Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At Be. Independent Day Nursery, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment that meets the needs of all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We aim to support every child in achieving their full potential and to ensure they have access to a broad and balanced curriculum.


1. Purpose


  • To outline our commitment to identifying and supporting children with SEND.
  • To ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidelines.
  • To promote a collaborative approach between staff, parents, and external agencies.


2. Legal Framework


This policy is guided by the following legislation and guidelines:


  • The Children and Families Act 2014
  • The Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (2015)
  • The Equality Act 2010
  • The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023


3. Definition of SEND


Be. Independent Day Nursery – Policies for Website, updated October 2024


Children have Special Educational Needs if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires special educational provision to be made for them. This includes:


  • Communication and interaction needs
  • Cognition and learning needs
  • Social, emotional, and mental health needs
  • Sensory and/or physical needs


4. Identification and Assessment


4.1 Early Identification:

  • We will use a range of assessments and observations to identify children with SEND as early as possible.
  • All staff will be trained to recognize signs of SEND and to document their observations.


4.2 Individual Assessment:

  • Where concerns are identified, we will carry out a more detailed assessment, involving parents and, where appropriate, external professionals.


5. Support and Provision


5.1 Person-Cantered Approach:

  • We will develop a targeted support plan for each child identified with SEN, alongside the care plans that are maintained at the setting. The targeted support plan can move onto a personalised support plan if necessary, to outline specific goals, support strategies and expected outcomes.


5.2 Differentiation:

  • Staff will adapt the curriculum and teaching methods to meet the individual needs of children with SEND. This may include modifying activities, providing additional resources, or utilizing different approaches.


5.3 Collaboration with Parents:

  • We will actively involve parents in the development and review of their child’s support plan, ensuring they have provided consent and input, prior to speaking with external healthcare or local authority professionals.


5.4 Working with External Agencies:

  • We will collaborate with external agencies and professionals, such as speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and other specialists, to provide additional support for children with SEND.


Be. Independent Day Nursery – Policies for Website, updated October 2024


6. Training and Development


  • Staff will receive ongoing training on SEND to ensure they are equipped to support children effectively. This training will include understanding different types of SEND, strategies for support, and best practices for inclusion.


7. Monitoring and Review


  • We will regularly review the progress of children with SEND and the effectiveness of our support strategies. Reviews will involve parents, staff, and external professionals as appropriate.
  • The SEND Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if necessary to reflect changes in legislation or practice.


8. Complaints Procedure


  • If parents have concerns regarding the support provided for their child with SEND, they should initially discuss this with the Nursery Manager. If the issue is not resolved, parents may follow the nursery's complaints procedure.


9. Contact Information


For questions regarding this policy or to discuss your child's needs, please contact:



Conclusion


At Be, we are dedicated to ensuring that all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, receive the support they need to thrive. This SEND Policy reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every child can achieve their full potential.