Kids In Charge (Wanstead Youth Centre)

Education Offer

Overview

At Kids in Charge we believe that each child must be given the opportunity to achieve and be included. All children access a full range of activities to develop and learn through play. We acknowledge that some children with SEND may require extra support in order to access the activities provided. We are committed to work alongside parents and carers to share information useful to support their child’s development while at the club.

The club is located in the Wanstead Youth Centre Building. The hall has separate activity areas which offer a range of fine and gross motor skills activities. The hall has free-flow into the art room and kids’ room where children have access to active games.

We also have access to the Nightingale school playground and the hard court and the children are supervised by staff at all times.

Passageways are kept clear at all times to follow health and safety regulations and facilitate children’s mobility.

Toilet and washing hands facilities are easily accessible.

There is also a disabled toilet

Identifying children's needs

We believe in early identification of difficulties and in appropriate intervention to support children’s progress, learning and development. Parents and carers are involved and kept informed at all times. Children who are experiencing difficulty with their learning are identified through discussion with parents and carers, observations, routine health screening and discussion with colleagues.

We work closely with the Local Authority Early Years and Childcare Improvement Team (EYCIT) who may be involved to give advice on suitable strategies to accommodate children’s needs within the club. This is done with written consent from parents and carers.

Outside agencies may be involved when children do not progress at the expected rate despite additional individual planning to support the area of need. This is done with written consent from parents and carers.

We have a statutory responsibility to Safeguard children and we may work with the following agencies whenever required: CAF Team; Early Intervention; and Social Care.

The agencies may also be involved in the child’s transition to other settings or to school.

When a child has a recognised condition or ongoing medical needs, relevant information will be sought from parents and carers on admission and kept in the child’s confidential folder. The setting will follow the relevant guidelines for data protection and confidentiality.

Dedicated contacts

The setting’s Manager Geraldine Howe is the overall ‘responsible person’ for SEN in the setting.  She is responsible for ensuring that legislation is met. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) has the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the SEN procedures. Her name is Kelly Blount she has undertaken the following relevant training:

• SENCo
• SEN Modular course

The SENCO has the responsibility to: 

• liaise with parents/carers
• liaise with outside professionals in regards to children’s individual needs
• advice and support other practitioners in the setting
• ensure that appropriate learning and outcomes plans are in place
• ensure that background information is collected, recorded and updated
• take the lead in monitoring and reviewing any action taken to support the child
• ensure that appropriate records are kept for all children with SEND who require outside agencies support

All children under 5 years will be assigned to a Key person. She is also responsible for liaising with the key children’s parents and carers, observing, planning and assessing children’s progress.

Involving children and their families

• Parenting advice
• Regular contact between parents/carers and the setting
• Planning and review meetings

Range of support available

• Partnership working with other professionals
• Additional Support strategies
• Support for behaviour
• Support for health needs
• Support for communication needs

Visual timetable, objects of reference and visual aids) to support children’s communication and well-being. 

Children are encouraged to provide feedback on the activities provided. .

Measuring children's progress

All activities will be differentiated to meet children’s needs and allow full access to the learning curriculum. 

Support and training for school staff

Recently 1 member of staff attended SEND training

Accessibility of the school

All resources are located at children’s level in labelled boxes.

Children’s toilets are fully accessible and provided with stools and easy to reach washing facilities.

Accessible for wheel chair users

The outside area is fully accessible to people with gross motor skills difficulties.

Inclusion

A risk assessment is completed daily and for outings to ensure health and safety is maintained at all times.

One-to-one support will be provided for those children who may require intensive support to access learning activities.

All activities are differentiated according to children’s level of development.

Support and training for parents and carers

• Links with children centres

We value parent and carers’ expertise and deep knowledge of their own children. Parents and carers’ comments are included in our parent’s evaluation termly.

The setting has an ‘open door’ policy, offering informal chats as necessary and formal discussion by appointment. Information is shared with parents and carers through the use newsletters, parent’s evaluation and keyperson meetings.

We involve parents and carers in provision through planning, implementation of strategies and identifying learning and development outcomes for their own children.

Further information

Please contact us using the details provided