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Local Offer

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham

Carescheme type:
  • Day nursery

We are a privately owned Montessori school set in beautiful grounds of 18 acres consisting of woods, fields, and grassed area, offering education from 6mths - 5yrs throughout our school. We open from 8 am until 6 pm, 51 weeks of the year closing for a week at Easter, 2 weeks in August, and a week at Christmas. Children can attend for 51 weeks a year, in line with Hampshire's term-time dates. 

Who to contact

Contact Name
Poppy Jordan
Contact Position
Manager
Telephone
01329757943 01329757943
E-mail
wickham@kidslovenature.co.uk
Website
https://www.kidslovenature.co.uk/.../wickham
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Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham

Where to go

Name
Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham
Address
Park Place Pastoral Centre
Winchester Road
Wickham
Fareham
Hampshire
Postcode

PO17 5HA

View PO17 5HA on a map

Childcare Information

Funded Places

Offers 3 & 4 year old funded places
Yes
Offers 2 year old funded places
Yes

Opening Times & Facilities

Opening Times
Opening Times
DayOpening TimeClosing Time
Monday 08:00 18:00
Tuesday 08:00 18:00
Wednesday 08:00 18:00
Thursday 08:00 18:00
Friday 08:00 18:00

Local Offer

Description

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham provides an inclusive environment and uses differentiation so that all children can learn and develop at their own pace. We value each child’s unique strengths and challenge them to fulfil their learning potential through tailored activities. If a practitioner or parent identifies a barrier to a child's learning, we are guided by the graduated approach as detailed in the SEND Code of Practice 2015.

The first step will be a discussion between the parent and the Kindergarten's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). We work according to the Kids Love Nature Approach (www.kidslovenature.co.uk) and within the Early Years' Foundation Stage (https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage). We wish for all our children to be confident, have great language and communication skills, be emotionally secure, sociable, happy, and resilient, be willing to try new things and take risks, be caring and develop a love for learning. We do this through being child-centred in everything we do.

The sensorial and natural environment is designed so children can be independent and lead their own learning. The kindergarten has experience of working with a range of Special Educational Needs, including: Autism, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, sensory needs, attachment, and global developmental delay. Practitioners have experience with sing-a-long, and augmentative communication systems such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and with positive behaviour support.

For further information and to receive a copy of our full SEND Local Offer please contact the kindergarten: Wickham@kidslovenature.co.uk

Contact Name
Poppy Jordan
Contact Telephone
01329757943
Contact Email
wickham@kidslovenature.co.uk
How does the setting/school/college know if children/young people need extra help and what should I do if I think my child/young person may have special educational needs?

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham works with all children as unique individuals, and places a high priority on observational assessment. Staff complete development checks half termly, in which observations of children’s learning and development are assessed against the developmental guidance given in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

If a practitioner or parent identifies a concern about a child's learning, the first step will be to discuss their observations with the Kindergarten's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and they will work together to identify the child's strengths, achievements to date and to identify any specific support that may be necessary. The child’s key person will discuss their observations with the parent, with the support of the nursery manager or SENCO. If a parent has any questions about their child’s learning or development the first step is to request an appointment with their child’s key person.

When parents identify specific areas of need, practitioners respond to this by analysing the child’s observations and development checks and working in partnership with parents and other agencies. With further advice being sought by the parent and kindergarten from the Area Inclusion Coordinator (INCo), Speech and Language Therapy Service (SALT) or from the child’s G.P. or health visitor

How will early years setting/school/college staff support my child/young person?

The kindergarten SENCO will oversee the progress of a child with Special Educational Needs or a Disability, or any child who needs additional support. Children needing extra support will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in place. This is usually written by the kindergarten SENCO with input from the Key Person, Parent, any other agencies involved (such as Speech and Language), and from the child.

Each child’s Key Person is responsible for keeping their children’s Tapestry Learning Journal up to date: these contain observations of the child as well as assessments and planning for supporting learning and development.

Parent meetings are planned every six months and additional meetings are available on an ad hoc basis at any time (these can be requested by the parent or the kindergarten). The kindergarten manager ensures all children are being effectively supported by tracking their progress; and updates of children’s learning and development are discussed regularly in staff meetings and supervision (practitioner support) meetings.

How will the curriculum be matched to my child's/young person's needs?

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham works according to the Kids Love Nature Approach (www.kidslovenature.co.uk) and within the Early Years' Foundation Stage (https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage).

