Our playgroup aims to have regard to the DfES SEN Code of Practice (2001) and to provide a welcome and appropriate learning opportunity for all children.
Children with special needs, like all other children, are admitted to the playgroup after consultation between parents/carers , SENCO co-ordinator and key worker.
Support is available within the setting for children with SEN, including facilities for increasing access for pupils who are disabled.
Our system of observation and record-keeping, which operates in conjunction with parents, enables us to monitor children’s needs and progress on an individual basis. Staff set aside times to review and evaluate the effectiveness of SEN provision, both in relation to individual pupils and all pupils across the setting.
Our key worker system ensures that each adult is especially responsible for, and close to, just five or six children, so each child receives plenty of adult time and attention.
If it is felt that a child’s needs cannot be met in the playgroup without the support of a one-to-one worker, funding will be sought to employ one.
We work in liaison with staff outside the group and exchange information as necessary to meet children’s specific needs, e.g. therapists, health visitors, psychologists, social workers, paediatricians and Portage and nursery plus workers. We have strong links and information transfer arrangements with our local primary school at Newton Ferrers.
Our staff attend, whenever possible, in-service training on special needs arranged by the Pre-School Learning Alliance and other professional bodies.
See also our Inclusion Policy.
