LOCAL OFFER

The Local Offer has been introduced to make sure families and carers can easily find out what information and services are available, in their local area, for children and young people who have special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. These public services could cover education, health, or social care.

Moorfield Pre School, a home from home, where children come to learn and achieve through play in an environment that is filled with learning and laughter, along with being caring, nurturing and fun. Where every child is unique and are offered a wealth of opportunities and experiences. We value each and every child, every one of them is unique, having their own special quality that makes Moorfield Pre School what it is, a happy, friendly and fun place to be. ‘Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together makes this world a beautiful garden’ We pride ourselves in our inclusive practice.

We believe that all children should have an opportunity to attend a setting within their own community; because of this inclusion is our ultimate goal, providing this is right for the child and other children attending the setting. We offer all children, regardless of their individual needs and abilities equal opportunities to become involved in a range of activities and learning experiences across the whole EYFS curriculum. All activities and resources are age and ability appropriate. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families.

The SENDCo for our setting is Mrs Rachel Severn, she has a broad knowledge of working with children with Special Educational Needs. Members of staff also have a personal experience of children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities. All members of staff are qualified to Level 3 above. The SENDCo and her Deputy Mrs Lyons-Finch have attended SENDCo training, continually updating their CPD, and they keep up to date with new legislation and updated information. We always source relevant and current training should this be necessary, relating to a specific need or disability.

We have an excellent staff to child ratio. We have a good wealth of experience in working with children who have cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hearing deficit, autism, downs syndrome, allergies, speech delay, physical disabilities, behaviour managements and other medical conditions. We are a communication friendly setting, with Mrs Lyons-Finch qualified in Levels 1 and 2 Makaton.

We have worked with the following agencies: • Portage • Speech and Language • Educational Psychologist • Sensory Support Service • Behaviour Support Service • Occupational Therapy • Physiotherapy • Primary Inclusion Team • Other settings • C.D.U., Tree House, Stepping Hill Hospital • Dieticians • Health Visitors • School Nurse • Startwell Team • Stockport SEND Advisors • We also have a good knowledge of Makaton

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION: Parent’s notify us on application if their child has any additional needs, prior to sessions being allocated a discussion will be held with parents/carers/other agencies to discuss the child’s needs and a decision will be made if Moorfield Pre School is the best environment for the child. Once sessions are allocated a Key Person will be nominated for the child and they will liaise with parents/carers and other agencies involved in the child’s care and development to ensure that all their needs are met to enable a positive transition to Pre School.

During the time leading up to the child starting with us the Key Person will endeavour to make home visits and to facilitate extra visits to the setting to enable a bond to be built between them. At Moorfield Pre School we acknowledge parents know their child best and the importance of working together to recognise, build on and celebrate children’s strengths along with supporting their needs and building on their development through their interests. We will also liaise with other settings should your child already attend an early year’s provision.

ATTENDANCE: During their time at Pre School each child has a key person, this is the main contact for parents/carers. Your Key Person will let you know each day what your child has been doing and information relating to your child’s wellbeing, e.g., toileting, food, drink etc., this will be added to your child’s on-line learning journey, you always have access to this through your app. We will also send text messages or make phone calls to you to reassure you your child is happy and settled. Meetings and reviews are held half-termly, at which time Early Year Support Plans are updated and discussed. We also put in place an Early Years Provision Map.

We also have experience of completing referrals to various agencies, Child Development Unit, SEND Consultants and completing E.H.C.P’s. We will provide parents and carers with advice, strategies, and targets, along with support and a listening ear when they need help and guidance. We will complete any specialist programmes that are given to us, e.g., Speech and Language. These programmes are carried out, where possible in small groups to enable inclusiveness and positive relationships with peers. We will include all equipment necessary to your child to access all areas, in the past this has included, seats, benches, specialist chairs, standing frames, walkers etc. We also ensure our room is freely accessible and make changes to the layout to accommodate every child.

Should a child be identified with special education needs once they have started Pre School discussions will initially take place with parents/carers and a plan of action will be put into place. With parental permission we will refer a child in the first instance to our SEND consultant who will visit the setting and carry out an observation of the child. This observation will then enable us to provide the correct level of support and to involve other agencies if this advice is given. An Early Years Support Plan will also be put into place. Once reports have been received, we will then work with all agencies to ensure all programmes, support and targets are set and agreed.

TRANSITION: At Moorfield Pre School we have excellent links with other settings. We support parents/carers in visiting other settings, to offer advice and to help with the transition process to the best of our ability. We hold transition meetings at Pre School where all agencies involved are invited, along with the SENDCo and Teacher from your child’s proposed new school. Early Years Support Plans will be passed onto receiving settings upon transition. The key person will visit and liaise with the child’s new setting to pass on all relevant information, and they will, along with the child make a Passport to pass on which is ‘All About Me’. They will also make a Passport for the child to have over the summer holidays showing photographs of their new setting, classroom, teachers, assistants etc.

If you would like any information, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Severn or Mrs Lyons-Finch who will be more than happy to help you. Also please call to book a visit to meet us and see the setting.