Here at Banana Moon Baddesley Ensor we are very lucky to have our own in-house SENCO. Her name is Emily!
The Special Education Needs Co-coordinator (SENCO) is responsible for the day to day implementation of the setting’s SEND policy and to work closely with others and parents to support children with SEND.
Emily works alongside our Nursery Manager, Joann, or in their absence the named person in charge.
What does a SENCO do?
Well, she liaises with parents and other professionals to discuss children’s needs. She supports practitioners within the Nursery and advises them on how to provide continued support throughout a child’s time with us. Emily completes regular observations to ensure that an early identification and intervention happens at the right time to ensure the child is getting the best support. Working with the Key Person, Emily will complete support plans, in partnership with parents including sending home activities and support packs.
What else does a SENCO do?
• Ensuring that relevant background information about individual children with special educational needs is collected, recorded and updated
• Support staff to do additional observation and assessment of children’s learning and development and ensure differentiated planning to meet that child’s need
• Complete additional paperwork and referral forms supported by key person
• To keep a profile of children with SEND.
• To liaise with settings and the child’s chosen school (reception) including assessment Centre, Children and Family Centre’s etc.
• To liaise with other professionals from outside services and external agencies e.g. Area SENCOs, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, etc.
• To arrange, organise and review support for individual children.
• To meet with parents regularly in order to maintain good relationships and to keep parents informed about their child’s progress.
• To respond to changes in legislation/practice from government and the Local Authority.
• To review individual children’s support plans as required.
• To write detailed education reports about individual children for other professionals and parents (including Early Years Inclusion Panel applications, requests for statutory assessment etc.)
• To review statements via annual and interim review meetings.
• To meet at least termly with the Area SENCO (if applicable).
• To develop and share knowledge of resources (equipment, books. materials and knowledge of possible strategies.)
And that’s just the beginning!
We also have 4 other member of staff throughout the nursery who have currently attended Time To Talk Tier 1 Training from Warwickshire County Council. This helps to ensure that the support is embedded throughout and everyone is supporting in recognising and highlighting areas of support for our children.
Here at Banana Moon Baddesley Ensor, we are going to be introducing a SENCo & Snack drop in session for all of our parents and families. In this session you can ask for advice with behaviour concerns, traits you’ve spotted, routines support, Speech & Language advice, activity ideas to do at home and so much more!
Our session will be every Wednesday from 10-11:30 with biscuits and a drink available. Please feel free to pop in if you would like some additional support.
We look forward to seeing you!
