Denmead Infant School Wrap and Holiday Club 2548279

We would encourage all families to come in for a visit to meet staff and talk about any concerns or issues before starting breakfast and afterschool club and holiday club. We will work closely with the school and ask if there is anything we need to put into place. All staff are trained to monitor each child and understand that every child is an individual and therefore progress at differing rates. We work closely with outside agencies and can call on these agencies when we need extra support in a certain area, whether it involves an Inclusion setting support Officer ( ISSO), Speech and Language (SALT), Portage, Specialist Advisory Teachers, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapist etc. 

If, after settling in, we believe that the child may benefit from additional support, the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) will become involved. This, in turn, could lead to the SENCo liaising with the Inclusion Setting Support Officer (Services for Young children) who will provide advice and support regarding actions required to meet the child’s needs and signposting to outside agencies and we will work closely with the school. Thus, assisting the child, parents, and staff to work together towards progression. Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) or a behavioural plan will be drawn up with consultation of those involved. These will set the next targets that we want the child to achieve, how they will be achieved, and the outcome. These will be dated, have a review date, and be signed by SENCo or senior management and parents/carers. If necessary, we can apply for SEND Inclusion funding if a child has additional needs. If the child does not meet the criteria for SEND Inclusion funding, then we will look to see if we can support a child with the available resources that we have.

We use the child’s interest to help plan activities which would encourage the child to be involved. Children can make choices as to which activity they would like to participate in and all activities will be adapted to the individual needs of the children so all children can participate. 

We send home regular newsletters and have a notice board with upcoming events, topics, and dates to remember. Staff will be on hand first thing and at the end of the day to talk to parents regarding the children during the session. Parents will be provided with the setting phone number so they can call the manager at any time to see how the child is getting on. We have strong relationships with teachers and headteacher so talk through any issues we have and ask if there is anything we need to put into place.

When the children first start, you will be introduced to the staff and manager, who parents can talk to regarding any issues. All staff are responsible for the safety and wellbeing for the children whilst in our care. Each member of staff is DBS checked and holds a first-aid certificate, which is updated every three years with refresher training in between. If a child presents with a need, we will endeavour to train staff to be able to assist them if necessary, e.g. EpiPen user, a child with diabetes or epilepsy. We ensure that if we need to give the medication the dosage is recorded and dated in our medication book. All medications are kept in a locked cupboard on a high shelf and are labelled accordingly. All policies and procedures are always available to view. If a child has a medical need that could be life-threatening or may need extra help from a professional, we will place all the information in an easily accessible place so we can call for assistance quickly.

The manager is trained to NVQ3 or equivalent, All staff attend regular training in various areas, during the year. The SENCo has attended induction and advanced SENCo training, the SENCo also attends termly SENCo support groups to keep up to date with current training and advice for when supporting children who have SEND. All staff have attended behavioural training and attend specific training with a child in mind as is necessary. All staff hold a current First aid certificate. We liaise closely with Portage, Children's services, Inclusion Setting support officer, Specialist advisor Teacher, OT, SALT and Educational Psychologist, Community Nurses, and any other outside agencies we feel will be supportive. If your child needs any other support, we can liaise with whoever it is necessary to support them during their time with us. If English is not your first language, we can contact EMTAS (Ethnic Minorities and Travellers Achievement Service). They can translate, and/or communicate information as appropriate. With one child recently we asked the parents to write down some key phrases and the staff made visual boards for the children.

The owner/manager- SENCo is currently undertaking the ‘Early Years SENCo Award ‘training to obtain an ‘NCFE Cache Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinator in Early Years.

The SENCo has been trained to complete behavioural plans, make referrals. The SENCo is there to help support the keyworkers to also understand and complete relevant forms. All staff are given the training to help with their understanding of promoting positive behaviour and using calming and self-regulation techniques.

If a child has a severe medical condition, we engage with the Community Nurse or Doctor to request training and support on how to use specific equipment and or administer medication.

We will also be happy to receive training from the parents who would have a better understanding of their child.

All children will be encouraged to participate in outside activities regardless of their abilities. A risk assessment would be put into place for all members of staff to adhere to. We would ask for parents to participate or ask for other members of staff to come in and help with any planned activities. We would ensure that appropriate equipment would be taken on the trip, including the child’s seating, visual resources, medical equipment. If a child requires small group activities, then the keyworker would risk assess and plan a smaller group trip, with another member of staff or two so that none of the children miss out

The setting is wheelchair friendly and it does have a designated disable car spot by the building. The car park has a path that leads straight to the building again wheelchair accessible. The building is on one level and we have access to toilets.

Parents are advised to visit the setting and meet the manager and staff before starting. Depending on the nature of your child’s needs depends on whether your child would require more visiting sessions. 

If a child has a medical need the child will only be allowed to join once training has been received and all parties are happy that we are competent in training and the care of the child.

Resources are matched to children depending if we have the resources or not. We may need to provide or hire specialist equipment, create visual cues, adapt rooms to ensure safe movability around the setting. We may need to have to provide one to one care for your child to enable them to participate and access the full curriculum to reach their full potential.

The decision will be made based on the environment, resources, funding, staffing, parents, training, and finances. If the environment cannot be adapted to suit your child’s needs because the specialist equipment is too big to fit in and around the other children. It maybe we cannot find another staff member to provide one to one support. We might not be able to have funding to provide the resources we need to help support your child.

As parents, you may feel that our environment and skills are not enough to look after your child. If funding is declined, we may not be able to provide extra staff to support your child. Lack of specialist training sometimes it may be impractical for staff to receive the required training. It may be due to cost, circumstances or finding staff to do the training.

However, we will endeavour to include your child and we have the full support from Hampshire’s ‘Services for Young Children’ team to do so and the school. 

We welcome parents to be involved in the setting. We have asked for parent volunteers to help in school trips if we need extra support within the setting. If we need resources, we ask parents if they can provide any. Any parties we may hold we ask the parents if they can help support. By providing parental surveys we can hear your voices about how you feel about the setting.

We have an open-door policy for parents to chat with us during pick up and drop off times. If you require a longer discussion, then we are happy to make an appointment at another time during the day or week or you make an appointment with Michelle (owner/manager) at the nursery.