Dream Childcare – Local Offer

1. How does the setting know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs​?

All Children who attend our setting are observed on a daily basis and observations written in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We do regular next steps sheets to help your child reach full potential as well as the two year check.

As well as talking at drop of/collection times and through our daily connect interactive app.

We also hold a parent’s eve twice a year, so we have opportunity to discuss progress and give your ideas on things you can perhaps do at home to help their development.

When a child first starts with us we will ask you for a bit of information about your child’s routine, likes/dislikes etc. and then assess them to see where they are already at in the different learning areas and keep records in their individual learning journals to work from.

2. How will the setting staff support my child?

We work closely together planning daily activities according to the individual needs/interests of the children, asking them what they enjoy and using that in our planning.

We have weekly learning theme so always learning about new things and trying new activities as well as interacting with them as much as possible and consistently evaluating the provision.

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

We use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as a guide for development and use this to plan our daily activities making activities differ to suit individual needs and ages, we use your child’s own interests to encourage group and 1-1 participation.

We also do a lot of educational outings and explore all types of environments to engage their curiosity from beaches to forests, parks to farms.

4. How will both you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?

You will be kept informed daily through discussions at drop off/collection and our daily connect app which you can access throughout the day to see what your child has been doing.

We also have an open door policy so that any questions you may have you can call/email any time any day. We also hold our twice a year parent evening to discuss your child’s development and their achievements and anything us or yourself think they need help with.

We are very keen for your child to learn at home as well and all our resources are available to take home for 2-3 days at a time, as well as access to local toy libraries and other resources we sometimes borrow.

If a child is not making progress, we have access to support from other childcare professionals and local children and family centres. Any concerns would we initially discussed with yourself before seeking any help.

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

We are qualified and experienced child care providers with over 20 years childcare experience and a Majority of the team with  NVQ  3 Qualifications and paediatric first aid trained.

We have all the relevant policies (administration of medicine, safeguarding, behaviour management) (SEE POLICYS) are all reviewed annually to keep in line with current legislation.

Your child’s overall well-being is of paramount importance to us, we are responsible for their security and safety both in and out of the setting.

We have red sun hats which all children wear when out of the setting with dream childcare on as well as wristbands on each child with our contact details on and emergency numbers should anything happen to one of us.

6. What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the setting?

We have personally between us worked with many childcare professionals for different children over the years, health worker, speech therapist, Hearing impairment Team, should any new matters arise that would require a specialist we would contact our local special educational needs co-ordinator or other childcare professionals to get the right contacts

7. What training are the staff supporting children with SEND had or are having?

As well as attending SENCO network meetings

We are booked on to serval courses this year to broaden our knowledge such as Makaton. sensory play, equality and diversity, children who have English as a second language

8. How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom?

As a any trips /o Home based Nursery when planning outings we plan, take into account the individual needs of the children. Parents/carers will be consulted before any trips are undertaken to ensure they are happy for their child to go on the outing. The individual needs of the children will be catered for as much as possible and equipment adapted where possible so that all children are included.

We will always make sure places we visit are suitable and have access to toilets and always carry drinks/first aid kits sun cream, emergency contacts with us.

9. How accessible is the setting environment?

We work from a 2 bedroom cottage and a wooden lodge within my  within my property geounds both have own kitchen and toilet with heating and hot water. We are situated within a 3 miles of other Nurserys and, leisure centre and primary school. With plenty of parking on drivewayAs well as a large secluded garden, Children in a temporary wheelchair could be accommodated via a portable ramp

10. How will the setting prepare and support my child to join the setting and transfer to a new setting / school or the next stage of education and life?

We work very closely with Yourself to settle your child into our setting, we have a settling in policy which allows you 2 free 2 hour sessions to get your child used to us on a shorter time frame before their official start date. This gives your child the opportunity to become familiar with ourselves and other children in our care and to feel comfortable and confident in their new surroundings.

However no one knows your child better than you so we are happy to go with whatever you think would be best to settle your child.

When a child leaves us to go to another setting/School their learning journal will go with them, so new childcares/teachers can see how they are developing. We also start to talk to the child about the new setting/school and any differences there may be, and read stories about going to school.

11. How are the setting’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?

We can provide spaces for Government Funded early year’s educational places for 2 year olds and all 3 and 4 year olds. If your child has a Special Educational need we will get equipment and  resources ready when your child starts as discussed with yourself and any early years specialist  team they may see .

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

We will discuss with parents/carers if any extra support is needed within the setting or at home. Our observations and assessments should determine any areas additional support may be needed

Additional Funding may be obtainable for children with special educational needs (SEN)

13. How are parents involved in the setting? How can I be involved?

We hand out questionnaires twice a year to reflect on our service, and as previously mentioned, there is an open doors policy and parents can discuss any issues, any time either on the phone or in person..

14. Who can I contact for further information?

We are always happy to have face-face discussions or over the phone about your child’s development and progress or any concerns you may have, whichever is more convenient for you.

Alternatively the family information service, children and family centres, or health visitor teams would all be able to provide you with advice and information.

The following links may also be of help.

For the 15hrs a week funding for 2,3,4 year olds

https://www.gov.uk/free-early-education

For the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage

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