SEN Local Offer
Happytime as a pre-school setting strives to make its educational environment a place of learning and fun for all children, with no barriers in place to prevent the high-standard of daily activities and experiences that are always on offer.
Before starting an educational journey with us, you and your child will be invited along for a visit, where you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns that you may have. One of our dedicated team will be your child’s allocated ‘key-worker and will work closely with them, observing and monitoring their progress during their time with us.
How does Happytime know if my child needs extra help, and what can I do if I think my child has special educational needs or disabilities?
We look at the way our individual staff identify special educational needs and how they can then work with you and external organisations to meet those requirements.
• Happytime observations and assessments are collectively used to support your child’s learning in the setting. If these suggest that your child is not achieving their full potential then their key-worker will consult with you as parents, and may also involve the setting’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). This will enable the pre-school to decide whether additional support is to be put in place. If you, as a parent, have any concerns about your child’s progress or believe they have additional needs, this should be discussed with your key-worker in the first instance. The role of the key-worker is to develop a respectful, trusting relationship with a child and their parents, and to share information relating to them to ensure that they reach their full potential.
• Our staff work closely together as a team to identify extra needs. We work in-situ with external organisations, ensuring time is made for appointments and that you as parents are always invited and involved from the outset. As a setting, Happytime Pre-school is also willing, where possible to make changes to our learning environment to cater for any extra needs a child may have.
• All of our staff undergo necessary training and regularly assess all of the children to see if they are in line with expected development and learning.
• We have always adopted an approachable, friendly atmosphere which means concerns can be raised and discussed in a low pressure and supportive manner and environment. This can be done formally via an arranged meeting or informally by approaching a member of staff within the Happytime setting.
How does Happytime support my child?
We ensure that your child’s key-worker and our specialist staff work together to support your child's every need.
• Happytime Pre-school supports every child from their first visit through until the time that they leave our setting, offering a friendly and safe environment for them to learn in.
• All children are allocated a key worker and we do our best to ensure this person will be able to spend lots of time with them and that it is someone to which they form a bond.
• Observations on the children are taken daily to ensure a full understanding of each child’s ongoing progress. Staff also work closely with parents and maintain close relationships, obtaining information from home, which is equally as important in the process of providing a holistic view.
• Dedicated staff are trained in SEN and behavioural management with all staff encouraged to attend as many courses as possible as well as attending all mandatory courses.
• All staff work closely and effectively with outside organisations.
How does the pre-school adapt their daily/weekly/termly activities to match my child’s needs?
We look at the use of individual plans, development systems, learning journals and the observations used within them and our own assessment and planning processes
• The pre-school works to the EYFS Framework, often using a springboard topic which is then developed through children’s interests. Parents are vital in this process as they spend more time with their own children, seeing what interests and inspires them. This information can then be passed on.
• Happytime Pre-school uses daily recording/planning
• We display elements of the EYFS Framework that we are following in the hallway in order for parents to know what we are looking at in any given week. We look to bring in resources or even tell a story that each child can share during that topic. Our topics are always shared with parents via our newsletters
• When a child comes to Happytime Pre-school they are observed continuously, with written and photographic evidence collected in a Learning Journal. This is then regularly shared with parents via Tapestry and is therefore available to view at all times.
• Happytime uses Tapestry, an online learning journal software, to create learning journals which are easily and regularly accessible. This encourages parent input throughout their child's time at the pre-school. It is also used to assess the child’s progress and to form next steps. We then use this information to plan for the next activity/day/term.
• Children who require additional needs may be provided with different resources to support their individual abilities.
How do the staff, and I, know how my child is progressing and how do the nursery help me
to support my child?
We ensure that constant and helpful contact is maintained between us and you as a parent. We will make you aware of what opportunities are in place to help you understand how your child is doing.
• Happytime strives to form excellent relationships with families and children and all times.
• Staff are always available to talk to either immediately upon request or through a suitably agreed time and date.
• Regular meetings will be arranged between your child’s key-worker and yourselves to keep you informed of your child’s achievements and progress on a daily basis.
• In addition to the above, your child will a have learning journal containing photographs, observations and pieces of creative work your child has completed. Progress will be monitored termly, in the form of Next Steps, which you will be asked to comment and discuss before signing.
What support is available for my child’s all round wellbeing?
We're continuously monitoring how you feel we support your child, how you feel we support their safety,
their personal care and medication and how we provide behavioural support.
• Happytime supports self-care by allowing children to learn vital life skills at their own rate and encourage them as well as work with the family towards a common goal. Where possible the pre-school is keen to follow on from what each child is doing at home, providing a continuity of learning.
• Our staff always support children to be active members of the pre-school, allowing them to seek out and guide the activities.
• All staff promote an inclusive, sensitive and positive approach to all children who attend the setting. Our routine is flexible and provides a positive happy environment.
• The required number of Happytime staff are trained in First Aid.
• All Happytime staff have attended Child Protection training and hold DBS certificates.
• All Happytime staff have rigorous checks when recruited.
Are there any specialist staff at Happytime? And are there any specialist services available to
me through the pre-school?
We ensure that, as a parent, you're aware of what external organisations are accessible to you and your child, and what support is available in the pre-school through trained staff.
• Specialist services are made known to parents and families through staff conversation, flyers and information in hallway and through newsletters and social media posts.
• Specialist support is available to children who require it, with consent of family members, and is made available to them through personal and private conversations with families
• Specialist staff are noted in the hallway and on our About Us page of the website, although this information can also be given upon request.
• West Sussex has a fantastic great array of outside agencies who are available to ensure we have the right team of people behind us to support children and their families when required.
These include::
Speech and Language Therapists
Local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Multi agency meetings (known as the Children and Young Person Planning Forum or CYPPF)
Early Support Team
Family Link Worker Service
Advisory Telephone Service
What training have the staff that are supporting special educational needs had or having?
We are continuously looking at courses and educational programmes that our staff can complete in order to support those children that need it
• Our staff attend various training throughout the year.
• Particular support is in place for staff members to attend in-house and outside training to address specific needs of children in the setting.
• The SENCO works with the key-workers to put in place individual education plans and play plans for children and offer support where needed.
• The SENCO attends regular SEN network meetings to share good practice with other settings.
How will my child be included in activities outside the early years setting, including trips?
For us this could be a trip to the local park, the book bus and visits from emergency services. We are always looking at how we can plan for each child, how we can suit the activity to their needs and how we can work with you to make each activity suitable for all.
• All the children are included in every activity. They are always given a choice as to whether they wish to participate and are never forced.
• Activities are changed and adapted to suit each child’s needs.
• Risk assessments are carried out for outings and equipment is taken to support children whilst out of the building
How accessible and adaptable is the pre-school to my child's needs?
Happytime Pre-school is based and set out on one floor. We highly prioritise looking at the indoor and outdoor spaces of the setting and how we can work with you and other services to ensure all areas are accessible to your child.
• The pre-school is willing to adapt the environment where necessary and possible to make it more accessible.
• The environment is assessed and adapted every day depending on the needs of the children who will be present.
How will Happytime prepare and support my child to join the setting / transfer to a new setting?
All Happytime staff are available to talk, listen and discuss matters relating to settling in, transferring to a new setting or changes to home life and are always very supportive and non-judgemental.
• When you apply for a place at the setting, once confirmed, .visits will be arranged for you and child to come in. During these visits you will be introduced to your child's key-worker and have the opportunity to discuss your child’s needs. These visits will enable us to get to know you and your child and present the opportunity to share any information concerning them.
• The nursery encourages and supports teachers coming to the setting to visit the child before they go to big school. They also offer transition days through other agencies.
How does the pre-school allocate its special educational needs funding / resources in relation to
my child’s requirements?
Happytime is constantly accessing where its allocation of funding and resources can be utilised best for the whole setting as well as individuals.
