Carmel Caterpillars Preschool

Special Educational Needs & Disability Policy

Policy Statement

At Carmel Caterpillars Preschool, we are committed to providing a high quality education within an inclusive environment, where all children are valued and supported to achieve their full potential.  We recognise  that some children may have emerging needs or special Education Needs and/or disabilities and require additional support.

We ensure our setting is in line with:

• The Children's and Families Act 2014
• The Special Educational Needs and Disability code of practice (0-25) 2015
• The Equalities Act 2010
• The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Definition of SEND

A child has SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires special Educational provision to be made for them.

A child has a learning difficulty or disability if they:

• Have a significantly greater difficulty inn learning than the majority of other of the same age or:
• have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of facilities generally provided for other of the same age.

Aims

We aim to:

• Ensure early identification of children who may have SEND
• Provide inclusive, high quality provision
• Work in partnership with parents and carers
• Involve children in decisions about their learning where appropriate
• Work collaboratively with external professionals (With full consent of parents/carers)
• Ensure all staff understand their responsibilities regarding SEND

Roles and Responsibilities

The SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) will:

• Support staff in the identifying of children with SEND
• Assist with support and interventions
• Keep SEND records
• Ensure support plans are in place and reviewed regularly
• Oversee the day to day operations of this policy
• Liaise with parents and outside Agencies

The Setting will ensure:

• It meets statutory requirements
• That staff will receive any appropriate training
• The SENCO is supported in doing their role
• All staff will implement any agreed strategies and support plans.
• Staff will observe, assess and plan for all children's needs including maintaining clear communications with parents.  Which will include sharing observations and progress, involvement in planning, review meetings and signposting to external support services/agencies where appropriate
• At all times we are promoting an inclusive practice
• That when identifying and making assessments we will follow a graduated approach. This is using Assess, Plan, Do and Review.
  
• That if concerns remain, we may seek advice from external Agencies, such as a Speech and Language Therapist, Health Visitor, the Quality Advisor Inclusion Team and Social Care Professionals where appropriate. (Always with full consent of parents/carers)  

 Inclusive Practice

We will ensure:

• There is equal access to our curriculum
• No child is discriminated against
• The environment is accessible (where able) and reasonable adjustments are made
• Positive attitudes are promoted towards diversity and difference

Confidentiality

All information regarding children with SEND is kept confidential and stored securely in line with GDPR and Data Protection requirements.

SENCO:                     Vicky Trinkwon

Assistant SENCO:    Natalie Barden

The original of this document was signed on behalf of Carmel Caterpillars Pre-school by the current Chairperson.