St Andrew's School

Early Years staff work closely with the Learning Skills department to make early identification for children that are needing extra support. We recognise that early intervention, assessment and provision are essential for any child with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, and through an individual play plan we can support and carefully monitor progress with parental input. At an additional cost, the school has access to a Speech and Language Teacher, Occupational Therapist and Educational Psychologist.

We will invite parents in to discuss as soon as an area of need has been identified. We will discuss what the school can reasonably provide and gain parental support in moving forward with a differentiated program or further assessment. If a pupil requires support beyond normal classroom differentiation, an individual plan will be constructed by both home and school with measurable targets and dates agreed for review. If a higher level of adult support is needed long term, this will be at additional cost.

Children in Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Their progress is recorded in individual learning journeys. We believe young children learn best when they are actively engaged in their play and we can flexibly tailor our provision to meet the needs of the child to ensure they are achieving their milestones. The year in Nursery focuses on the three core areas of Personal Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development. In Reception there is an equal balance with the four prime specific learning areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Art and Design.

For children with additional needs, the class teacher will plan a specific program alongside the SENCO relevant to the child's stage of development which is adapted when new information is acquired or progress has been made. Professional opinions are sought and advice followed.

We have small class sizes which enable all children to receive some individual support within the day. There are Teaching Assistants working in Early Years who provide limited 1:1 support for short periods of time. The school SENCO oversees the Individual Play Plan and liaise with teachers; However if extended adult support is required for a child to attend our setting and access our provision above the reasonable adjustment, there is an additional cost to parents for 1:1 TA support.

This is done both formally and informally at regular intervals. There is a regular dialogue between the SENCO, class teacher, parent and pupil to enable the child to make best progress and access the full curriculum.

When going out on school trips the pupil to adult ratio is always adhered to and a full risk assessment is carried out. If appropriate the parent may be asked to join the trip.

Most of the Pre-prep department is accessible with ramps and wide exits for rooms. Although the Early Years toilet facilities are large enough for changing, there are no showering facilities in the Pre-prep building. The Prep school is a listed Victorian building and there are many stairs up to classrooms. Alterations will be not possible in this building and access is very limited to children with mobility issues.

The handover between teachers at the end and beginning of a school year is always planned for. There is a transition programme in place to enable all parties to become familiar with new procedures. If a child moves to us from another setting, then we ask for a report to be sent which could be followed up by staff having a telephone conversation to get further information. The SENCO plans for future support and will continue to be involved in supporting the child throughout their time at St Andrew's.

For pupils on the SEND register, staff continually review the pupil's progress and targets with parents who are consulted with before any changes are made.

Further details can be found on our school website: www.standrewspangbourne.co.uk Contact the school Registrar Carolyn Reeves: registrar@standrewspangbourne.co.uk The Early Years SENCO is Mrs Tanya le Roux: LEROUXT@standrewspangbourne.co.uk

St Andrew's pride itself on good communication with parents, and staff will always be the first port of call for any questions, compliments or complaints. If parents do have a complaint they can expect it to be treated seriously by the school in accordance with a set procedure: Stage 1: informal resolution Stage 2: formal resolution Stage 3: panel hearing