How does the nursery know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
When your child starts at nursery, we will work together with you to assess the best needs for your child. After six weeks of being at nursery we will carry out an initial assessment which will give us an overall picture of your child’s development.
If there are any areas highlighted, we will discuss this with you at a parent consultation. With your permission we may involve outside agencies to help us observe, assess and plan the best way forward. We will take on board any advice given.
Once at nursery children are observed and assessed continually through their play. Some children may have individual plans or a one-page profile to support their development.
If you feel your child has special educational needs or have any concerns, you can speak to your child’s key person or the SENCO at any time and we will carry out observations in line with the EYFS. We refer to outside agencies where appropriate.
How will the team support my child at nursery?
Your child’s key person will support your child at nursery while considering their individual needs. We encourage parents to be involved in children’s learning too.
Activities and opportunities are adapted to meet individual children’s needs. Children may have an Individual Support Plan in place.
The team follow a graduated approach to children’s needs. Children are assessed, individual plans are put in place and once these have been carried out they are reviewed. This review takes place with parents and, if necessary, outside agencies.
How will the Early Years Foundation Stage meet my child’s individual needs?
All planning carried out is based on children’s next steps. These next steps are individual to each child.
If a child needs extra support this is provided in line with the EYFS framework. Observations and summative assessments are carried out to assess where development lies and what activities and opportunities are needed to move this forward.
How will I receive support regarding my child’s development and how will we work in partnership?
Parent partnership is very important to us at nursery. We encourage sharing information between key staff and parents on a regular basis and we operate an open-door policy to support this.
We aim to assist in creating strategies for next steps both at home and at nursery.
Learning journeys are maintained and parents are encouraged to contribute with events and experiences from home. Formal parents’ evenings are held at least once a year to enable a detailed update to be given.
Once a target on an Individual Support Plan has been achieved, we will also meet with you to discuss next steps.
What support will there be for my child’s overall wellbeing?
Each child has a key person at nursery who is primarily responsible for their learning and wellbeing throughout their time at nursery.
Prescribed medication will be administered by trained staff with parental consent and this will be recorded appropriately.
Our nursery policy is one of inclusion and provision is made for all children to take part in all activities and events. The nursery provides a nurturing environment where children’s wellbeing is supported by all members of the team.
What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the nursery?
All members of the team are highly experienced and the majority of staff are qualified to NVQ Level 3 or above, or are working towards this qualification. All staff hold paediatric first aid and safeguarding training.
Additional training is also accessed throughout the year, including behaviour management, attachment and food safety.
Specialist services such as health visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy are accessed when required.
What training have the staff supporting children with SEND had, or are having?
A fully trained SENCO is employed who attends regular updates and network meetings.
Staff are trained by the SENCO and nursery management regarding SEND through good practice, staff meetings and supervision sessions.
How will my child be included with activities that may happen outside of the nursery environment?
All children can take part in activities and trips with the appropriate adult-to-child ratios adopted where required.
Parents can be involved when planning outings and are often invited to attend.
How accessible is the nursery?
The nursery provides an inclusive environment with dedicated toilet and changing facilities.
We welcome many families where English is not the first language and aim to engage with children’s home languages and cultures wherever possible.
Funds are also set aside to provide resources to support special educational needs.
How will you prepare and support my child to join the nursery, transfer to school or the next stage of education and life?
A final summative assessment is prepared for each child before they transition to school.
Where a school has children attending who have SEN they are also sent a report from the key person and SENCO along with copies of the most recent Individual Support Plans.
Key people will often visit local schools with children and the nursery will also be involved in transition visits and meetings with outside agencies and the school where possible. This helps the school build a full picture of the child’s development and wellbeing.
Lots of personal, social and emotional activities are carried out in preparation for school and we may turn the role play area into a school environment with uniforms for children to dress up in.
How are the nursery’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?
Budgets are allocated for resources and additional staffing to support special educational needs.
Where appropriate, the nursery may apply to the Local Authority for an inclusion grant or bursaries.
How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?
A decision regarding the type and level of support required will be made through consultation between key staff members, the SENCO, parents and any specialists involved with the child.
Is parent partnership actively encouraged within the nursery?
Parents are encouraged to be actively involved at all times and to contribute ideas and information from home.
The nursery operates an open-door policy where parents can speak with their child’s key person, the SENCO or the manager whenever required.
Who can I contact for further information?
Parents are encouraged to speak openly with their child’s key person, the nursery manager or the SENCO.
This offer is accurate at the time of publication but services are regularly reviewed and may change. All information will be updated as soon as possible to reflect any changes.
Date of publication: March 2026
This offer is intended to give clear, accurate and accessible information.
If you would like to comment on the content of this offer or make suggestions to improve the information, please contact the nursery by email or telephone.
Find out more about support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.