Frequently Asked Questions

How does Amber know if a child needs extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
We comply with the new SEND Code of Practice 2014. We regularly observe, assess and monitor individual needs, progress and development. This informs our planning and curriculum provision. Your child will be invited to attend a taster session and we can talk to you about any of your concerns.

How will the staff support my child?
We will support your child through small groups and high staff/child ratios. We have Key Workers, plus an INCO/SENCO for extra support whenever needed.

How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?
We follow your child’s interests, allowing us to plan according to these interests. We will use, where appropriate, an Individual Plan and a Development Progress System.  We have a Learning Journal for each child, and use Observation, Planning and Assessment processes.

How will both you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?
We have regular and productive contact with parents/carers via face to face; discussion with key worker; email; telephone; and newsletters.  We regularly monitor children's development, and document key aspects using an online portal to which you have access and are able to comment.  This also helps to provide the basis for parent consultations throughout the year. At these consultations we can speak about support at home/next steps etc. 

What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?
Amber Pre-school has policies and procedures in place to ensure every child’s absolute safety here at the setting. There is a key worker system.  There is individual support for children’s social/emotional needs and if required there are strong links with outside agencies to provide additional support.

What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the setting?
We have strong links with the Inclusion Support from the Early Childhood Service Team, who provide us with additional support if required.

What training are the staff supporting children with SEND had or having?
Staff attend (ongoing) training in SENCO, INCO, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE, AND PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR.  All staff are trained in tackling behavioural issues through the Promoting Positive Behaviour approach. All staff are First Aiders and are professionally qualified from level 3 up to level 5.

How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?
Your child will be included in all activities. We visit local farms, soft play areas, etc.  These are accessible to all children. We have an annual Dad's Saturday to include working parents/grandparents/carers to come along to our Forest School and explore the surroundings and have fun.

How accessible is the setting?
We have a ramp at the back of the setting and out into the garden area. We have an accessible toilet. Visual boards are around the setting as visual support.

How will the setting support my child to transfer to the next stage of education and life?
Amber will offer an initial visit, plus taster sessions for your child. You will meet your child’s key worker. You can make as many visits to the setting as required. When going to school, your child will make visits to their new school, meet their new teacher, and have the new teacher visit them at Amber. These will be arranged by Amber and the school together.

How are the setting’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?
We carefully assess, monitor and review each individual’s needs. Resources are then allocated so that all children can have full access to the equipment and setting’s areas of learning.

How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?
The decision is made through ongoing detailed assessments. Individual Plans will be monitored and regularly reviewed with parents and key worker. We issue questionnaires to families to receive feedback on how we can improve our services. 

How are parents involved in the setting? How can I be involved?
Parents/carers can email or phone us directly. Parents/carers are also encouraged to have ongoing dialogue with their child’s key worker. We hold regular parent/carer consultations. We have ‘stay and play’ sessions. There is also a monthly newsletter for parents/carers as well as a regularly updated website and Facebook page. Our Committee organise events for which we encourage parents to get involved.

Who can I contact for further inform?
Julie Ward is the first contact at the setting being Manager and SEN Coordinator.
The Family Information Service (FIS) 01243777807.