SEND Local Offer

How do we at Diggers know if a child needs extra support?

At Diggers each child has a Key person who is responsible for working with the child and parents to ensure that a child’s needs are met. As part of this process the keyperson will look at information gathered when a child first joins Diggers to assess if there is any additional support required. In addition at our school we make regular observations, so that we can plan for individual needs. Our policies ensure that we take into account each child’s race, culture, religion, language and family needs. Should a keyperson have any concerns then the child’s parents will be contacted immediately. A key person will always respect confidentiality.

How will Diggers staff support your child?

In addition to each child’s key person, we have a designated SENCO member of staff. We also have policies in place to ensure equality is prevalent throughout the school. Our SENCO works with parents and colleagues plus has access to WSCC Inclusion Service. It is a core part of our ethos and values to ensure that each child receives equal opportunities whilst in our care.

How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?

At Diggers we spend a large amount of time planning for each child. This is in addition to undertaking their two-year check and preparing them for school and indeed life. Each term we produce an individual learning plan for every child in attendance at the nursery. We also carry out observations on each child which record progress and achievements plus aims and next steps. These observations are available to every parent, who has an opportunity to comment on the information and evidence that we have provided to them.

How will Diggers and parents know how a child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?

At Diggers we produce a progress report for every child each term. This acts as a good opportunity to discuss with parents a child’s progress and any issues there may be, plus talk through next steps. Every day that a child attends Diggers is an opportunity for staff and parents to chat and share information not only about the child’s time whilst in our care but also out of school too. We always speak to a parent at collection time to provide them with information regarding their child’s time with us during the course of that day and in addition we use the home link book.

What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?

We offer a wide range of support for each child at Diggers. Whether it be for the administration of medicine or safeguarding, we have policies in place to ensure a child’s well-being. These policies are implemented by staff who are trained, experienced and DBS checked.

What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the early years setting.
We have a member of staff who is our designated SENCO. The member of staff is experienced and trained. We also receive support from West Sussex County Council.

What training do we undertake?

We undertake our training via West Sussex County Council and monitor our requirements on a termly basis. In addition, we use approved Forest School training providers and on-line learning platforms. The Diggers Management Team evaluate what our training requirements are on an annual basis and then schedule them on a matrix. In addition, the staff meet regularly to hold training workshops.

How will my child be included in activities outside of the early years settings including trips?

There is no need to exclude any child attending Diggers from any activity or outing that takes place at the school, although due to the rural nature of our setting wheelchair access may be challenging for certain outings. We carefully plan each outing to make sure that not only are the children safe, but also to ensure that they will receive the maximum benefit from what is taking place. We make the very best use of what nature has to offer us here in South Harting,

How accessible is our school?

We have made every effort to ensure that our school and the outdoor areas that we use are accessible to as many children as possible. The main school building itself has a ramp for wheelchair access and a newly refurbished disabled toilet. Subject to weather and location, many of our outdoor activities and outings are also accessible for wheelchair users.

How will Diggers prepare and support a child when they join another setting or go to school?

At Diggers we place great importance on preparing children for school and indeed life. As an Ofsted registered Setting we are required to provide a school leaver’s report, which they take with them to school. In addition to this we will provide an additional nursery or preschool with any information that they may request should a child leave Diggers or indeed split their time between two settings.

How are our resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?

The school team discuss any special needs that a child within our setting my have. We then work together to ensure that the child has the best possible experience within our setting. In addition, we work closely and communicate regularly with parents and also extended professionals who may be involved. At Diggers we take great pride in providing a stable platform for all children to have the best possible start in life.

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

As referred to in the previous paragraph at Diggers we work closely as a team to establish what is required for a particular child and then decide on how it should best be delivered. Again, when decisions are made we will refer closely to advice and comments made to us by both parents and external professional staff.

How Does the setting support improve physical and mental health outcomes?

At Diggers we support positive physical and mental health outcomes through our Forest School sessions based around the six principles of the Forest School ethos as agreed and promoted by the Forest School Association. This ethos allows children to never fail whilst becoming confident in their natural surroundings.

How are parents involved in the school?

Parents are encouraged to be involved in many ways, on a regular basis. For example, parents have visited to speak about their work or taken part in events such as World Book Day and the Graduation Ceremony. Parents have in the past provided resources for the children and have the opportunity to complete a parent questionnaire once a year. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about what they have done when they return home.

How do we seek the views of our customers?

At Diggers we seek the views of parents each time their child attends by affording them the opportunity to write comments in the link book we share. In addition, we send out a parent/carer questionnaire on an annual basis. Parents are encouraged to talk to any member of staff at any time, should they feel the need.

How do we communicate with parent carers?

At Diggers we communicate with parent carers from the moment we conduct a viewing, then through the application process and especially during the settling-in period by way of obtaining information on a child’s needs. For example, making use of the All About Me, Starting Point and registration forms.

Do we offer parent training or learning events?

At Diggers we offer training by way of specifically tailored plans where needed for a child. These plans are agreed with parents and support is given where necessary. We plan to hold Forest School Training events for parents in the future.

Who can I contact for further information?

For further information please contact Alex Levitt using your preferred method of communication from the details provided within the “Contact us” page of our website or call 01730 826711