Information, support and services for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)

Local Offer

Bushy Tails Pre-School

Offering services to:
  • Children 0-5
Supporting people with:
  • Activities for children and young people
Carescheme type:
  • Pre-School Playgroup
Session times: Monday AM 8.30 - 11.30 LUNCH PM 12.15 - 3.15 Tuesday AM 8.30 - 11.30 LUNCH PM 12.15 - 3.15 Wednesday AM 8.30 - 11.30 LUNCH PM 12.15 - 3.15 Thursday AM 8.30 - 11.30 LUNCH PM 12.15 - 3.15 Friday AM 8.30 - 11.30 LUNCH PM 12.15 - 3.15 We are open term times only. We have limited spaces for lunchtimes.

Who to contact

Telephone
02392 253714 02392 253714
E-mail
bushytailspreschool@live.com
Notes

We have a new Facebook page:

Bushytails Preschool Waterlooville.

On here you can see some of the activities the children have taken part in.

Also there is a short video of our outside area and classrooms.

Where to go

Address
Springwood Avenue
Waterlooville
Hampshire
Postcode

PO7 8ED

View PO7 8ED on a map
Notes

At Bushytails we have a secure playground and safe classrooms. 

We have a lockable gate, with a door bell , so we can let you have access, but still keep the children safe.

We go outside every day, and we have a canopy over our decking to facilitate this. We also keep a stock of waterproofs and wellies, as well as spare clothes in case of accidents.

We pride ourselves on a fantastic preschool and have had whole families attending. We have had brothers, sisters, cousins , twins and then their children attending too! Some of our ex students have come back to train with us, working towards a childcare qualification.

Inclusion Information

Wheelchair access
Yes
Special Needs provision
Yes
Special Needs Experience
Epilepsy
Global Developmental Delay
Emotional needs
Learning difficulties
Loss or Bereavement
Language impairment
Physical impairment
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Renal failure
Asthma
Medical Needs
Challenging Behaviour
Social development impairment
Serious allergy / Anaphilaxis
Autistic Spectrum Disorder ASD
Cerebral Palsy
Severe dietary needs
Provision for special dietary needs
Yes
Can make special cultural provisions
Yes

Childcare Information

Vacancies

Immediate vacancies
Yes

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
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Facilities
Disabled Access
Arts & Crafts
Both indoor and outdoor activities
Construction toys
Climbing Frame
Books & Storytelling

School Pickups

Does not offer school pickups

Local Offer

Description

We access each child that attends Bushytails Preschool, to see what if any help is required.

With the parents being first port of call, knowing their child , they will be able to help us decide which sort of help is required.

We will do this as and when a child attends our group, after a period of time to make sure they are settled and feel comfortable.

Contact Name
Jenny Lambon
Contact Telephone
023 9225 3714
Contact Email
bushytailspreschool@live.com
Local Offer Age Bands
Early Years (0-4 years)
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?

Once our children have settled into preschool life, we start to observe the activities they enjoy. We will build on their interests , play and access them as they go. 

We use the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), to ascertain if a individual , child is at the expected level of development, if not then we are able to plan activities with this in mind, to help them progress.

If we have a concern, we will speak with the parents and or carers, and decide on a way forward. This may just be a few extra 1 - 1 activities, or if needed we can then escalate to outside agencies for advice and help.

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

As soon as the key person is allocated, a bond can begin. During their play, observations will be taken to chart the child’s progress. As close as possible to their 2nd birthday, we will complete a 2year old check. All staff are trained to monitor each child, and understand that every child is an individual and therefore progress at differing rates. Within Bushytails we work closely with outside agencies, and can call on these when we need extra input in a certain area, whether it involves Speech and Language Therapy,(SaLT), Portage, Specialist Advisory Teachers, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapist etc. If, after settling in, we believe that the child may benefit from extra support, the SENco (Special Educational Needs co-ordinator) will become involved. This in turn could lead to the ISSO (Inclusion Setting Support Officer) being contacted and linking up with outside agencies to assist the child, parents and staff to work together towards progression. Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) or behavioural plan will be drawn up with consultation of those involved. These will show what we want the child to achieve, how it will be achieved, and the outcome. These will be dated, have a review date and be signed by SENco and carers. All children are eligible for funding, from the term after their 3rd birthday. Some receive funding from age 2, depending on certain criteria. If necessary we are able to apply for extra funding if a child has particular needs.

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

Regular observations are taken by your child’s key person,as your child plays, which helps the staff to plan activities that they will enjoy being involved with. This will enable them to access the curriculum, to expand their learning, whilst still ensuring safety as they investigate and explore. Children are able to make choices as to which activity they would like to, therefore enabling them to concentrate to a higher degree.

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?

