Special Educational Needs Policy SEND
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The EYFS is the statutory framework in England. The latest version is here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2
The requirements of the EYFS for SEND and inclusion state:
· Childminders must have arrangements in place to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Childminders are encouraged to identify a person to act as a SENCO (SEND coordinator). Childminders who are … part of a network, may wish to share the role between them.
· Childminders who are funded by the local authority to deliver early education places are required (32) to have regard to the 0-25 SEND Code of Practice. Other childminders may find it helpful to familiarise themselves with the early years section of the 0-25 SEND Code of Practice.
· 32 - a footnote links to the SEND Code of Practice:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
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The legal framework
The following legislation is relevant to this policy:
· Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements (ages 0 – 5).
· The Childcare Register requirements (ages 5+ years).
· Equality Act 2010.
· SEND Code of Practice.
· Local Authority SEND guidance including the Local Authority SEND Local Offer.
The statutory framework for children under the age of 5 years in England is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We must also comply with the Childcare Register requirements for children over the age of 5.
All children are entitled to an education that enables them to make the best possible progress. Aims, values and principles are reflected in practice, in relation to, for example –
· Close working partnerships with parents.
· Including the voice of the child.
· Identifying and removing barriers to progress when possible.
· Having high expectations for all children through a well-planned, individualised curriculum.
· Making reasonable adjustments, as required by the Equality Act, to support each child.
· Meeting the diverse and individual needs of all children and their families.
· Close partnership working with other settings and / or agencies to support the child.
As your childminder’s , we are the SENCO’s for the setting. If we identify a child is not making the best possible progress in one or more areas of learning, or if parents approach us with concerns, we will work closely with you to provide additional support.
If your child receives Government funding, we are required to have a copy of the SEND Code of Practice, which I will share with you on request. This can be found on
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
Our admission policy is inclusive. , we offer, for example, flexible settling-in sessions and support this process.
All children are taught to be kind and respectful of each other and to understand similarities and differences. The curriculum includes books, songs and rhymes and storytelling which teaches children about themselves and others.
We will use the DfE ‘Help for early years providers’ SEND assessment guidance if we have a concern about your child. You can read more information here –
https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/support-for-practitioners/send-assessment
We aim to support transitions for all children, for example, if they are moving to a different setting. Procedures are in place for sharing information with other settings and parents will be consulted throughout the process. When requested, information will be shared with other settings and / or professionals to support the child.
Where required, we will work with parents and other professionals to attend or submit information to meetings which are set up to support the child.
If you have any questions, please ask. Thank you.