Hermitage Pre-School Playgroup

Children who have existing support from external agencies will be identified by the relevant agencies and/or by the parents/carers; Once children have gone through the settling in period, the child's specific needs are assessed by observation and tracking. The results of this are then discussed with all members of staff and if additional needs or SEND are identified, these are discussed with the parents/carers and SEND strategies are put in place

If a SEND or additional needs are identified, we partner with parents and other agencies to meet individual children's needs. We work together to create and review Support and Achievement Play Plans (SAPPS).

The following assessment and depending upon the needs of the child we can an individual child's need and ability, For example, providing a visual timetable if they are struggling with communication, or 1-1 support during transition times

Each day follows the same pattern so children become accustomed to the flow of the session We prepare children for any changes to this accordingly. We often use one to one strategies, or very small groups, to enable a quieter environment for children to focus and concentrate.  For instance, we might use *Visual timetable *Simple instructions *Using gestures where necessary The majority of the time at Hermitage Pre-school is dedicated to free choice and independent learning Staff aim to develop children's abilities and understanding through creative play. We encourage children to learn and develop at their own pace whilst ensuring that observation and monitoring are carried out and any gaps are addressed.

We have regard for the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2014 We ensure that our provision is inclusive to all children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities. We support parents and children with Special Educational Needs We monitor and review our policy, practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments.

Early years support and achievement play plans are written (SAPP) for each child with additional needs or SEND. This will be written with parental input to achieve appropriate goals to work on both at home and Pre-school. We must work together and communicate to ensure the best outcome. Every child has a Learning Journey which is compiled by the child's keyworker. Parents are encouraged to contribute to their child's Learning Journey. Key workers carry out regular observations of each child which will be shared with parents/carers. In addition to this, we carry out formative and summative assessments and hold a Parents Evening each year, therefore ensuring parents/carers are involved in the monitoring of their child's progress.

Activities will be adapted and changed accordingly. If a particular activity poses a challenge for any child we will consult with parents and carers on the best way to include them. For trips out we will work with the family to ensure that the child can take part, whether it be with extra staff support and/or parents and carers coming along.

The newly constructed village hall is on one level with gentle ramps leading to the entrance. The hall is a large open space which allows for easy manoeuvring There is a disabled toilet and can provide toilet seats, steps and nappy changing as necessary. The garden is easily accessible, a mixture of hard standing and grass.

Whilst the children are at Pre-school, those preparing for school attend School Ready Club, this is an extension of the morning session formulated around preparing children for school We have close links to our local primary school whom we have consulted in order to ensure the skills taught are relevant for those commencing Primary Education.  Once we know which school or setting your child will be attending we offer visits for the staff to visit your child at Pre-school, we offer verbal and/or written advice to the new setting to the new setting regarding the education and care of your child.  We will provide a written transition report which can be shared with the new setting as well as a copy of the child's learning journey

Our SEND policy is reviewed annually, before the review we welcome feedback from parents relating to their child's experience of the Pre-school, we respond to any negative comments addressing any issues raised The SAPP forms to encourage parent's involvement every step of the way. We operate an open-door policy staff are available at all times to discuss their child's development or any concerns they may have.

There are a variety of ways to contact us to register. You can make an enquiry via our website "http://www.hermitagepre-school.co.uk" email:hermitage.preschool@gmail.com" or contact us by telephone on 07444 421917. please ask for Mel Needham (Manager and SenCo

We welcome feedback of any kind and at any point to strive for continuous improvement. We have a complaints procedure in place and we  inform parents about this, and it is displayed on our Parent's noticeboard. Parents/carers can speak to any member of staff at any time, whether it be at drop-off/pick-up or a meeting arranged at a mutually convenient time and our committee are visible to all parents should they wish to speak to them also.