SEND Information Report
Some frequently asked questions about how we care for and provide for each individual child regardless of ability.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in person with any queries you may have.
How to find us
Tots Preschool is situated within the grounds of The Bewbush Academy school. You will find us through the metal gates by the shops.
Tots is accessible through a wooden gate and tarmacked playground.
Parking is available behind the shops.
Accessibility
Our preschool building is all on one level with a ramp that leads up to our building with a double handrail.
There are four small children’s toilets, each with a toilet frame. There is a disabled adult toilet with handrails and emergency cord.
Staff wear visual aid cards, use now and next boards and aided language boards.
We have a quiet room where over stimulated children can go for self-regulation.
All our doorways are wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through.
We also work alongside Occupational Health who supply specialist equipment such as; chairs and commodes.
Supporting all children
We work alongside parents in identifying any additional needs or concerns. Each child has a key person assigned before they start who will work closely with them, observing and identifying any needs and interests. The Key person will work closely with the parents relaying any updates. Regular staff meetings around the children bring up any concerns or developmental delays.
Tots has a Lead SENCO who has a level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators. This role involves supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate care and education.
We use the Graduated Approach which involves a four-step cycle: assess, plan, do and review. This process helps us to understand an individual’s needs, implement support and review progress.
All staff have had Speech and Language training and have done various courses around Autism and other special educational needs.
Our small group times are arranged to enhance attention and communication. We use simple Makaton to meet certain individual children’s needs and also use it in our welcome song.
If we feel a child needs additional support, ie Speech and Language, Child Development. Portage etc, we will refer them to the appropriate agency with your permission.
We also work closely with the SEND Inclusion Service, Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists. Together we work together to ensure the best outcomes, ensuring that children can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
How do we support physical health outcomes?
We have a large garden area with a climbing frame and many resources that promote physical activity such as; bikes, scooters, trampolines, and cars. We also use this area for Yoga, Group games such as ‘Duck, Duck, Goose’, races and chasing games.
Mini Athletics comes into Tots weekly. This is a very good, fun, physical activity that enhances fitness and attention.
We provide a healthy snack every session and advise parents on the benefits of healthy eating and drinking. We only supply water or milk.
When the children are ready to toilet-train we can give advice and assist with this at Preschool.
We promote oral health through adult led activities and can give advice to parents if needed.
How do we support and improve mental and emotional health?
At Tots we have caring and compassionate practitioners who really get to know each child individually, enabling us to support their mental and emotional needs fully. We can provide a calm space that can help with regulation or just offer a peaceful environment for some rest and relaxation.
We use emotions cards and books.
How to access a place at Tots
Please email or call us to arrange a suitable appointment if you require a visit before enrolling.
There is an application form on our website, or you can pick up a paper copy from us personally.
We do prioritise siblings, local children and take into consideration how long a child has been on our waiting list.
Parents will be asked to fill out an all about me for us to find out information about their child before they start. An appointment will be made for them to come in to fill out paperwork and for us to have an informal conversation with them about any concerns or support their child may require. This appointment will also provide an opportunity for us to meet and spend some time with the child and for them to spend time getting to know us and our environment.
Involvement in decision making
Decisions about support are made by external professionals, our Lead SENCO and managerial staff. If support is required, we will make a SEN Support Plan for the child including a One Page Profile and an Individual Plan which will be filled out by the child’s Key worker with assistance from our Lead SENCO and parents. This will include how parents can support their child at home, make achievable goals and include any strategies within the setting.
Complaints and Feedback
We send out a parent’s feedback form once a year which gives them the chance to give any feedback, positive or negative.
Alternatively, parents can come and talk to their key worker or the managerial staff at any time.