• Inclusion funding can be applied for to support your child in the setting, if required.
• EYPP (Early Years Pupil Premium) is spent directly on the child it was allocated for and the way it is spent is decided through the information gathered about development and extensive conversation with key workers and managers.
• Additional specialist equipment can be obtained through our links with the West Sussex Childhood Service.
How does the pre-school decide how much and what type of support my child will receive?
Happytime's observation and assessment process linked to the EYFS ages and stages of development, information from parent/carers, discussion with the key-worker and SENCO, will identify if support is required. This support will be put in place as soon as recognised.
• Regular meetings will be held with parents to continually monitor the child’s progress, and whether support needs to be increased or revised.
• The pre-school decides how much support is needed by talking to parents and with consent to other agencies as well as continually looking at IDP’s (Individual Development Plan) that have been put in place
• Happytime approach children’s development with a non-judgemental, supportive attitude and value the input of parents and outer agencies to ensure the best outcomes for the children in their care.
As a parent, how can we be involved in our child's day to day education at the pre-school?
We know how vitally important it is to have parents involved in their child's time at Happytime where possible. We will always encourage you to help us do this by communicating with us as much as possible about life in and out of the pre-school setting.
• As a parent there are opportunities to be involved in the pre-school. These range from comments on Tapestry, to bringing in things for show, and simply sharing information about home lives in order for staff to plan activities.
Where can I get more information?
Here at Happytime we are constantly researching and acquiring new information that we recognise will help and benefit all of our staff and children.
• Staff are always available and on hand to talk about Special Educational Needs and ensure that continuous contact and relationships are well maintained.
• We have informational flyers and other useful material with contact numbers / website details available for parents to view and take away.
• The pre-school operates a Facebook page -@HappytimePreschoolUK – in order to provide as many channels as possible for parent interaction.
Before starting an educational journey with us, you and your child will be invited along for a visit, where you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns that you may have. One of our dedicated team will be your child’s allocated ‘key-worker and will work closely with them, observing and monitoring their progress during their time with us.
How does Happytime know if my child needs extra help, and what can I do if I think my child has special educational needs or disabilities?
We look at the way our individual staff identify special educational needs and how they can then work with you and external organisations to meet those requirements.
• Happytime observations and assessments are collectively used to support your child’s learning in the setting. If these suggest that your child is not achieving their full potential then their key-worker will consult with you as parents, and may also involve the setting’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). This will enable the pre-school to decide whether additional support is to be put in place. If you, as a parent, have any concerns about your child’s progress or believe they have additional needs, this should be discussed with your key-worker in the first instance. The role of the key-worker is to develop a respectful, trusting relationship with a child and their parents, and to share information relating to them to ensure that they reach their full potential.
• Our staff work closely together as a team to identify extra needs. We work in-situ with external organisations, ensuring time is made for appointments and that you as parents are always invited and involved from the outset. As a setting, Happytime Pre-school is also willing, where possible to make changes to our learning environment to cater for any extra needs a child may have.
• All of our staff undergo necessary training and regularly assess all of the children to see if they are in line with expected development and learning.
• We have always adopted an approachable, friendly atmosphere which means concerns can be raised and discussed in a low pressure and supportive manner and environment. This can be done formally via an arranged meeting or informally by approaching a member of staff within the Happytime setting.
How does Happytime support my child?
We ensure that your child’s key-worker and our specialist staff work together to support your child's every need.
• Happytime Pre-school supports every child from their first visit through until the time that they leave our setting, offering a friendly and safe environment for them to learn in.
• All children are allocated a key worker and we do our best to ensure this person will be able to spend lots of time with them and that it is someone to which they form a bond.
• Observations on the children are taken daily to ensure a full understanding of each child’s ongoing progress. Staff also work closely with parents and maintain close relationships, obtaining information from home, which is equally as important in the process of providing a holistic view.
