system – EYLOG as a form of contact. We complete home link
books and daily sheets via EYLOG to allow parents and practitioners to share information. The key
person will write an account of the child’s week at the setting, they will also include and reminders.
We request that parents reply and let the key person know what the child has been doing while
away from the nursery, share any mile stones and targets achieved.
How will the setting support parents to help their children's learning?
We acknowledge parents as primary educators and encourage parental involvement as outlined in
our parental involvement policy. We build home links in order to enhance and extend children’s
learning both within the nursery environment and in the child’s home. The key person will set
individual learning targets and will share these with the parents, they will request the parents input.
We also invite families to join us for play sessions where the parents are able to stay and play with
their child and experience some the nurseries activities. The nursery also shares some of its
equipment with families to enable the child’s learning to continue at home.
The practitioners will suggest different activities for parents to complete with the child at home. We
also have a lending system in place where families can take a selection of different books and toys
home with them. We have recently put into place going home boxes. When the children have really
enjoyed playing with materials such as sand, playdough, slime to name a few, we will then send
some home with them, for them to continue their learning at home. Parents are also welcomed into
the setting to come and play alongside children and practitioners. As well as this, practitioners will
provide ideas and support for parents whose child has recently started toilet training, show
unwanted behaviour or any other situations that parents may need advice with.
How will children's views be sought about the help they are getting and the progress they are
making?
The children’s views are valued within the setting and practitioners will gather children’s views by
speaking to the children and parents. As some children may not be vocal we find it very beneficial
having conversations with parents as the information given can be used to help make the child’s
time with us more enjoyable and therefore will help the child develop. Practitioners will observe the
children regularly and practitioners are play mates to children so they will get to know each child as
an individual. As all of our settings are High/Scope based the routine gives the children the
opportunity to communicate what they would like to do, this is called the ‘plan, do, review’ process.
Children are able to decide what they would like to do and are then given the opportunity to review
what they have done. For children who may not be vocal or are less confident we provide
photographs so that they can still take part in this process by pointing to what they would like to do.
4) Support for my child’s overall well being
What support is available to promote the emotional, social and medical needs of children with
SEND?
All settings will devise a care plan for any child with medical needs; training may be sought if needed
to ensure the child gets the support they need. Practitioners will seek advice from other
professionals to help support the individual child and their needs, individual educational plans will
be completed which will include advice from other professionals and be planned around their
interests. Children who attend the setting have the opportunity to take part in the Attention
Hillingdon programme and we also complete PALS.
The nurseries settling in procedure assures that children have time to settle and start to feel safe
and secure in the environment. When offered a place, the parent/carer will firstly be invited to
spend an hour in the Nursery with their child to get to know the staff and children. At the next visit,
after the parent/carer has stayed for a little while, the child should stay for a short period of time on
their own – for up to thirty minutes. On the third visit the child will stay for a longer time, and will
usually have a meal with us. Since each child settles at a different rate, we will change the settling in
period to suit the individual child. During the settling period the key person will spend time with the
child and parent forming an attachment; it is just as important for us to know that the parent also
feels secure in the knowledge that their child’s needs will be met at the nursery.
All children in the nurseries are supported in forming friendships with their peers. The children that
attend the nursery are very much used to seeing specialist equipment in the environment, including
standing frames and specialist seating. For children who are immobile or use specialist equipment
the practitioners will support the child by taking them to activities with other children, as well as
ensuring that the activity allows other children to participate and engage. The settings use
adjustable tables which allow children who use specialist seating to sit with their peers at activities
and meal times.
We work closely with the health professionals in ensuring that any medical needs that a child may
have are met during their time at the nursery. We work together to develop health care plans for
the child and ensure that all health care professions that support the child are involved.
How does the setting manage the administration of medicines?
Practitioners will follow the policies and procedures of the setting. All medication administered at
the setting will need to be prescribed by a doctor. A medication form will be the completed and
signed by the parents and practitioners will then be able to administer medication. Training may be
sought to enable practitioners to be able to administered medication such as epi pens.
How does the setting help with personal care where this is needed e.g. help with toileting, eating?
