Early Years Local Offer Response

1. What recent SEND specific training has been completed by practitioners in the setting?

Busy Living has an Operations Manager, Amy Herring, who is a qualified SENCo with many years experience across a broad spectrum of SEN.  All location Managers are trained SENCo's and Amy's role is to offer advice and support to club Managers and to communicate with parents on the care for their child in advance of them starting.  

2. How are parents involved at the setting and how can I be involved?

Parents are involved in helping staff identify needs, sharing information, identifying targets, settling in procedures, trial visits before the child starts and communications with parents to ascertain the individual needs of the child and to ensure these can be met appropriately. Parents’ permission will always be sought before involving outside agencies. Parents see how their child is at collection time and feedback is shared by staff as to how the child has been that day, or any messages passed on by the school exchanged. Staff maintain photos of activities enjoyed by the children which can be viewed by parents at collection time and this is an excellent way of keeping up to date with day to day happenings at the club. 

3. How will practitioners work with me to share information about my child's progress? What is additional for children with SEND?

The club manager and/or Operations Manager are happy to speak to parents face-to-face, or via phone if preferred.  When parents register their child we ask specific questions relating to the child's needs and this forms the basis of staffs' understanding of the needs of the child before they start at the club.  Parents are contacted before the child starts to gather any further information and parents are also invited to bring their child to the club for settling in sessions so the child feels comfortable when the time comes to be in the club on their own.  We consider whether additional staffing is required, which staff may need to be allocated to the child and whether any further equipment is required.  We consider the environment and risk assess the needs to ensure the child and others around them are safe.  

4. What specialist services and expertise are available at, or accessed by the setting?

We do not have specialist services available at our Out of School Clubs but we can signpost parents.  Staff seek further guidance/signposting through the Early Years Department of Buckinghamshire Council and can pass this on to the parent. No specialist services will be contacted without the specific agreement of the parent.  

5. How accessible is the setting's environment (indoors and outdoors)?

All Busy Living locations are accessible as we operate from school premises.  We have access to a disabled toilet and risk assessments are in place.  Adaptations may have to be made to accommodate wheelchair users to allow for turning space where space is limited and table heights may need adjusting which is achievable.  

6. What are the transition arrangements for supporting children and families?

The club Manager and/or Operations Manager are happy to speak to parents face-to-face, or via phone if preferred.  When parents register their child we ask specific questions relating to the child's needs and this forms the basis of staffs' understanding of the needs of the child before they start at the club.  Parents are contacted before the child starts to gather any further information and parents are also invited to bring their child to the club for settling in sessions so the child feels comfortable when the time comes to be in the club on their own.  We consider whether additional staffing is required, which staff may need to be allocated to the child and whether any further equipment is required.  We consider the environment and risk assess the needs to ensure the child and others around them are safe.  

7. What future plans does your setting have for developing its SEND?

None, other than that mentioned above. To keep staff training up to date and to be able to offer and work with the school for any changes in the environment to cater for and suit the child as needed.