At Hellingly Preschool, we are proud to be a fully inclusive setting where every child is welcomed, valued and supported as an individual. We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to flourish, feel confident and enjoy learning, whatever their starting point.
We celebrate the diversity of our children and families and are committed to meeting each child’s needs in a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment. Our experienced team, alongside our dedicated SENDCo, works closely with families and professionals to ensure every child can access high quality learning and make meaningful progress.
Our continuous provision allows children to explore, learn and develop at their own pace, with the right level of support in place to help them succeed.
Our Approach to Inclusion
We are committed to:
- Providing a broad, balanced and inclusive early years curriculum for all children
- Removing barriers to learning so every child can take part fully
- Supporting children with SEND to develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours
- Identifying needs early and putting support in place as soon as possible
- Working closely with parents, carers and professionals to meet children’s individual needs
We follow national guidance including the SEND Code of Practice and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Our SENDCo
Our SENDCo is Sara Sherrard, who is also the Manager of the preschool.
Sara works closely with families, staff and external professionals to ensure children receive the right support at the right time. She:
- Leads SEND provision across the setting
- Coordinates individual support plans tailored to each child
- Works with outside agencies and professionals
- Supports staff with training and inclusive strategies
- Ensures all records and plans are kept up to date and confidential
Parents are always welcome to speak to the SENDCo if they have any questions or concerns.
Early Identification and Support
We know how important early identification is in helping children thrive. Children’s needs may be identified through:
- Ongoing observations and assessments
- Conversations with parents and carers
- Information from health visitors or other professionals
- Transition information from previous settings
If additional support is needed, we work in partnership with parents to create an individual support plan. These plans are reviewed regularly and adapted to ensure they continue to meet the child’s needs.
Inclusive Practice and Our Environment
All children are fully included in daily routines, activities and learning opportunities.
Our environment is flexible and adapted where needed to support children, for example through:
- Visual timetables and now and next boards
- Clear routines and structure
- Sensory resources and quiet spaces
- Accessible equipment and learning materials
Children’s achievements are celebrated based on their individual progress, helping them to build confidence and pride in their learning.
Working Together as a Team
Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility at Hellingly Preschool. Staff work closely together to:
- Share observations and strategies
- Review progress regularly
- Ensure consistency and high quality support
Our team receives ongoing training to support a wide range of needs, and we work with external professionals such as speech and language therapists, health visitors, educational psychologists and early years support teams whenever needed.
Partnership with Parents
We value parents as partners in their child’s learning journey. We aim to build open, trusting relationships and keep families fully informed.
We offer:
- Regular conversations about progress and next steps
- Written updates and reviews of support plans
- Time and privacy for sensitive discussions
- Support with accessing additional services or referrals
Parents are always involved in planning and reviewing support and are welcome to meet with staff at any stage.
Transitions and Next Steps
We support children carefully as they move on to school or another setting. This includes:
- Sharing information with new settings (with parental consent)
- Working closely with receiving schools and professionals
- Preparing children through visits, photos and transition books
This helps children feel confident, secure and ready for their next step.
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
For children with an Education, Health and Care Plan, the SENDCo works closely with parents, professionals and the local authority to ensure the plan reflects the child’s needs and supports them fully within preschool life.
All children, including those with SEND, have access to the full curriculum and experiences at Hellingly Preschool.
Training, Resources and Support
Our staff take part in ongoing professional development to ensure best practice. Training may include areas such as autism awareness, speech and language development, Makaton, sensory needs and emotional regulation.
Where needed, additional resources or specialist equipment are sourced, and funding may be accessed to support children effectively.