Each child is planned for on an individual basis, with child-initiated learning being at the heart of our approach. Practitioners are trained to observe children at work and play, and to plan their next steps based on these observations. Regular planning meetings are held at the kindergarten to ensure a joined up approach to planning. The Planning Board is a key tool in enabling us to follow each child’s individual interests, and next steps; these are recorded in their Tapestry learning journal.

At Kids Love Nature Kindergarten we offer children a wide range of experiences, including an engaging indoor classroom, daily cooking groups, nature sessions in our allotment, trips to the woodland, nature walks within our local area and our kindergarten garden along with yoga and relaxation activities for children.

How will both you and I know how my child/young person is doing and how will you help me to support my child's/young person's learning?

Parents are encouraged to contribute to their children’s journey by completing an 'All About Me' document when starting at the kindergarten. We also encourage parents to contribute to their child's learning up sharing and uploading moments on Famly App under their child's 'Journey' tab. This is available for parents to access at all times, through a personal login and password system online. We value regular meetings with parents, and these take place at least twice each year, and more regularly if requested by the parent or nursery. A private space is available in the kindergarten office for confidential meetings (please note that general bi-annual parent meetings take place in the classroom with three meetings take place at the same time – please ask in advance if you require a private meeting space).

Your child’s Key Person will carry out the Two Year Check somewhere between your child’s second and third birthday. When appropriate Individual Plans are written by the child’s Key Person in conjunction with Parents, the child and the kindergarten. These plans are child centred and can be written to cover all aspects of a child's development including supporting Social & Emotional well-being. These plans are reviewed with the parents by the SENCo and Key person half termly and next steps agreed or changes made to enhance effectiveness.

Kids Love Nature Parent Talks are held throughout the year, covering topics such as: Building a Positive Relationship with your Child, Bringing Home Learning to Life, Mindfulness and Relaxation for Children and The Kids Love Nature Approach to Early Years' Education. Home learning activity ideas are shared with the parents, through Famly App and our monthly parent’s newsletter. We also have home learning packs available for parents to take home with them located in our reception. 

What support will there be for my child's/young person's overall well being?

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham has a complete set of policies and procedures to ensure each child’s safety and well-being. These include an administration of medication policy, health and safety policies, safeguarding policies and promoting positive behaviour policies. The kindergarten has a healthy eating ethos, with home cooked, organic meals provided daily. Daily risk assessments ensure a safe environment for all, these are reviewed termly.

Emotional well-being is extremely important at Kids Love Nature. We ensure that we support all of our children to be able to form secure attachments. We do this through providing relaxation and mindfulness sessions, activities designed to promote emotional literacy and an ethos of positive communication. 

Safeguarding and Paediatric first aid training are regularly accessed by all staff. Children’s voices and views are reflected in the observations carried out by staff, and as they get older, we actively seek their input when planning for individual children and for the setting as a whole. When individual children require specialist medication or support we work closely with their family and health professionals to ensure all staff are fully trained and an accurate Health Care Plan is in place, these are reviewed regularly with input from parents.

What specialist services and expertise are avaliable at or accessed by the setting/school/college?

At Kids Love Nature Wickham we have a dedicated SENCo based at the kindergarten to offer a range of support for their children, families and team. In addition to this Wickham also has a Behaviour Coordinator who has extensive experience in working with children, families and practitioners in supporting challenging behaviour.

The kindergarten has experience of working with outside agencies including Speech and Language Therapy, the Area INCo, Advisory Teachers for Visual and Hearing Impairment, Portage, Occupational Therapists, GP's, Health Visitors and Pediatricians. Our SENCo has experience of working with a range of Special Educational Needs, including: Autism, cerebral palsy,  visual impairment, sensory needs, attachment, and global developmental delay. Practitioners have experience with sing-a-long, and augmentative communication systems such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and with positive behaviour support.

The natural and sensorial based environment of the Kindergarten is particularly beneficial to those with a sensory impairment. We have initiated Inclusion Partnership Agreements, and contributed to Statements of Special Educational Need. If we do not currently have links with a professional or agency who would be valuable in supporting your child, we will endeavour to make these links as soon as possible.

What training have the staff supporting children and young people with SEND had? Are any being trained currently?

Our Kindergarten SENCo has attended the SENCo Induction training, and has experience of working with a range of Special Educational Needs, including: Autism, cerebral palsy,  visual impairment, sensory needs, attachment, and global developmental delay. Our SENCo and Practitioners have experience with sing-a-long, and augmentative communication systems such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and with positive behaviour support.

