- How does FSDC identify if my child has SEND?
At FSDC we are passionate about identifying every child’s individual level of development. The purpose of the Local Offer is to ensure parents/carers have a clear picture of the services which, are available for children with SEND and how to access them. We provide a detailed Local Offer here with our vision for SEND at FSDC.
We take time to conduct observations, which allow us to identify any additional or special needs a child may have. Following this initial observation, we speak to parents/carers giving a prime opportunity to share their concerns or worries with the nursery.
With parent/carer consent we complete an initial concerns and referral sheet. This form is submitted to the Brent Early Years Inclusion Support Team (EYIST). EYIST are then invited to come and formally observe the child. This is conducted during his/her normal play time in the nursery. The child is unaware of this assessment and is under no pressure.
- What should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s health and well-being, we would like to encourage you to speak to the nursery manager, SENCO or your child’s key person. The setting fosters a warm and caring environment and we welcome parents/carers to speak to us about any concerns they may have.
We produce a “progress check at 2 years old” detailing the child’s 3 main areas of development including Communication and Language (CL), Physical development (PD) and Personal, Social and Emotional development (PSED). This will provide a clear view for the child’s strengths and areas of concerns that we will then address accordingly.
- How will FSDC support my child. How are the resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?
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FSDC has a designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) who is qualified to support children and their families working in partnership with the relevant outside agencies, providing a holistic and “whole child” approach. Our support ranges from a simple extended welcome and settling in period. To then moving on to devising a more advanced approach by setting up an Individual Plan (IP’s) and/or Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
Regular meetings occur with other professionals involved in supporting your child’s Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). In addition to the above regular in-house and external training is provided to all staff to ensure a professional level of awareness is maintained.
- How will I know how well my child is doing and how will FSDC help me to support my child’s learning?
The SENCO maintains regular contact with the parents/carers and updates them on the child’s learning and development in an informal way. The Keyperson and SENCO observe, assess and evaluate the child’s development, strengths and areas of concern which then lead to creating an individualised plan (IP).
Parent’s/carers are then invited to formal termly meetings where the Brent Early Years Inclusion Support Team (EYIST) Officer is also present. During these meetings new individualised strategies for support are discussed for home and Nursery care.
- What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?
We at FSDC work hard to ensure that all children at the nursery have an experience that is safe and fun. We work holistically to make sure that children are happy, healthy and safe. Activities will be adapted to meet the child’s needs and abilities. we offer a fully inclusive environment to all and this is embedded throughout our FSDC ethos. If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing please speak to the Nursery Manager. Each child learns and develops in their own way, to ensure this remains positive we use “now and next”/ PECS/ picture cards/ Makaton to help the child gain confidence and independence. These resources also support behavioural concerns including feelings and to help make their own choices.
- How will my child’s views be taken into account in order to meet their needs?
Through routine observations of your child we tailor your child’s learning in line with the current Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, ensuring your child’s likes and dislikes are observed. We tailor activities in the nursery to children’s interests, and plan them based on the strongest area of need at the time. We also talk to parents/carers about what their child likes and what areas they think need most development.
- What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the setting?
At FSDC all staff have experience working within the early years sector and work closely with a range of professionals including
- GP’s,
- Health visitors,
- Occupational Therapists (OT)
- Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT)
- Paediatricians,
- Behavioural Therapists,
- Brent Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Service (BDHIS),
- Child protection (CP)
- Brent Early Years Inclusion Support Team (EYIST)
- NEG 2 inclusion officers
We continue to work closely with families and are able to signpost to relevant services.
- How does the setting manage the administration of medication?
Our FSDC policy is to administer prescribed medication only. We require the parent/carer to complete a detailed medicine administration form and Brent health care plan which highlights time and dose to be given with full instructions of how to manage the medical condition.
- How will my child be included in activities outside FSDC including trips?
High ratios are maintained when on outings. Each child’s individual’s needs are planned for and assessed. When outings are arranged great thought is given throughout our inclusive risk assessment to ensure accessibility for all children. Parents/carers are encouraged to accompany their child on such memorable events.
Working in partnership, we at FSDC like our parents/carers to show their support by joining us at such times.
- How is the setting accessible to children with SEND?
FSDC is located in an area which is easily accessible by local transport. In addition to this we are on one level and have double doors thought the premises to accommodate wheelchairs.
The registration policy is designed to welcome and accommodate children from all backgrounds and communities. We support children and families with English as a second language by incorporating our high knowledge on different languages and alternate ways of communicating when needed through dual books and pictures. We pride ourselves on our inclusion policies and procedures. Our ethical approach to inclusion is embedded throughout and forms part of our Ethos.
- How are the staff helped to work with children with SEND & what training do the staff have?
As mentioned earlier we have a Designated SENCO who has received Level 3 Role of a SENCO (Private, Voluntary or Independent) PVI also Level 2 Working with people with Learning Disabilities certificate.
External training for Early Talk Boast (ICAN) and Attention Autism programmes which are National programmes to support children with SEND. External and inhouse training with updates are routinely organised for all staff members in line with our CPD policy. These including Safeguarding, First Aid, Food Hygiene, sensory circuits, Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), managing challenging behaviour.
- How will FSDC prepare and support my child to join the nursery or transfer to a new setting?
We believe that transitional periods in a young child’s learning journey are key to how they accept change as they get older. It is our aim to ensure that children and families are supported with information and guidance to help this become a seamless process.
We support families by arranging viewings of prospective schools then organise transition meetings and visits for your child to see their new chosen school and then their teachers/School SENCO to see the child. IP’s/ health care plans (medical) or Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are put in place to help with the transition and shared with the new nursery or school.
- How does FSDC work in partnership with parents to help meet the needs of the child?
At FSDC we are passionate about working in partnership with parents/carers and encourage input for the child’s learning and development. We believe that each parent/carer is the first and most important teacher in the child’s life and we encourage and empower parents/carers to guide us on how to best care for their child.
We have a notice board which displays staff details, term half plans and other important information.
We have an “open door” policy parents/carers comment that they feel listened to and supported. We also provide a “suggestion box” for parents/carers to share their thoughts and ideas with us anonymously.
- Who can I contact for further information?
The nursery contact number is 02082048644.
You can speak to Michelle Joseph (Manager) or Angela Mayes (SENCO)
Email: FSDC@live.co.uk
Address: First Steps Day Care, Chandos Lodge, 243 Stag Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 0EF
Our website: https://www.firststepsdaycare.org/
- What should I do if I want to make a complaint?
If you would like to make a complaint or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to the Deputy Manager or the Manager at the nursery. You can also contact us by calling 0208 204 8644 or email FSDC@live.co.uk Complaints are always taken seriously and replied to in writing following our complaints procedure. We then process and log all outcomes as per Ofsted requirements.