• Dedicated staff are trained in SEN and behavioural management with all staff encouraged to attend as many courses as possible as well as attending all mandatory courses.
• All staff work closely and effectively with outside organisations.
How does the pre-school adapt their daily/weekly/termly activities to match my child’s needs?
We look at the use of individual plans, development systems, learning journals and the observations used within them and our own assessment and planning processes
• The pre-school works to the EYFS Framework, often using a springboard topic which is then developed through children’s interests. Parents are vital in this process as they spend more time with their own children, seeing what interests and inspires them. This information can then be passed on.
• Happytime Pre-school uses daily recording/planning
• We display elements of the EYFS Framework that we are following in the hallway in order for parents to know what we are looking at in any given week. We look to bring in resources or even tell a story that each child can share during that topic. Our topics are always shared with parents via our newsletters
• When a child comes to Happytime Pre-school they are observed continuously, with written and photographic evidence collected in a Learning Journal. This is then regularly shared with parents via Tapestry and is therefore available to view at all times.
• Happytime uses Tapestry, an online learning journal software, to create learning journals which are easily and regularly accessible. This encourages parent input throughout their child's time at the pre-school. It is also used to assess the child’s progress and to form next steps. We then use this information to plan for the next activity/day/term.
• Children who require additional needs may be provided with different resources to support their individual abilities.
How do the staff, and I, know how my child is progressing and how do the nursery help me
to support my child?
We ensure that constant and helpful contact is maintained between us and you as a parent. We will make you aware of what opportunities are in place to help you understand how your child is doing.
• Happytime strives to form excellent relationships with families and children and all times.
• Staff are always available to talk to either immediately upon request or through a suitably agreed time and date.
• Regular meetings will be arranged between your child’s key-worker and yourselves to keep you informed of your child’s achievements and progress on a daily basis.
• In addition to the above, your child will a have learning journal containing photographs, observations and pieces of creative work your child has completed. Progress will be monitored termly, in the form of Next Steps, which you will be asked to comment and discuss before signing.
What support is available for my child’s all round wellbeing?
We're continuously monitoring how you feel we support your child, how you feel we support their safety,
their personal care and medication and how we provide behavioural support.
• Happytime supports self-care by allowing children to learn vital life skills at their own rate and encourage them as well as work with the family towards a common goal. Where possible the pre-school is keen to follow on from what each child is doing at home, providing a continuity of learning.
• Our staff always support children to be active members of the pre-school, allowing them to seek out and guide the activities.
• All staff promote an inclusive, sensitive and positive approach to all children who attend the setting. Our routine is flexible and provides a positive happy environment.
• The required number of Happytime staff are trained in First Aid.
• All Happytime staff have attended Child Protection training and hold DBS certificates.
• All Happytime staff have rigorous checks when recruited.
Are there any specialist staff at Happytime? And are there any specialist services available to
me through the pre-school?
We ensure that, as a parent, you're aware of what external organisations are accessible to you and your child, and what support is available in the pre-school through trained staff.
• Specialist services are made known to parents and families through staff conversation, flyers and information in hallway and through newsletters and social media posts.
• Specialist support is available to children who require it, with consent of family members, and is made available to them through personal and private conversations with families
• Specialist staff are noted in the hallway and on our About Us page of the website, although this information can also be given upon request.
• West Sussex has a fantastic great array of outside agencies who are available to ensure we have the right team of people behind us to support children and their families when required.
These include::
Speech and Language Therapists
Local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Multi agency meetings (known as the Children and Young Person Planning Forum or CYPPF)
Early Support Team
Family Link Worker Service
Advisory Telephone Service
What training have the staff that are supporting special educational needs had or having?
We are continuously looking at courses and educational programmes that our staff can complete in order to support those children that need it
• Our staff attend various training throughout the year.
• Particular support is in place for staff members to attend in-house and outside training to address specific needs of children in the setting.
• The SENCO works with the key-workers to put in place individual education plans and play plans for children and offer support where needed.
