Local Offer

We are an inclusive setting and we aim to support all children to enable them to make the best possible progress and achieve well. To accomplish this aim we offer a broad and balanced curriculum with high quality provision.

 

We provide effective support for all children and families including those with additional needs.

We make sure that additional needs are identified early and offer a range of provision to meet individual needs.

 

We work with a range of professionals to make sure that all children receive the support they need to develop. Children and families are able to access equitable services and provision from our inclusive setting. We offer a high quality learning environment and resources to give children the very best start in life alongside a wide range of services and family activities.

 

The Family Services Team

 

We run a wide variety of activities in response to local needs. We receive referrals from Health Visitors and other professionals so we can visit families in the comfort of their own homes and offer them the support they need.

 

We provide targeted groups as well as more structured parenting groups and 1:1 work with some families. Our courses cover topics from birth including daily routines, managing relationships, why play is important, behaviour and practical solutions to everyday challenges. Courses include, Nurture Programme, Positive Relations – Parenting Course, and more. An important part of our service to signpost and support families to access more specialised services when appropriate.

 

Who are the best people to talk to at Avonmouth Children’s Centre if I am concerned about my child’s progress?

 

The first point of contact would be your child’s Key Person. You can also talk to April, the SENCO at the Centre. Please approach them at any time if you have any worries about your child.

 

How will the centre let me know if they have any concerns about my child’s development?

 

  • Regular meetings are available for every child. Parents/carers are invited to meet with their child’s Key Person to talk about their child, and this is an opportunity to share learning, interests, strengths and concerns.

  • The Key Person and/or the SENCO may also arrange additional meetings with parents/carers to discuss concerns that are identified.

  • Informal discussions can take place at any time to share information.

 

What are the different types of support and learning interventions available for children with SEND at the Centre?

 

Every child in the Centre is provided with:

  • High quality teaching and learning opportunities.

  • Learning opportunities where staff will have the highest possible expectations for every child.

  • Opportunities for learning that build on what a child already knows, their interests and what they can do and can understand.

  • Learning is differentiated to support a range of different learning styles.

  • An individualised approach and/or additional support if required for a child who is not making developmental progress alongside their peers.

  • Interventions through small group work and/or 1-1 working and may involve particular strategies depending on the child’s identified area of need.

 

Strategies may include:

  • Support for Speech Language and Communication Needs including, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Makaton, and Total Communication strategies.

  • Use of visual cues and multi- sensory strategies such as Visual Timetables and Objects of Reference, and specific interventions for developing speaking and listening skills .

  • Implementation of specific individualised Therapy Programmes e.g. Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy.

  • Identifying and supporting a child’s preferred learning style.

  • Adjustment of the environment as required.

  • Preparations for changes in routines.

  • Reducing complex language, especially when giving instructions to children.

  • Adapting materials and equipment .e.g. providing tactile equipment.

  • Physical difficulties support with mobility and independence skills – self-help skills and safe movement around the Centre.

 

What support do we have for you as a parent/carer of a child with a SEND?

 

  • Arrangements can be made at any time with your child’s Key Person to discuss any concerns.

  • The SENCO and Key Person are available to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress or any concerns/worries you may have.

  • The Key Person and /or SENCO will also arrange to meet with you to discuss any new ideas suggested by outside agencies for your child.

  • If you child is undergoing any further assessments you will also be supported by the SENCO to ensure that you fully understand the process.

Specific Individual support for your child would mean:

 

  • If your child has been supported through the systems as described above and has been identified as having a specific special educational need, they would have a Support Plan in place and their progress will be reviewed at least annually.

  • The whole team supporting your child will be invited to be part of this review.

  • At this review, you or the Centre can request an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

  • An EHCP is a statutory assessment process framework. It is a new way of providing support that puts children, young people and families at the centre of the assessment and planning process, to make sure that your views are not only heard but also understood. This new process focuses on what is important for children and young people, i.e. what they and you want to achieve now and in the future.

  • The EHCP will have long and short term goals for your child.

  • It will set out what support they need and how they will receive this support.

 

How does additional funding work?

 

  • The Children’s Centre receives funding for all children.

  • We can apply for more funding if a child requires an enhanced adult to child ratio. The SENCO will make this application using information and evidence from the team around the child and the child’s Support Plan.

  • The Early Years SEN Panel will decide the allocation of funding using the Bristol Universal Descriptors (BUDs).

  • If a child has needs that are significantly different to what is available to all children then a request for a statutory EHCP can be made. If a child receives a statutory EHCP then a personal budget is allocated, and parents have a say in how it is used. The budget must be used to fund the agreed plan.

 

How will we support you and your child when leaving the Centre.

 

We recognise that ‘moving on’ can be difficult for a child with SEND. We also recognise the anxieties for families and we take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible.

 

When your child is moving to another school:-

  • We will contact the new setting and arrange a Transfer/Review meeting.

  • A transition plan will be drawn up that will include visits, photos and information for the family.

  • Any special arrangements and support will be put in place for you and your child.

  • We will make sure that all records about your child are passed on as soon as possible to the receiving setting.