At Bushytails Preschool, we use a system called Tapestry. This is an online journal, on which we record your childs learning and play. This is interactive with parents and carers, and they are also able to upload photos and special times to share with us.We write up termly reviews,on Tapestry that show at which level your child is achieving, there is a space for parental input. We welcome suggestions from parents and carers and we have a rota in place if you wish to “stay and play” with your child. We send home regular Newsletters, and have a Notice Board outside the front door, with up - coming events, topics and dates to remember. For the older members of our group, we have some “reading” bags with activities to take part in at home. This has proved really popular,and builds a strong link between school life and home life. The younger children can take home a special animal “friend”, and look after them for a night. There is a book to write what they have been up to during their time at home.

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

All staff are responsible for the safety and wellbeing for the children whilst in our care. Each member of staff are DBS checked and holds a 1st aid certificate, which is up dated regularly. If a child presents with a particular need, we will endeavour to train staff to be able to assist them if necessary; eg Epipen user ,a child with diabetes or Epilepsy. We ensure that if we need to give medication the dosage is recorded and dated in our medical book. All medications are kept in a locked cupboard on a high self, and are labelled accordingly. All policies and procedures are always available to view. If a child has a particular medical need that could be life threatening, or may need extra help from a professional, we will place all the information and a recent photo by the phone so we can call for assistance quickly.

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

At Bushytails all staff are trained to NVQ3 or equivalent, and all attend regular training in various areas, during the year. The SENco has attended induction and advanced SENco training, and staff are willing to train with a particular child in mind as is necessary. All staff hold a current 1st aid certificate. We liaise closely with Portage, Childrens services, ISSO, 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 are able to 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 are able to translate, and/or communicate information as appropriate. With one child recently we were able to borrow some books in his first language. Within the preschool, some of the children have started to learn a few basic signs in Makaton, which we use for all the children.

 

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

At Bushytails we are able to provide which ever support your child needs. All staff are trained NVQ L3, and if we do not have the required skills we can access many teams that will support us and your child during their time with us. We attend different courses throughout the year to enhance our practice, and will contact the ISSO as our first port of call, if we feel we need extra assistance, after of course obtaining parental consent. If your child already has a diagnosis, we will contact whoever is involved and arrange a meeting so we can all work together, so your child has consistency of care.

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

>Every child that attends Bushytails is able to take part in all activities we provide, even if we go outside or on a school trip. We will look closely at all, and will work with carers using their experience to assist us. All adult/child ratios are upheld as required by the Early Years Foundation Stage; 1 adult-2 children or if necessary 1-1 support.

How accessible is the setting/school/college enviroment?

Bushytails has pushchair/wheelchair accessibility. Our doors are extra wide and within the school we can access a disabled toilet/shower room. We have invested in new tables that are able to be raised up or down, and varying sizes of chair to suit additional needs. We are able to seek practical and specialist support depending on your child’s individual needs.

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?

Bushytails is based in a school, so a lot of our children carry on into this school. We have weekly visits for the older children into the Foundation stage, so they mix with children already attending and build a relationship with the teachers. For the children that go to other schools, we share information with the school teachers, or visits are made to see the children in group. Some have “taster “ visits during the term before they start. If your child requires extra support an IPA ( Inclusion Partnership Agreement ) will be set up with the feeder school, pre- school and parents to ensure a smooth transition. Your child’s learning journey may be shared to their new placement if you are in agreement.

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

Every child is entitled to funding from the term after their 3rd birthday. Some children receive funding, depending on certain criteria , from the age of 2. Please come into the Pre School to enquire if you are eligible. Bushytails can claim SEN funding if your child requires extra support. This can be spent on resources to enhance our provision, or to employ more staff to help your child realise their full potential. This will be decided through discussions, with you and all involved as to which would be more beneficial.

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

If your child has presented with some concerns, they will be observed and monitored. After liaising with carers we will collect as much information as possible and after parental permission we are able involve the ISSO (Inclusion Setting Support Officer.). After the initial assessment and depending on the findings, IEPs (Individual Education Plans),or Behavioural plans, will be written up. Usually these will be reviewed half termly, at all times your input is valued. Depending on these plans, we will decide together the best way forward for your child. All plans are regularly reviewed and monitored, within the guidance of the EYFS. You will be a part of all the processes that we feel will support your child at all levels. If your child already has a diagnosis, all agencies involved will hold a meeting to discuss how best to support you and your child during their time with us.

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

Bushytails Pre School is a committee run group, made up of parents and carers. We are always keen to involve parents/carers in all sorts of ways. We have a open door policy,which gives you a opportunity to come into group and experience what we have to offer, and time for you to “stay and play” with your child. Please feel free to come and talk to us if you wish to join the committee . WE are always pleased to welcome new members.. We welcome anyone if you think you have a particular skill that you could share with our group, from cooking, playing an instrument or speaking a different language than the majority of our children hear. Maybe to sit and read with a small group, the children love seeing different people in group whether they are Dads, Mums, Grandads, Nans or older brothers or sisters.

Offering services to:
  • Children 0-5
Supporting people with:
  • Activities for children and young people
Carescheme type:
  • Pre-School Playgroup

Actions

Save to shortlist

Last Updated: 28 February 2024

Go back to top