Inclusion & Support · Effective 1st April 2026
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy
At Living Heritage Nursery, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children are supported to reach their full potential.
Policy Statement
- We follow the guidance set out in the Department for Education, Children and Families Act 2014, Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 0 to 25 years, and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Aims
- Identify and support children with SEND at the earliest stage
- Ensure all children have equal access to learning and development opportunities
- Work in partnership with parents/carers and external professionals
- Promote inclusion and remove barriers to learning
Definition of SEND
- A child has SEND if they have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than others of the same age, or
- A disability that prevents or hinders them from making use of facilities
Graduated Approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review)
We follow the graduated approach:
- Assess: Identify needs through observation and assessment
- Plan: Develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP) with parents
- Do: Implement strategies and interventions
- Review: Regularly review progress and adapt support
Working in Partnership with Parents
- Involve parents in all decisions
- Share information regularly
- Provide support and guidance
- Parents' knowledge of their child is valued and respected.
Working with External Agencies
- Speech and language therapists
- Educational psychologists
- Health visitors
- Local Authority SEND teams
Inclusion
- All children are included in activities
- Reasonable adjustments are made
- Resources are adapted to meet individual needs
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- We support applications for an EHCP
- Work with the Local Authority to implement the plan
- Follow agreed outcomes and provision
Transition
- Sharing information with new settings or schools
- Preparing children for change
- Working with parents and professionals
Training
- Staff receive SEND training
- Are supported by the SENCo
- Keep up to date with best practice
Complaints
- Parents should speak to the SENCo or Manager
- Complaints will be handled in line with the nursery's complaints policy
Monitoring & Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated in line with legislation and guidance.
This policy was effective 1st April 2026 and is due for review by April 2027. All policies are reviewed annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes.