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SETTLING IN

When your child starts Little Munchkins nursery it would help them and us if you could spend some time at the nursery as a ‘Settling in’ period. We understand that all children are different and will react in different ways during their settling in period.

 

We offer 2 settling in session for a period of two hours, which is included in your £25 set up fee.

While your child is settling in, the parents will meet their key worker and the key worker will have time to look through their "all about me" information and starting points to enable them to get to know your child further.

 

Settling in sessions are normally completed 1-2 weeks before your child starts. Our planning then leads on from their settling in session and specific activities are chosen from their interests that we have observed, as well as information from parents and carers. We understand that leaving your precious child with Little Munchkins is a big step and we are here help and make the process as smooth as possible, if you have any queries please do not hesitate in contacting us and remember we will work with you to support you both.

LITTLE MUNCHKINS LOCAL OFFER

Little Munchkins Childcare C.I.C is situated in the Chard Young People’s Centre in Somerset. We are registered to provide care for up to 30 children a day. The children are separated into two rooms taking into consideration the child’s age, ability and needs.

At Little Munchkins it is our aim to provide an environment that promotes equal opportunity and diversity for all our children within our care. The intention of our local offer is to provide families with information about additional services available to support children with a disability and children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

 

How does Little Munchkins know if a child needs extra support?

At Little Munchkins we are committed to the inclusion of all children. We have two designated SENCO’s (Special Educational, Needs Co-Ordinator’s) who are based in both of our play rooms. Kayleigh and Katie are experienced SENCO’s who attend termly workshops to ensure they are kept up to date with information. The named SENCO’s are supported by the settings manager along with the rest of the staff team.

Katie has worked with children who need additional support in previous settings over recent years. Recently she has completed her NVQ Level 3 in SENCO, further expanding her knowledge.

Kayleigh has been a SENCO for a total of 5 years and has worked closely with children on the autistic spectrum and children with speech delays in previous settings. She has been on many training courses to support her within her role such as, Autism and Social Communication in the Early Years and The Role of the Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator and attended a Sensory Processing Group.

 

How will the staff support the child?

The designated SENCO’s for the nursery and nursery manager has a range of qualifications from Level 3 in Early Years to a Post Graduate Diploma in Early Years and Early Years Professional Status. As well as having various experiences that include working with children with SEND. Furthermore, both SENCO’s have undertaken Somerset Total Communication (STC) Training and use this throughout their daily practice to aid all children’s language and communication. STC is a valuable tool to remove communication barriers and supports children with not only learning difficulties and disabilities, but also children with English as an additional language.

 

How are parents / carers included in the child’s education and curriculum?

When a child starts at Little Munchkins, they will be allocated a keyworker, who will work closely with parents throughout their time at Little Munchkins. The keyworker will work in partnership with parents and liaise with the settings SENCO to monitor progress and development. Parents can request to look at their child’s pathway and request a meeting with their child’s keyworker at any time.

We have a open door policy at Little Munchkins and our staff pride themselves as being friendly and approachable and emphasis the importance of building strong partnerships with our parents.

For further information please feel free to contact the nursery on: 07935 975 219

 

For further information on the local authority’s Local Offer of service and provision for children with special educational needs and disability please visit the Somerset County Council website.