SEND

Our Local Offer

At Rawmarsh & Arnold Nursery School Federation, we believe that every child has the right to feel safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo) is Sarah Sayles, who works closely with staff, families and external professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for children with additional needs.

For further information about services and support available across Rotherham for children aged 0–25 with SEND, please visit the Rotherham SEND Local Offer website.

 

How do we know if a child needs extra help?

We carefully monitor all children’s development to ensure they are making good progress. We may identify the need for additional support through:

  • Ongoing observations and assessments
  • Information shared from previous settings or professionals (e.g. Health Visitors)
  • Concerns raised by parents or carers

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, we encourage you to speak to your child’s Key Person, Class Teacher, SENDCo, or any member of staff you feel comfortable with.

 

How will we support your child?

We provide individualised support by:

  • Offering opportunities to discuss your child’s needs before they start and throughout their time with us
  • Taking a flexible, child-centred approach that recognises every child is unique
  • Allocating a dedicated Key Person to each child
  • Using regular observations to plan next steps in learning
  • Working in close partnership with parents and carers
  • Involving the SENDCo to oversee provision, arrange meetings and liaise with external professionals where needed

 

Transitions

We understand that transitions are important milestones and take great care to ensure these are smooth and positive.

When starting with us, we offer:

  • A personalised induction programme tailored to your child’s needs
  • Team Around the Family meetings where appropriate

When moving on, we will:

  • Share information with the receiving setting
  • Arrange meetings where appropriate to discuss your child’s needs
  • Prepare a transition passport
  • Support visits to the new setting where possible

 

How will you know how your child is developing?

We believe strong communication with families is essential. You will be kept informed through:

  • Daily conversations with staff
  • Parent consultation meetings
  • Meetings with the SENDCo where appropriate
  • Individual plans (reviewed regularly) if your child requires additional support
  • Your child’s Learning Journey, which you are always welcome to view

We operate an open-door policy, and you are always welcome to speak with staff.

 

How can we help you support your child?

We support families by offering:

  • Individual learning targets
  • Regular discussions about your child’s progress
  • Team Around the Family meetings where needed
  • Stay and Play sessions and workshops
  • Advice and guidance tailored to your child

Staff Training and Expertise

Our SENDCo is highly experienced and holds a postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs Coordination. She regularly attends local authority training to ensure her knowledge remains up to date.

Our staff receive ongoing training, both in-house and externally, to ensure they can meet the needs of all children effectively.

We also work closely with a range of external professionals, including:

  • Learning Support Service
  • Portage
  • Health Visitors
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Social Workers
  • Educational Psychologists

Inclusive Practice and Accessibility

We are a fully inclusive setting and can support a wide range of needs.

  • Our environment is wheelchair accessible
  • Accessible toilets are available
  • We follow the SEND Code of Practice (2014) and the Equality Act (2010)
  • We use Makaton to support communication alongside a total communication approach
  • We provide dual-language books and multicultural resources

We aim to create an environment where every child feels represented, included and supported.