SEND & Inclusion

At Heathcot Preschool, we believe that every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to learn, develop and thrive in a supportive, nurturing and inclusive environment.

We are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are valued, respected and fully included in all aspects of preschool life. We celebrate diversity and work closely with families to ensure every child receives the support they need to achieve their full potential.

Our Inclusive Approach

Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. Our experienced practitioners take the time to get to know each child as an individual, recognising their strengths, interests and areas where they may need additional support.

We aim to:

• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children.

• Ensure every child can access learning opportunities and experiences.

• Support children's confidence, independence and wellbeing.

• Promote positive relationships and a sense of belonging.

• Work in partnership with families and other professionals.

• Enable every child to reach their full potential.

How We Support Children

Our team regularly observes and assesses children's progress to ensure that support can be provided at the earliest opportunity where needed.

Support may include:

• Individualised learning opportunities and next steps.

• Adapted activities and resources.

• Small group or targeted support.

• Visual aids, communication tools and routines.

• Additional support plans and monitoring.

• Working alongside external professionals and specialist services.

Where appropriate, we use SEND Support Plans and 4+1 Reviews to identify strengths, outcomes and strategies that will help children make progress.

Our SENCo

We have 2 experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) who work closely with children, families, staff and external agencies to ensure that children with additional needs receive the right support at the right time.

Our SENCo can provide advice and guidance, coordinate support plans, attend meetings with professionals and help families access additional services where required.

Working in Partnership with Families

Parents and carers know their children best, and we believe that strong partnerships between home and preschool are essential.

We work closely with families by:

• Sharing observations and progress regularly.

• Discussing any concerns at an early stage.

• Involving parents in planning support and next steps.

• Celebrating achievements together.

• Supporting families through referrals and assessment processes where appropriate.

We value open communication and encourage parents to speak to us whenever they have questions or concerns about their child's development.

Additional Support and Professional Partnerships

We work closely with a range of professionals and services to ensure children receive the support they need. This may include:

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Health Visitors

• Educational Psychologists

• Occupational Therapists

• Early Years Inclusion Services

• SEND Advisory Teams

• Local Authority SEND Services

Where appropriate, we can also support families through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.

Communication and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring all children can communicate, participate and feel included.

To support this, we:

• Use Signalong to promote communication and understanding.

• Adapt our teaching approaches to meet individual needs.

• Support children's social, emotional and language development.

• Celebrate different cultures, backgrounds and family experiences.

• Provide a language-rich environment where every child can flourish.

Our staff team also speaks a range of community languages, helping us build positive relationships with families and support effective communication.

Every Child Belongs

At Heathcot Preschool, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create an environment where every child feels safe, valued, respected and able to succeed.

By working together with families and professionals, we ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn, develop and enjoy their early years experience to the fullest.