Nutkins nursery is aware that some children have special educational needs and/or physical disabilities, which require particular support and assistance. We are committed to taking appropriate action to make sure that all children are able to access our services, made to feel welcome, and that our activities promote their welfare and development.

We are committed to the integration of all children in our care. We believe that children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities have a right to play, learn and be able to develop to their full potential alongside other children. Whenever possible, children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities will have access to the same facilities, activities and play opportunities as their peers. Everybody stands to gain if all children are allowed to share the same opportunities and are helped to overcome any disadvantages that they may face.

The policies, procedures and practices of the nursery in relation to children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities are consistent with current legislation and guidance. These include the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We believe that by identifying individual needs and taking proactive steps alongside parents/carers and other statutory professionals or agencies, all children should be able to play a full, active and equal part in the nursery’s activities.

Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator (SENCO)

Vikki is our Senior Practitioner and Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator she manages the provision for children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities. Vikki is fully trained and experienced in the care and assessment of such children.

All members of staff will be expected to assist the SENCO in caring for children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities. The Co-ordinator’s responsibilities will include:

• Working alongside the Manager to ensure that all staff are aware of all legislation, regulations and other guidance on working with children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities.

• Working with the Manager to ensure that all staff who work with children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities and have appropriate skills and training.

• Co-ordinating regular monitoring and reviews of children’s progress; involving parents/carers, other members of staff, relevant representatives from statutory agencies and, if appropriate, the child themselves. Alongside the Manager, they will also be responsible for ensuring that any actions following such reviews are followed through.

• Assessing each child’s specific needs and adapting the facilities, procedures, practices and activities as appropriate.

• Ensuring that systems are in place to adequately plan, implement, monitor, review and evaluate the Special Needs policy.

• Ensuring that children with special educational needs and/or physical disability are fully considered when activities are being planned and prepared.

• Liaising with parents/carers about the needs of their children and the plans and actions of the nursery, as well as being the point of contact for parents/carers.

• Liaising with other agencies and seeking advice, support and training for themselves and other staff as is necessary.

• Supporting other members of staff to become more skilled and experienced in the care of children with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities.

• Ensuring that all children are treated with equal concern and respect and are encouraged to take part in all activities.

• Ensuring that accurate observations and assessments of children’s progress are regularly made and properly recorded.

When an individual child has a stated special need, the nursery will endeavour to see support from outside agencies to best meet their child’s need. The SENCO will write an Individual Educational Plan to identify special learning goals and activities to help the child achieve within a stated period of time. The nursery will discuss this with parents. Our next step would be to provide extra activities to encourage development in these areas.

At the end of the stated period, progress will be reviewed and discussed with the SENCO and parents. Further targets will be set as necessary.

The nursery SENCO will work closely with all staff to ensure there are systems in place to plan, implement, monitor, review and evaluate the Special Needs Policy of the nursery, always making sure plans and records are shared with parents.

This policy has taken into account standard 10 of Full Day Care and the aims of Every Child Matters.