SEND
Here at Happy Hearts we pride ourselves in our inclusive practice and how we support children with additional needs
Observing and identifying concerns
Concerns with a child's development may occasionally be brought to light by observations and remarks made by parents. When this occurs, professionals should use a comprehensive approach, using all of the information at their disposal to create a precise picture of the child's growth.
Evidence that may indicate SEND can include:
-
Observations of the child within the setting  
-
Information shared by parents when the child starts and during regular ongoing communication
-
The health and development review carried out by the health visitor at aged two 
-
The child's opinions, whether expressed orally or nonverbally, as demonstrated by their choices, interests, and visual clues
-
Progress in key areas such as communication, physical development, and social-emotional wellbeing
-
Views of your Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and any other practitioner or professional who has observed the child. 
By bringing this information together and working in partnership with parents and, where appropriate, other professionals and practitioners can decide whether a child may benefit from additional support and ensure that timely and appropriate measures are put forward.
Supporting Children with SEND
Nurseries play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
​
This can be achieved by:
-
Providing direct interventions through SEN Support
-
Adapting activities and the learning environment to meet each individual child's needs
-
Working in conjunction with parents, the setting’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), and an outside specialist services if needed.
If it is identified that a child requires further support, you can follow the guidance and procedures set out by your local authority to access specialist services.
Here is some feedback we received from a parent
"There isn't really the words to express how much our family love steph and the happy hearts family. Having a SEN child it can be difficult to hand them over to just anyone, but steph isnt just anyone, shes genuinely incredible. If it wasnt for her and the girls Bobby wouldn't be the confident boy he is today, from understanding his complex needs and keeping him safe always despite his need to thrill seek and find danger anywhere he goes, to foot massages whilst eating his lunch and all the cuddles and giggles in between. The team helped us navigate some of the hardest years with nothing but compassion and his best interests at heart. Happy Hearts truly is a family in itself and we feel so lucky that Bobby got to spend the years he did here."
Natalie Haywood - Facebook
SEND in early years
Every child deserves the best possible start in life, with the right support to help them achieve their potential. The early years are a critical time, as experiences from birth to five strongly influence future life chances.
Identifying special educational needs or disabilities
Early identification ensures children can access the support they need as soon as possible, giving the the ability to fully participate in all nursery activities.
High Quality Inclusive Practice
SEND refers to children who need extra support with their education and development, or who have a disability that affects their everyday lives. High-quality, inclusive practice supports children in their early years and is responsive to each child, by adapting provision to meet their individual needs and by using a range of teaching approaches.
