Special Needs Policy

Ofsted require us (under Standard 10) to be aware that some children may have special needs and to be proactive in ensuring that appropriate action is taken when a child is identified as having special needs or starts in our care. Little Explorers must promote the welfare and development of the child in partnership with parents and other relevant agencies.

Little Explorers have therefore put the following procedures in place:

If we think a child in our care has a special need we will:

• Keep observational notes
• Share these with the child’s parents
• Discuss what support is available
• Keep all matters confidential

If we are caring for a child with special needs we will include them by:

• Valuing and acknowledging the child’s individuality and help them to feel good about themselves
• Seek information from parents about the child’s routines, likes and dislikes
• Adapt activities to enable children with special needs to take part
• Arrange access to specialist equipment if needed
• Consider any risk factors
• Encourage children’s confidence and independence

Little Explorers will work in partnership with parents and discuss:

• Agencies that are also involved in the child’s support and care
• Equipment that the child may need
• Advice or support that will help us to provide the best care possible for their child

We will consider how we can ensure the privacy of a child with special needs whilst continuing to supervise other children in our care.