Goldingham Drive Community Services

Our Offer Supporting a Child with SEND and their Family

We view all children as unique and are committed to providing an environment in which all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are supported to reach their full potential. Our hall is easily accessible with parking outside.

children learn through 'free play' activities covering all ages and stages of development. Differentiated activities ensure that every child has the opportunity to access a broad and balanced curriculum. Activities are adult led, child led, small, large group and one to one. Staff encourage children to explore and problem solve, to build relationships with others, by scaffolding their learning and development and following their lead.

We have three trained and experienced SENCOs (special educational needs co-ordinators) and an Equality Named Co-ordinator (ENCO).

In addition, staff have training and experience of working with children to support a variety of individual needs, such as; Autism, Makaton (Makaton is used every session), Speech and Language (supported by visual timetable, visual supports, cues, prompts, gestures, expressions and Makaton), Down syyndrome, Physical disabilities, Medical needs and/or Allergies, First Aid and Safeguarding. We have completed the Inclusions Development Programmes (1 SLC, 2 Autism & 3 BSD), Early Language Development Programme, Best Practice for Two Year Olds and have a positive approach to supporting behaviour.

Staff work in partnership with parent/carers to identify any emerging difficulties, supported by initial discussions, completing 'All About Me' forms (initial child profiles), recording observations and Two Year Old Progress Checks. Every child has a Key person who works in partnership with parent/carers to settle their child, supporting their transition into pre-school through warm positive interaction and sensitive assessment of the child's needs, interests, likes, dislikes and skills. Information on how they are settling is shared each session and children's comforters are encouraged. Key person observations and discussions with parent/carers are used to complete Development Trackers which identify progress and areas needing support, enabling strategies to be implemented when planning for their next steps.

Our Area SENCO provides fantastic support and we follow the principles of Early Support to ensure that parent/carers are consulted at every step, fully informed of their child's progress and their insight and their child's views inform the action taken by the setting. Specialist services and expertise accessed by our setting include; Area SENCO, Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, Family Support Workers, Social Care, Children's Centres, Educational Psychologist, Paediatrian and a Community Children's Diabetes Specialist Nurse.

We work with parent/carers to complete Individual Health Care Plans, recording children's medical needs/allergies and discuss diatary and/or cultural needs and prefrences, recording these in the register and first aid book. Additionional risk assessments and health and safety may be discussed/implemented and additional training accessed if needed.