Special Needs

The school aims to have regard to the 2002 DfEE Code of Practice on special educational needs and also to the guidelines supplied to providers of Early years education.

§ The school aims to provide the same learning opportunities for all children. All children, with or without special needs, are admitted into the school after a visit and consultation with parents/guardians and if necessary other professional workers.

§ All children at the school, irrespective of their special needs, are encouraged wherever possible and appropriate to participate in all activities. The aim is to provide for the developmental needs of all the children.

§ The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators are responsible for assessing the special education needs of children with a disability and providing the necessary support to enable them to achieve. Staff at the school will work closely with the parents to ensure any specific needs are addressed. The staff will also work in close liaison with health visitors, therapists, pre-school support workers and social workers.
 
§ Where it is felt that a child needs additional support in the form of equipment or personnel, applications for funding will be made to try and secure appropriate provision for the child.

§ The Sencos will discuss and share with parents the progress and achievements of the child on a regular basis.

§ With parental permission links with teaching staff at a child’s next school will be established and information forwarded about the child’s development at Head Start.
 
§ All staff are encouraged to attend any training events organised in regard to special needs

The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators are Adela Costello and Bev England. They

Work with other staff to agree and implement policy
Co-ordinate the provision within the setting
Offer support for parents
Support staff development
Liaise with other agencies
Keep appropriate records
Assist staff in making observations and assessments

Admission Arrangements

All children are welcome at Head Start Nursery School. If there are sufficient sessions available a child will commence his/her education as soon as is practicably possible following normal admission procedures. Where sessions are limited a waiting list will bein operation.

The individual requirements for a child with special needs will be taken into consideration and consultation will take place with parents and other agencies prior to admission. The setting will endeavour to provide any equipment and other items necessary to ensure that the child is successfully included.

Consideration will also be given to the settling-in procedures to enable the child to embark on a new and valuable experience. Time will be taken with both the child and parents to ensure that all concerned have full confidence in the ability of the setting to include the child within their routines.