Support for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEND)

As part of the Children’s and Families Bill (2014) and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (2015) all educational settings are required to make available their Local SEND Offer to families which details how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Bristol’s SEND Local Offer, online information and support can be found here.

An overview of Southmead Children’s Centre

We are an inclusive setting and we aim to support all children to enable them to make the best possible progress and achieve well. To accomplish this aim we offer a broad and balanced curriculum with high quality provision in the early education and childcare provision in our Children’s Centre.

We provide effective support for all children and families including those with additional needs. We make sure that additional needs are identified early and offer a range of provision to meet individual needs.

We have staff that have additional training in specific areas including supporting speech, language and communication development, including those children with a diagnosis of ASD.

We work with a range of professionals to make sure that all children receive the support they need to develop. Children and families are able to access equitable services and provision from our inclusive setting. We offer a high quality learning environment and resources to give children the very best start in life alongside a wide range of services and family activities.


Who are the best people to talk to at the Children’s Centre if I am concerned about my child’s progress?

The first point of contact would be your child’s Key Person and you can also talk to the SENCO at the Centre. Please approach them at any time if you have any concerns about your child’s development.


How will the centre let me know if they have any concerns about my child’s development?

  • Regular meetings are available for every child. Parents/carers are invited to meet with their child’s Key Person to talk about their child, and this is an opportunity to share learning, interests, strengths and concerns.

  • The Key Person and/or the SENCO may also arrange additional meetings with parents/carers to discuss concerns that are identified.

  • Informal discussions can take place at any time to share information.

 What are the different types of support and learning interventions available for children with SEND at the Children’s Centre?

Every child in the centre is provided with:

  • High quality teaching and learning opportunities.

  • Learning opportunities where staff will have the highest possible expectations for every child.

  • Opportunities for learning that build on what a child already knows, their interests and what they can do and can understand.

  • Differentiated Learning to support a range of different learning styles.

  • Use of visual cues and multi- sensory strategies such as Visual Timetables and Objects of Reference, and specific interventions for developing speaking and listening skills .

  • Identifying and supporting a child’s preferred learning style.

  • Adjustment of the environment as required.

  • Preparations for changes in routines.

  • Reducing complex language, especially when giving instructions to children

Strategies to support children with SEND may include:

  • An individualised approach and/or additional support if required for a child who is not making developmental progress alongside their peers.

  • Interventions through small group work and/or 1-1 working which may involve particular strategies depending on the child’s identified area of need.

  • Support for Speech Language and Communication Needs including, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Makaton, and Total Communication strategies.

  • Implementation of specific individualised Therapy Programmes e.g. Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy.

  • Adapting materials and equipment .e.g. providing tactile equipment.

  • Physical difficulties support with mobility and independence skills – self-help skills and safe movement around the Centre.


What support do we have for you as a parent/carer of a child with a SEND?

  • Arrangements can be made at any time with your child’s Key Person to discuss any concerns.

  • The SENCO and Key Person are available to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress or any concerns/worries you may have.

  • The Key Person and /or SENCO will also arrange to meet with you to discuss any new ideas suggested by outside agencies for your child.

  • Individual Education Plans and Support Plans if appropriate will be reviewed together and include supportive ideas for you at home.

  • If you child is undergoing any further assessments you will also be supported by the SENCO to ensure that you fully understand the process.

Specific Individual support for your child would mean:

  • If your child has been supported through the systems as described above and has been identified as having a specific special educational need, they would have a Support Plan in place and their progress will be reviewed at least every 6 months.

  • The whole team supporting your child will be invited to be part of this review.

  • At this review, you or the Centre can make a decision to request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment which may result in an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). An EHCP will set out what support your child needs and how they will receive this support.

  • An EHCP is a statutory assessment process framework. It is a way of providing support that puts children, young people and families at the centre of the assessment and planning process, to make sure that your views are not only heard but also understood. This process focuses on what is important for children and young people, i.e. what they and you want to achieve now and in the future.

  • The EHCP will have long and short term goals for your child.


How does additional funding work?

  • The Children’s Centre receives funding for all children.

  • We can apply for more funding if a child requires an enhanced adult to child ratio. The SENCO will make this application using information and evidence from the team around the child and the child’s Support Plan.

  • The Early Years SEN Panel will decide the allocation of funding using the Bristol Universal Descriptors (BUDs).

  • If further support is required in addition to Early Years SEN Panel funding and if all involved with the child agree then a request for an EHC Needs Assessment can be made. If a child receives a statutory EHCP then a personal budget is allocated, and parents have a say in how it is used. The budget must be used to fund the agreed plan.


How will we support you and your child when leaving the Children’s Centre.

We recognise that ‘moving on’ can be difficult for a child with SEND. We also recognise the anxieties for families and we take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible.

When your child is moving to another setting or to school:-

  • We will contact the new setting and arrange a Transfer/Review meeting.

  • A transition plan will be drawn up that will include visits, photos and information for the family.

  • Any special arrangements and support will aim to be put in place for you and your child.

  • We will make sure that all records about your child are passed on as soon as possible to the receiving setting.


Who are the services that work in partnership with the Children’s Centre to support children with SEND?

  • Community Paediatricians

  • Educational Psychology Service

  • Physiotherapy

  • Speech and Language Therapy.

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Health Visitors

  • Early Years Portage and Inclusion Team

  • Bristol Autism Team

  • Children’s Mental Health Teams