Little Simbas - Childminder

Schools extended Local Offer response

Special Educational Needs policy

Little Simba’s day care is a small setting located in an urban area of Colnbrook, close to Heathrow Terminal 5. Little Simba’s is very popular in the local area.

The Early Years Foundation is followed in the setting.

We are committed to inclusion and believe that all children should be equally valued in Little Simba’s. There is access for a wheel chair.

We aim to develop:

• our children at the pace they understand
• an environment where all children can flourish and feel safe.

We are committed to giving all our children every opportunity to achieve and support them through their set goals. This helps to ensure that our Little Simba’s promotes the individuality of all our children, irrespective of:

• ethnicity
• attainment
• age
• disability
• gender
• background.

Facilities at our setting include:

• downstairs toilet
• open floor plan to allow children to play, crawl and be free.

We have a small but well-equipped back garden with a:

• slide
• children’s bouncing castle
• 10-foot trampoline which is everyone’s favourite.

The garden is enclosed and safe from all sides. 

We are close to two parks and two schools. 

We:

• aim to engender a sense of community and belonging
• offer new opportunities to learners who may have experience working within SEN Code Of Practice.

 

Teaching and learning

Starting points include:

• getting to know the child’s routines
• check information shared by the child's previous setting or childminder. This helps support the learning and development of the child.
• planning time with children groups, children's centre, out door activities, staffing etc.

I work with my mum, husband and another individual who are my assistants and help in the day to day running of our childcare services. We do try and plan an afternoon at the library on Wednesday.

Monitoring child’s progress include the following.            

• Daily diary.
• Encourage parents to write comments.
• Areas of development.
• New things they learn.
• How can we develop the child.
• We do a progress check when the child turns 2 which can be shared with the health visitors and other settings.
• We assess development through pictures and new things they learn. Monitoring all 7 areas of learning.

Little Simba’s provides equal opportunities for all children to reach their potential. We aim to create a positive environment which recognises the achievements of individuals.                                                                                                               

At Little Simba’s, we promote good standards life learning.

We provide the following. 

• Consistent teaching through play which is differentiated and personalised to meet the needs of all our children.
• A creative curriculum, where children participate fully and develop skills for learning and development.
• Each activity is with a learning support assistant, small groups of children or 1:1.
• Aspirational target setting linked to learning journal.
• A learning environment that facilitates effective learning.
• Up to date training and courses that impact and influence our play, planning activities.
• Ensure that our children are literate and numerate and have met expected level of learning.
• A POSITIVE approach towards a healthy lifestyle.
• Create learning partnerships between nursery, home and the community that support's individuals.

There is a lot of planning needed to meet the needs of each child and meet EYFS standards.

 

Identifying and assessing Special Educational Needs

If I feel the development is not taking the typical path, I will discuss any concerns with the parents whilst continuing to record the learning and development.

I will sign post parents to professional services who would be able to support and guide the child’s learning and development needs.

How does Little Simba’s know if a child needs extra support?

• Concerns may be raised by parents/carers or another provider.
• If we notice the child’s development is not taking the typical path.
• If we notice a change in the child’s behaviour.

How do Little Simba’s assess and monitor my child’s progress?

• We monitor each child’s progress and will discuss any concerns with our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo).
• My assistants and myself have regular discussions to discuss the child’s progress and development. Any concerns will be discussed and followed up with the appropriate action and intervention.
• Track all 7 development areas which records all areas of learning.
• Statutory duty of progress check is completed when child turns 2.
• We use information shared by other childcare providers.
• Personalised plans are written termly, for each child with SEND and discussed with the child’s parents and the child (if appropriate). The personal plans contain achievable targets which are reviewed regularly in the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• The effectiveness of the support in place will be revised and any changes necessary will be put to place.

Involving parents and children/young people in planning and reviewing progress

We value and need your input and support as a parent and will engage both you and your child in many of the decisions we make. 

• Parents/carers will be informed as soon as any area of concern has been identified
• You will be invited to meet with myself each term to discuss progress and to review and set new targets
• There will be a transition period where the child has opportunities to visit us prior to starting
• You can make an appointment with me at any time to discuss any concerns you may have. We will give you advice of how to support learning at home
• I would speak with you individually to talk about progress and set targets together
• If outside agencies are involved (e.g Speech and Language, Educational psychologist) they normally provide advice and strategies you can use at home
• If your child has an EHCP (Educational, Health, and Care Plan) you will be invited to the 6 month/Annual Reviews, where progress will be discussed and you will be involved in helping to set further targets
• Daily diaries and learning journal  are shared with parents on a daily basis. 

Additional support

We offer a range of support, depending on the needs of each individual child.

What additional kinds of support are available for children with SEND?

• The curriculum is differentiated so that tasks set are at the appropriate level for each child
• Small groups of children are given targeted literacy/maths support in class, led by the class teacher or a Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
• Occasionally a child may need support from a specialist such as the Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Services for Autism, the Sensory Consortium or Behaviour Support Services. We work closely with a range of specialists who help to support a number of children within our setting.  

Extra activities

We tend to go for regular outings

• Local park
• Local library
• Windsor to feed ducks
• Pumpkin Patch

All children are catered for with risk assessments in place. We involve parents in planning visits so that their child can take part.

We include the children’s views; children are at the very heart to what we do and their views and opinions will always be respected and where possible be acted upon.

When I attend training, I share the information with parents/ carers.

Meeting social and emotional needs of children/young people

• We manage transition through home visits to find out how they are in their own environment and work with other childminders and settings.
• We would work with parents and get authorisation to share information.
• We are always readily available to chat with children who might want to discuss a concern.
• I am ICO registered which allows me to take photos of children and share them with local authorities, parents and Ofsted.
• I promote British values.

Keeping up to date with knowledge and skills

Where a need is identified I would make reasonable adjustments.

I am able to seek further guidance from our area SENCO and development worker.

If a child goes to a nursery, I will liaise with that setting.

 

Transitions

• We will liaise with the previous, or receiving childcare setting, prior to the child joining or leaving us so that important information can be exchanged 
• We will spend time with the child leaving, to help prepare them for the changes that are going to take place i.e. going to school and independent skills and knowledge.
• We will meet with parents prior to a child with SEND joining us, or where this has not been possible once the child arrives, to share information and listen to the parents’ views.
• Settling in periods will be provide according to the child’s needs.

 

Helpful contacts

• Any concerns with your child in the first instance should be referred the  myself or one of the other assistants. I am always available to meet with any parents who are anxious.
• Early years’ service can be contacted on 01753476554.
• Local Children’s Centre -  Romsey Close, Slough.
• Slough SEND Information, Advice and Support Service - 01753787693.
• Safeguarding Guidance for Childminders.

If you have a concern that a child/young person may be at risk of harm or neglect the key points to note are the following.

• There is just one phone number 01753 875362 for referrals or to speak to someone.
• There is just one front door for all referrers which include both Early Help and Social Care