• The SENCO attends regular SEN network meetings to share good practice with other settings.
How will my child be included in activities outside the early years setting, including trips?
For us this could be a trip to the local park, the book bus and visits from emergency services. We are always looking at how we can plan for each child, how we can suit the activity to their needs and how we can work with you to make each activity suitable for all.
• All the children are included in every activity. They are always given a choice as to whether they wish to participate and are never forced.
• Activities are changed and adapted to suit each child’s needs.
• Risk assessments are carried out for outings and equipment is taken to support children whilst out of the building
How accessible and adaptable is the pre-school to my child's needs?
Happytime Pre-school is based and set out on one floor. We highly prioritise looking at the indoor and outdoor spaces of the setting and how we can work with you and other services to ensure all areas are accessible to your child.
• The pre-school is willing to adapt the environment where necessary and possible to make it more accessible.
• The environment is assessed and adapted every day depending on the needs of the children who will be present.
How will Happytime prepare and support my child to join the setting / transfer to a new setting?
All Happytime staff are available to talk, listen and discuss matters relating to settling in, transferring to a new setting or changes to home life and are always very supportive and non-judgemental.
• When you apply for a place at the setting, once confirmed, .visits will be arranged for you and child to come in. During these visits you will be introduced to your child's key-worker and have the opportunity to discuss your child’s needs. These visits will enable us to get to know you and your child and present the opportunity to share any information concerning them.
• The nursery encourages and supports teachers coming to the setting to visit the child before they go to big school. They also offer transition days through other agencies.
How does the pre-school allocate its special educational needs funding / resources in relation to
my child’s requirements?
Happytime is constantly accessing where its allocation of funding and resources can be utilised best for the whole setting as well as individuals.
• Inclusion funding can be applied for to support your child in the setting, if required.
• EYPP (Early Years Pupil Premium) is spent directly on the child it was allocated for and the way it is spent is decided through the information gathered about development and extensive conversation with key workers and managers.
• Additional specialist equipment can be obtained through our links with the West Sussex Childhood Service.
How does the pre-school decide how much and what type of support my child will receive?
Happytime's observation and assessment process linked to the EYFS ages and stages of development, information from parent/carers, discussion with the key-worker and SENCO, will identify if support is required. This support will be put in place as soon as recognised.
• Regular meetings will be held with parents to continually monitor the child’s progress, and whether support needs to be increased or revised.
• The pre-school decides how much support is needed by talking to parents and with consent to other agencies as well as continually looking at IDP’s (Individual Development Plan) that have been put in place
• Happytime approach children’s development with a non-judgemental, supportive attitude and value the input of parents and outer agencies to ensure the best outcomes for the children in their care.
As a parent, how can we be involved in our child's day to day education at the pre-school?
We know how vitally important it is to have parents involved in their child's time at Happytime where possible. We will always encourage you to help us do this by communicating with us as much as possible about life in and out of the pre-school setting.
• As a parent there are opportunities to be involved in the pre-school. These range from comments on Tapestry, to bringing in things for show, and simply sharing information about home lives in order for staff to plan activities.
Where can I get more information?
Here at Happytime we are constantly researching and acquiring new information that we recognise will help and benefit all of our staff and children.
• Staff are always available and on hand to talk about Special Educational Needs and ensure that continuous contact and relationships are well maintained.
• We have informational flyers and other useful material with contact numbers / website details available for parents to view and take away.
• The pre-school operates a Facebook page -@HappytimePreschoolUK – in order to provide as many channels as possible for parent interaction.
Who can I contact?
Your main point of contact is Happytime's Manager / Owner - Gayle Hamblin on 07917 195923
You can also get in touch with our SENCO/INCO Coordinator - Jen Peffer via Gayle or by email
Your main point of contact is Happytime's Manager / Owner - Gayle Hamblin on 07917 195923
You can also get in touch with our SENCO/INCO Coordinator - Jen Peffer via Gayle or by email
For more information on SEN Local Offer go to