Special Needs Continued

Partnership with Parents

Head Start Nursery School values it’s partnership with all parents and ensures that there is a continuous exchange of information regarding their child’s development, which can take place either verbally or through documentation. The sharing of information can take place at the beginning or the end of sessions or more formal meetings can be arranged at the request of either party out of school hours and on a regular basis when required. Interpreters will be arranged where necessary. All information shared is private and confidential. In the event of a complaint the Parent Partnership Services may be able to assist or contact can be made directly to OFSTED (see Complaints Procedure).

Facilities

Head Start Nursery School has the one classroom which has wheelchair access to the front. There is also a toilet for the disabled both adult and child. A ramp can be provided for the other door to enable access to the rear garden. Arrangements can be made to provide any necessary specialist equipment.

Staffing

Head Start maintains the staffing ratios as required by the Statutory Framework for the Foundation Stage and indeed keeps a lower ratio than is the norm, therefore there is always a more than adequate number of staff working. A key person system is in place and the child will be allocated to a member of staff who may not necessarily be the SENCO. Should there be the need for additional support for the child, in the first instance existing staff may be able to offer extra cover but where necessary specialist staff may be employed to provide for the individual needs of the child and to give consistency and continuity of care. Additional funding will be sought for such a situation or volunteers may be provided.

Training

The staff at Head Start Nursery School are all committed to developing their knowledge and attend available courses in a variety of areas including special educational needs. All staff are updated at regular staff meetings on the content of training and reference materials are held and constantly updated at the school.

Curriculum, Resources and the Learning Environment

All children at Head Start Nursery School follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, details of which are recorded in the prospectus. Tasks will be modified/differentiated in many ways, such as the way they are presented/explained, by the support given, by expectation and by outcomes to take into account the individual needs of every child.

Resources are available to support all learning in the developmental areas and are appropriate to the individual needs of each child. They are regularly reviewed and updated within the budget limitations. Children with special educational needs may need specialist resources and these will be acquired either through the budget or equipment may be borrowed through loan services or from the family.

The classroom is designed to promote a happy, working environment encouraging learning and promoting confidence and independence. Risk assessments have been undertaken to ensure the safety of both children and adults.