In addition to this Wickham also has a Behaviour Coordinator who has extensive experience in working with children, families and practitioners in supporting challenging behaviour. 

The SENCo and practitioners have experience of working with outside agencies including Speech and Language Therapy, the Area INCo, Advisory Teachers for Visual and Hearing Impairment, Portage, Occupational Therapists, GP's, Health Visitors and Pediatricians. These outside agencies have provided personalised training to provide tailored care and support for children's individual needs.

All staff will be trained to support individual needs where appropriate. 

How will my child/young person be included in activities outside this classroom including school trips?

Risk assessments ensure all steps are taken to provide a safe and secure environment for children whether this in inside the kindergarten or outside.

Regular trips are taken to the kindergarten allotment and surrounding woodland. We endeavour to ensure such trips are accessible to all children (for example through the provision of additional members of staff). If the Kindergarten was concerned about accessibility, we would ask the parents to accompany the child, make alternative provision within the Kindergarten and seek external advice from Health Professionals involved. 

How accessible is the setting/school/college enviroment?

The indoor environment at Wickham are accessible via 4 steps that lead up to the kindergarten entrance, which is also accessed via 2 small steps. Once inside the kindergarten is laid out across two floors, which are accessed by a flight of stairs. On the lower floor of the kindergarten the garden is accessible via ramp, and the toilets are accessible with wheelchair access and adaptations.  

The outdoor environment involves uneven terrain (for example, gravel, bark chippings, grass, mud and an uneven woodland floor with tree roots etc). The kindergarten allotment and woodlands are accessed through a small gate.

Other than physical restrictions inherent to the building and environment, we are open to making whatever adaptations would be necessary (within reasonable financial constraints) to accommodate a child with additional needs. We are also able to provide dual language books, visual timetables and prompt cards and have experience of supporting children to be able to access these.

How will the setting/school/college prepare and support my child/young person to join the setting/school/college or the next stage of education and life?

When a child joins Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham, the practitioner will ask the parents to complete an ‘All About Me’ document for the child's Famly App. This would be discussed with the Child’s key person during their settling in sessions.

Pre-start settling in sessions are then arranged according to each child’s needs. During the settling in sessions we would get to know you and your child and begin to develop an understanding of their needs, likes and dislikes. We would ask you to complete any health care plans prior to your child starting with us to ensure that any necessary training can be undertaken.

When it is time for the child to transfer to school, we liaise with the school to ensure a smooth transition. Teachers are invited to come into the Kindergarten to meet the child and key person. The key person would also write a report about your child’s development and learning styles that would be shared with parents and the new school. We have experience of organising transition meetings with schools and support with completion of the Inclusion partnership agreement.

How are the setting's/school's/college's resources allocated and matched to children's/young people's special educational needs?

Our kindergarten classroom is set up with the appropriate resources for the age and stage of development of children aged 9 months to two years and two to five years. If a child needed additional resources we would ensure these resources were in the room for them to access freely, in keeping with our child-led approach.

In the past we have been able to access additional funding for children with Special Educational Needs or with a Disability, although this additional funding cannot be guaranteed. We endeavour to ensure that all children’s needs are met to the best of our ability with the funds available.

How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child/young person will receive?

Your child’s key person, SENCo, Area InCo, parents and any other outside agencies will work together to discuss the support that is appropriate for your child’s individual needs. Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham monitors the effectiveness of the support we have provided in terms of how it is supporting each child’s progress. We have regular meetings with parents to discuss their progress.

It may be appropriate for the kindergarten to withdraw additional support if we believe that your child has made significant progress and is no longer in need of this additional support.

How are parents involved in the setting/school/college? How can I be involved?

At Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Wickham we actively involve parents to work in partnership with us in supporting children’s learning and development. We encourage parents to share and post their Child’s experiences outside of Kindergarten onto their Famly App under their 'Journey'.

We invite parents to attend our social events twice each year (summer and Christmas). Individual parent meetings and group talks are held regularly. Parents with skills to share with the children are welcome to come into the Kindergarten, for show and tell.

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten Parent Talks are held regularly throughout the year, covering topics such as: Building a Positive Relationship with your Child, Bringing Home Learning to Life, Mindfulness and Relaxation for Children and The Kids Love Nature Approach to Early Years Education.

Carescheme type:
  • Day nursery

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Last Updated: 01 March 2024

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