Special Educational Needs
We have 16 places in the Nursery School reserved for children with severe and complex special educational needs (SEN). These children are referred to us from Luton's Early Years Team and have been identified and supported by them for some time. In addition we identify other children as having a particular need once they are here, or take referrals from the health service or social services for some children.
All children are fully integrated into the Children's Centre and Nursery and we have many ways of supporting both them and their families. It is possible for children with particular needs to start in Little Harts although there is no financial support for this.
Parents of children with SEN are offered 2 home visits, one with the class team and another with the Special Needs Co-ordinator and the Family Worker.
Transport to school may be possible for some children.
Children with special needs are supported by staff in their class team via individual educational plans.
Once they start Nursery there are many different strategies used to develop the children's learning - always at their pace and always with a trained adult. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is used for spoken language skills. TEACCH schedules are often used to introduce children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to new activities and to give them structure and routine. This also helps to prepare them for primary school. Maketon signing is used with all children to support their communication, particularly those with limited or very delayed speech. For the first half hour of sessions the garden is available for children with physical needs to access the resources there at their own pace and without the hustle and bustle of others around. This has helped several children to learn to walk confidently. 
"Special Harts" is a group for parents of children with special needs and parents often continue to attend this after their children leave us. It meets fortnightly with the special needs teacher (Alan Clark) and the Family Worker (Toni Toombs). Parents find this group very supportive.
Some children with special needs leave us and transfer to Lady Zia Werhner School or Richmond Hill School where they continue to have specialist support. Others transfer to mainstream infant schools. Wherever they go the transition is well managed to ensure the child starts their new school successfully. If you think your child has any particular needs please let us know. We will do all we can to help you and your child.