Pembury Pre-school is an inclusive early-years practice that offers a safe, happy and stimulating environment where children can learn through education, new experiences and play. Pembury Pre-school is a registered charity, with a dedicated committee who oversee the smooth running of the practice. We welcome new members to join our committee, to help and support our charity to flourish and grow, and remain accessible for the local community.

Pembury Pre-school provides a curriculum to excite and motivate children to grow their independence as little learners, through following their interests and abilities to essentially become 'ready for school'. We follow the EYFS Statutory Framework requirements through our planning and environment and covering the prime and specific areas of learning. Our setting has 2 light and airy rooms, 1 for the 2 - 3 year olds and the other for the 3 - 5 year olds, both rooms have their own outdoor green space which enables the children to develop their physical health and skills Our aim as a charity is to keep our fees low so we are accessible to all in our local community.

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.