Parent Information: SEND Local Offer
Caterpillars Pre-School strive to meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and are supported by the Local Authority to ensure all children, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in pre-school. All pre-schools are supported to be as inclusive as possible, with the needs of children with a Special Educational Need/s being met in a mainstream setting wherever possible, where families want this to happen.
Questions for Educational Settings ( from the parent/carer's point of view):
How does Caterpillars know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child my have special educational needs or disabilities?
At Caterpillars every child is treated as an individual and staff are experienced in observing, assessing and planning next steps for children.
If you have concerns about your child you should speak with the Manager or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Officer) who will be able to help you.
How will the staff support my child?
Every child has their own Key person who will work with your child and you. They will make next steps plans for your child, based on your child's interests which they will share with you. In addition the Senco will make specific Play Plans focused on your child's area of need which will again be shared with you.
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How will the curriculum be matched to my child's needs?
Every child has an individual Learning plan made for them by their Keyperson based on the curriculum. They will also have a Learning Journal which will contain observations and photographs of your child to support the staff to assess and make plans to progress your child's development. You are welcome to see your child's Learning Journal at any time.
How will both you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child's learning?
All plans will be shared with you as they are developed and assessed for progress and apart from the termly parent consultations, there are regular meetings with families who have children with additional needs. At Caterpillars we operate an 'open door' policy and are always available to spend time with parents to discuss their child's progress and development, and to help you support your child.
What support will there be for my child's overall well being?
Staff are very experienced and are able to access additional support from West Sussex professionals. Should your child require prescribed medication than a named member of staff will be responsible for the administering of this and you will be required to sign for this.
We promote positive behaviour and staff are trained to support this. Should your child display unwanted behaviour then we will work with you and your child to provide a consistent and planned approach to improve the behaviour. You child will be involved in the development of this approach.
What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the early years setting?
Whilst the pre-school does not offer specialist services, we are happy to work alongside the specialists involved with your child and they are welcome to visit your child at the setting.
What training are the staff, supporting children with SEND, had or are having?
Staff have attended speech, language and communication training. Promoting positive behaviour training, Senco and Inclusion co-ordinator training. English as an additional language training and the Senco regularly attends Senco network sessions. Staff continuously update their training.
How will my child be included in activities outside the early years setting including trips?
All children are welcome to attend trips. Prior to the trip the pre-school will discuss with parents the best way for their child to access the activity and a risk assessment will be undertaken. Additional staff can be included to give 1:1 attention to the child or the child's parent/carer will be invited to attend the trip.
How accessible is the early years setting environment? ( Indoors and Outdoors )
Our building and toilets are fully wheelchair accessible. The outside area has steps to the garden but we do have access to a ramp. We are happy to work with families to access any specialist equipment needed. We use visual timetables to support routines and communications.
How will Caterpillars Pre-School prepare and support my child to join the early years setting, transfer to a new setting/school?
The pre-school is able to offer flexible entry where children can attend for limited times/sessions, with or without their parent as required and where there is a need parents and children can make several visits prior to starting. The type of entry is dependent on the need of the individual child.
When transferring to school the pre-school will initially liase with the school to arrange the best transititon for your child. this could include a meeting between the school, pre-school and parents to discuss the best strategies to support transition; several visits to the school by your child; photographs of the school; teacher visits to the pre-school.
How will Caterpillars Pre-School resources allocated and matched to children's special educational needs?
We are able to apply for funding from West Sussex County Council to enable the pre-school to employ an additional member of staff to work with your child if needed or we are also able to apply for a bursary to purchase specialist equipment or to access specific training for staff.
How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?
Initially the pre-school Manager and Senco will meet with you to discuss your child's needs. A plan will be developed involving you for your child's transition and support needed will be put in place.
Once your child has started a Play Plan or Individual Educational Plan will be made which you will be involved with, this will be regularly reviewed and monitored.
How are parents involved in the early years setting? How can I be involved?
As a community pre-school we are happy to have parents involved with the group. This could be a member of the Friends of Caterpillars group, as a volunteer parent helper ( this does not have to be on a regular basis). We are always pleased to have parents stay for a session or part of a session to play with the children.
Who can I contact for further information?
More detailed information is available in our polices, specifically our 'Achieving Positive Behaviour', Diversity and Equality', 'Supporting children with Special Educational Needs' and 'Working in partnership with outside agencies'. All our polices you can find on the policies area on this web site.
To register your child at the pre-school and if you wish to discuss your child prior to starting you need to contact the Manager- Cathie Clark at
caterpillarpreschool@live.co.uk / Telephone 01293 544516/ 07928128158
