Comet is a Hackney Education maintained nursery school located in Hoxton. We are committed to promoting equality and inclusion for all the children and our families come from a richly diverse local community. We offer places for part-time and 30 hour places for children aged 3-4 years old and places for 2 years olds who are eligible for free childcare. Our nursery offers places to children with additional needs and support is provided through our dedicated SENDCO and learning support team.

We have retained our Outstanding status from Ofsted in December 2018, we are very proud of our achievements and this grading supports our belief that we offer children an excellent start to their education:

The children use the garden throughout the sessions and are free to move independently between the indoor and outdoor areas. The outdoor area has opportunities for a wide range of activities and experiences which provide challenging opportunities for exploration and the development of physical skills.

Nurseries and playgroups must help all children who go to their settings, including those with special needs.

They do this by:

• Having a SEND Policy. This explains how they help children with additional needs. You can find it on their website or ask staff for a copy.

• Specialist Support: A team member called a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) has training and experience to help children with special needs. They will work with you as the child's parent and if needed, other specialist services.

• Staff Training makes sure staff know how to identify and help children with different needs.

• Working with Health Visitors to review development, progress, and identify needs e.g. 27th Month Review.

• Connecting with Children's Centres to get Early Help or MAT (Multi Agency Team) support if needed.

• Help with Transitions from the Area SENCo when children with SEND move on to reception class or primary school,

• How to access support from education and health specialist services. Your permission is needed before they can be involved.

Extra support funding for children with additional needs

To get extra help for children with special needs settings will know about:

• Disability Access Fund (DAF). When and how to apply for this funding for eligible children.

• Early Years Inclusion Funding. When it may be appropriate to apply for this funding for children with new or emerging needs. 

• Education, Health, and Care Assessment (EHCNA). When to request an EHCNA. If a child with SEND needs more support that can be provided through the above an EHCNA may identify they need an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan funded from the high needs funding block. EHC Plans are reviewed every six months for children in early years settings.

Staff in settings are there to support all children, including those with special needs. If you have questions, please ask to speak with the settings SENCo.