Practitioners are able to support children within the settings with personal care; we have nappy
changing areas which can be used and toilets if needed. Practitioners will take advice from parents
and other professionals with regards to feeding and toileting and will ensure that all advice is put
into practice. Different meals and textures of foods can be provided if needed. If a child requires
tube feeding practitioners will receive training to ensure that they are able to do this.
5) Specialist services and expertise available at or accessed by the setting
Are there any specialist staff working at the setting and if so, what are their qualifications?
Each setting has a SENDCO. The manager of the setting will have experience meeting a wide range of
additional needs and will have had specialist training. Practitioners have experience with children
who have speech and language delays, global delay, autisms, epilepsy as well as others.
What SEN support services does the setting use e.g. specialist support teachers, educational
psychologists, teachers for hearing and visual impairment, speech and language therapy,
occupational therapy and physiotherapy etc.?
The settings welcome other professionals, if a child attending the setting is supported by any outside
agencies then practitioners will ensure regular communication between these are had. Professionals
we have worked with in the past include the Early Years Advisory Team, Speech and Language
therapist, Schools, Educational psychologists, Occupational therapists, Portage workers, Health
visitor, Community nurses and many more.
What can a parent do if they think that their child needs help from one of these services?
Parents will be encouraged to communicate with practitioners regarding their concerns,
practitioners will then, with parent’s permission, be able to involve the Early Years Advisory Team.
Who will then be able to observe and involve the most appropriate team.
6) Training of setting staff in SEND
What training will the staff supporting children with SEND have had or receive?
Practitioners complete regular training. This is based around what is needed within the setting at
that time. Training can be in house or will be booking through the local authority website.
Practitioners have completed sign along training and this is used within the setting. This training was
completed by the majority of the team as we felt it as something that would be beneficial to us at
the time.
Do any of the setting's staff have specific qualifications in SEND?
All staff at all of the settings have first aid at work and paediatric first aid training and only these
staff are able to administer any medication or treat any child who may have injured themselves. The
staff have also been medically trained in the administration of epi pens. Specialist training will be
sought to cater for specific needs.
7) Activities outside the setting including trips
How does the setting ensure children with SEND can be included in all activities and trips?
When planning outings we look at each child’s individual needs and cater for this, it may be that a
child might need a 1:1 ratio or that the parents will be more comfortable if they also attend. We will
try to be as flexible as possible to ensure that all children can be included. Location is always
considered and alternative locations are given if possible. We will ask for parents’ consent for their
child to attend trips and practitioners will complete outings forms before the trip. This will identify
any risks and how we can best minimise them.
8) How accessible is the setting environment?
How does the setting ensure that all of its facilities can be accessed by children with SEND?
After the ‘Thought Process’ form has been completed, we will look at any reasonable adjustments
that can be made to ensure all children are able to assess the setting, this may be lowering
equipment, leaving more space around the room or even looking at specialist equipment that may
need to be used. All of the settings are already wheelchair accessible.
9) Preparing my child to join the setting or to transfer to a new school
What support will there be for a child's transition e.g. before they join the setting. Move on to the
next stage or move on to their next setting/school?
At Once Upon a Time we recognise that transitions may be difficult for children, and work in
partnership with parents, carers, schools, children and any other relevant people to ensure that the
impact is minimal.
When each child goes to school we will hand over relevant information to ensure they are aware of
children’s needs and stage of development. We will also, as much as possible try to meet with the
new teacher or be available to answer any questions. Children who stay on at Once Upon a Time
whilst at school will also have reports sent to the school with updates of how the child is progressing
- the child’s main setting will keep children’s main learning journal.
When children move rooms within the setting the staff will settle the children in a similar way as
when they first start at the setting. This will be done gradually with a short time in the new room,
then gradually increasing to whole session. Children change rooms when we feel they are ready, and
not specifically on when they reach a certain age.
Please see our settling in policy. At nursery during the day we support children with their transitions
by the use of visual time tables, and singing songs for things such as when they are reaching the end
of that activity and have only 5 mins remaining and when it’s time to tidy up. We aim to keep
changes to a minimum, such as changes to routine and key persons etc. We work together to
support children and keep them involved to changes as they may arise, ensuring that as much as
possible it is a gradual transition.
Who should be a parent's first point of contact if they want to discuss something about their child
or they are worried?
