Nicola Scattergood - Childminder

Schools extended Local Offer response

Special Educational Needs policy

As a registered childminder, I understand that some children may come to my setting that have:

• learning difficulties and
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

I will endeavour to provide a service which is inclusive to all.

I will work closely with parents/carers/guardians to ensure the best possible learning outcome for each individual child within my care.

Teaching and learning

When children join me, parents are given a form to complete regarding their child's current development.

Parents will provide me with details on their child's:

• routine
• languages spoken at home
• likes and dislikes
• sleeping patterns.

All information given will support me with providing appropriate learning and development opportunities for each child.

Identifying and assessing Special Educational Needs

When completing a progress check (2 yr etc), if a concern is showing, I will support the parents with accessing services to support their child such as:

• Health Visitor
• Speech and Language therapist.

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

I work closely with all parents so that they know what their child has been upto during the day when they are with me.

Parents will have a daily diary which I fill in so that they know:

• where we have been and
• what their child has been upto

during the day.

To also support a child's learning, each child has their own individual file which shows how they are developing in all areas.

Additional support

The ground floor of my home including the bathroom facilities makes it accessible for wheelchair users.

I will work with parents to support me to make reasonable adjustments to the environment which will meet their child's needs.

I will ask for extra support from my Early Years Development Worker if required.

Extra activities

When we go on outings to toddler groups, parks, I take into account the accessibility and the needs of each child.

To meet the individual needs of each child I will check the groups that we attend to:

• ensure accessibility and
• meet the needs of all the children within my care.

Meeting social and emotional needs of children/young people

I keep parents regularly updated on their child's learning developments.

If there are any concerns parents will be invited to my setting to discuss how best to meet their child's needs.

Keeping up to date with knowledge and skills

I keep my knowledge updated by reading professional articles from PACEY online and their Childcare Professional Magazine.

I have regular visits from my Early Years Development Worker to support my work with children and families.

I attend training courses provided by Slough Borough Council.

Transitions

I offer settling in hours, depending on:

• the child
• how you the parent feels.

This period can be for as long or as short as is necessary for your child.

I usually arrange:

• a short visit with parent and child initially and
• then for your child to be left with me unattended for an hour to start with and
• then increase to a couple of hours once a week until your child joins me.

When children move on to a new setting or onto the next stage of their education, I will:

• introduce your child to their new setting
• discuss with them how exciting the next chapter will be for them.

I have books that can be read to your child with regards to starting school.

I work closely with parents and other professionals to support child's transition. 

Helpful contacts

• Slough Family Information Service - 01753 476589, fis@slough.gov.uk, 
• SEND Information Advice & Support Service, Slough - 01753 787693.
• Autism Berkshire - 0118 9594594, admin@autismberkshire.org.uk.
• IPSEA - Independent Parental Special Education Advice -  0800 0184016. 
• LSCB - 01753 690450.