Special Needs procedure for previously unidentified needs

 

Special Needs procedure for previously unidentified needs

 

Aim of policy

 

To highlight how we support children and their families if we feel they may have an unidentified special need.

 

Points to consider

 

The children in our care are very young and whilst we want to support them fully, we do not wish to label children. When identifying Special Needs the practitioner must remain respectful and sensitive to the needs of the child and family and must adhere to additional policies such as confidentially policy.

 

Castle Daycare and Preschool aims to achieve this by:

 

If any member of staff reasonably believes that the development progress and/or behaviour of a child arises as a result of a special need, then that member of staff will:

 

• Inform the nursery manager about their concern providing examples of lack of development progress and/or behaviour which give rise to their concern. 

 

The nursery manager and/or special needs co-ordinator will:

 

• Ensure that the child is observed.
• Following a period of observation, and where appropriate, raise the concern about the child’s development progress/behaviour with parents to agree an appropriate course of action.  This may involve referral to appropriate external agencies.
• If a special/special educational need is identified, the procedure relating to special needs admissions will be employed.

 

If the parent/carer does not agree a special need exists, then the Nursery Manager and Special Needs Co-ordinator will ensure:

 

• The staff team continue to observe the child and record observations.
• Refer the position of the parent/carer to the area manager.
• After an appropriate period re-state the concern with the parent/carer with a view to agreeing an appropriate course of action.

 

 

 

If the parent/carer continues to ignore the concern being expressed, Castle Daycare & Preschool will:

 

• Write to the parent/carer requesting referral to an external professional agency to support special needs assessment.

 

• If not agreed, consideration will be given to referring the issue to the Surrey Safeguarding Board in accordance with the Castle Daycare & Preschool child protection policy.