We would encourage the parent to speak to their child’s key person, the deputy or manager.
What arrangements does the setting have for signposting parents / carers to external agencies
which can offer support such as voluntary agencies?
The settings will signpost parents to local children centres which run a variety of walk in groups, we
are able to refer to speech and language if needed. Practitioners will also ask for parents’ permission
to involve other agencies that will support their child within the setting and at home.
How can parents give feedback about SEND provision offered by the setting, including
compliments and complaints?
We welcome all feedback; we would encourage parents to come and speak to a member of the
team. Parents are also asked to complete questionnaires when their child has been here for 6 weeks
and when they leave us. The settings have a comment and suggestion box for parents to use.
How does the setting access the overall effectiveness of its SEND provision and how can parents /
carers and children contribute to this?
We are regularly audited by the Early Years Advisory Team; we will create an action plan with
feedback given which enables us to make any improvements needed. Comments from
parents/carers are also used to improve the setting. The children’s voices are of the upmost
importance and practitioners will observe and get to know the children to ensure their views are
incorporated within the setting. Practitioners also complete peer on peer observations and practice
is reviewed regularly, training is also completed regularly.
How does the setting communicate with parents / carers who have a disability?
When joining a Once Upon a Time nursery parents are required to complete a contract. Support will
be given to parents when needed, practitioners will read thorough and explain in more detail to
ensure that this is fully understood. Throughout the child’s time at nursery practitioners will keep
parents up to date with their child’s development, interests and day to day activities. This will be
done through speaking with the parent, writing home link books and observations and by showing
photographs. Staff have attended Singalong therefore we use this to communicate both with
parents and children.
How does the setting communicate with parents/carers whose first language is not English?
Within the company we have staff that speak other languages therefore they would help and
support a setting that requires this service. If required we are able to offer documentation in other
languages for parents to have full understanding. We will show parents photos of their child taking
part in activities so they can visually see what their child is experiencing at nursery on a daily/weekly
basis. Within the setting we have different languages displayed around the areas.
10) Discussing concerns about a child
Who would be the first point of contact for parents if they want to discuss something about their
child or if they are worried?
If a parent had a concern or wanted to discuss something about their child we would always suggest
speaking to the key person first. Parents are also welcome to speak with the nursery manager as
well as the SENDCO.
What arrangements does the setting have for feedback from parents / carers, including
compliments and complaints?
We hope that at all times you will be happy with the service provided and that you might like to
voice your appreciation to the staff concerned. Complaints will be dealt with professionally and
prompt to ensure that any issues arising from these complaints are handled effectively and to
ensure the welfare of all children. We welcome any suggestions from parents on how we can
improve our services and provide a comments and compliments box for parents to use, we will give
prompt and serious attention to any concerns that you may have by following our complaints
procedure If a parent/carer has any cause for complaint or any queries regarding the care or early
learning provided by the nursery, we would recommend in the first instance that you take it up with
your child’s key person or a senior member of staff. If the issue remains unresolved or that the
parent feels that they have received an unsatisfactory outcome, then these concerns must be
presented in writing to the Nursery Manager. Parents are also welcome to contact OFSTED with a
complaint.
How does the setting assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents /
carers take part in this evaluation?
As the nurseries we will continuously reflect on our practice and welcome suggestions and
recommendations to enhance our provision. Yearly we receive visits from our Early Years Advisory
team who will carry out observations and audits, which help us to ensure we continue to offer high
quality childcare. From these an action plan is drawn up and implemented. The teams are also on
hand as and when needed to offer advice, offer personalised training for the setting and assist with
any changes we would like to implement.
The nurseries are constantly looking at ways to improve our service to parents. We send out parent
questionnaires every other year. Parents are able to make comments in confidence about the
service we provide, these are then returned to the area manager. They will then be shared with me
and we will make a plan of what we need to be addressed. A reply is then sent out to the parents.
The managers are confident in sign posting parents to outside agencies/organisations that will help
and support the child's or the parents need. The nursery works with the local children's centres,
health visiting services and other organisations which are required. If there is a service you require
that is unknown to us then we will not hesitate in contacting the local authority FIS or inclusion
team, health visitor or children’s centre. |