Additional needs policy
The Playbox has regard to the SEND Code of Practice 0-25 years (2015, updated 2024), the Equality Act 2010 and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and aims to provide a welcome, and appropriate learning opportunities, for all children.
Children with SEND, like all other children, are admitted to The Playbox after consultation between parents and The Playbox manager, so that we can endeavour to meet each child’s needs.
Our aim is to provide for the developmental needs of each child in the group.
ALL children in the group, irrespective of their SEND are encouraged wherever possible and appropriate to participate in all the group’s activities.
The Playbox will make reasonable adjustments and provide inclusive practice to ensure children with disabilities are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.
Our group’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCO) – MRS AMANDA DARLEY monitors the needs and progress of children who have SEND.
A system of observation and confidential record keeping operates in conjunction with discussions with parent/carers, to enable us to identify and monitor children’s needs using the graduated approach: Assess – Plan – Do – Review. We value and consider the views, wishes and feelings of the child when planning support appropriate to their age and stage of development.
Our Key person system ensures each adult is especially responsible for, and close to, a small group of children, so each child receives plenty of adult time and attention.
We work closely with parents of all children in the group to ensure that :–
- The knowledge and expertise of parents is taken into account in planning provision for the child.
- The child’s progress and achievements are shared and discussed with parents on a regular basis.
- Parents know the identity of the group’s SENDCO.
- Parents are aware of the arrangements for the admission and inclusion of children with SEND.
- If parents have a complaint about our SEND provision they know that it will be dealt with promptly by the Playbox manager or SENDCO.
If it is felt that a child’s needs cannot be met in the group without additional staffing support or additional equipment, funding will be sought to ensure that our provision is appropriate to the child’s needs.
We work in liaison with relevant professionals and agencies outside the group, including therapists, health visitors, educational psychologists, social workers, paediatricians and portage workers, to meet children’s specific needs.
Information regarding children with SEND will be shared appropriately and confidentially in line with GDPR and safeguarding requirements.
Our staff attend whenever possible in-service training on SEND arranged by the Suffolk Children and Young Peoples Workforce Development and other professional bodies.
Please refer to The DFE or government SEND code of practice 0-25 years for more information on our provision for children with SEND. Please see below and press on link to this.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-2
This policy was reviewed & updated at a meeting of The Playbox committee held on 13th May 2026
Signed Chairperson : Jane Sharp
