our learning

At SEND to Learn our aim is to provide exceptional nursery education for children from birth - 5 years old, in a friendly child-centred environment, delivered by highly experienced and motivated staff who understand the needs of the children in their care.

All of our children's care and education is individualised to provide all children with the best opportunities for development. We offer an enriched and enhanced curriculum, and have a unique approach to learning which is built upon the best aspects of Special Education Needs Education and Early Years Education and Child Care.

We are now rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

At Waterloo we take a maximum of 42 children per session (split into 4 groups of up to 15 children), and Briardale we take a maximum of 15 children. This ensures all children get the highest level of care and attention throughout their time with us.

We always take a child-centered approach to our learning, and have our children at the heart of everything we do. We use a small-steps approach to teaching, with a focus on what children CAN do, rather than what they can't do. This allows us to celebrate every success along the way.

All children have individualised learning programmes with targets specific to their level of development. They also receive 1-to-1 input with staff members to work on their individual targets.

Children are grouped according to their stage of development rather than their chronological age thereby supporting individualised learning. All staff and children at our Nursery learn Makaton sign language, and participate in daily yoga or wiggle time, which aids mental health development and communication skills, alongside understanding uniqueness and the positive benefit everyone can provide.

All children also have access to a range of specialist therapies from our staff including Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, TEACCH and Animal Assisted Therapy, depending on the individual needs of the child.

SEND to Learn are proud to have been part of the following Northumberland County Council pilot schemes:

2019/20 Academic year - Providing exceptional nursery provision for 2 year olds

2020/21 Academic year - Sustainability in Early Years

2021/22 Academic year - Narrowing the Gap (looking at creative ways to encourage the attainment of all children)

We are continuing these projects within nursery to continue to provide exceptional nursery provision for all of our children, with a focus on sustainable practices and encouraging sustainability with all of our children.

our curriculum

At SEND to Learn we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This lays out the learning, development and welfare for children from birth to age 5. Children's education is broken down into 3 prime areas and 4 specific areas as detailed below.

Characteristics of Effective Learning are another element of the EYFS curriculum. They focus on HOW children learn rather than WHAT they learn i.e. process over outcome. At SEND to Learn we continuously reflect on the different ways that our children learn, and then adapt our teaching methods to suit our children.

The Characteristics of Effective Learning are vital at SEND to Learn as we believe that during their earliest years, children form attitudes about learning that will last a lifetime. Children who receive the right sort of support and encouragement during these years are more likely to be creative, and adventurous learners throughout their lives.

As well as the EYFS curriculum, we also use the TEACCH approach which focuses on the individual child, their skills, interests and needs, and uses teaching flexibility and visual structures to organise the environment and tasks when teaching skills.

We also utilise SCERTS which is a research-based educational framework that directly addresses the core challenges faced by children with ASD and related disabilities.

Additionally we work closely with external partners such as Speech and Language therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists and Portage to set combined targets for those children who require additional input.

what we offer

our ethos

Our universal offer is what is available to all children, from all staff. We have an enhanced universal offer which goes above and beyond what is usually expected within Early Years. This then progresses through to specific targeted work for groups of children, on to highly specialised programmes for individual children.

a typical day at nursery

9am

9.15am

10am

10.30am

11am

11.45am

12 noon

Children arrive & have some free time to choose & play independently with their friends

Registration (hello song & how we're feeling), group story, yoga & wiggle time

Children spend time doing group work & 1-to-1 work with teachers

Snack time - children & staff sit together to enjoy a healthy snack

Play time - children go outside or into Alfie's Attic

Music time - children join in with signing & playing musical instruments

Home time or dinner time for those children staying over dinner

12.30pm

12.45pm

1.30pm

2pm

2.30pm

3.15pm

3.30pm

getting ready for nursery

Here are our top tips for helping your child get ready for nursery.

get social

Going to parent and child groups are a great way to get your child used to being around other children and adults. It’s a great chance for you to bond, but it’s also a great place for them to learn to play alongside others, taking turns, share and socialising with others their own age.

Set simple tasks / give some responsibility

Children at nursery are asked to do small tasks, such as putting toys away, helping with their coat/shoes etc. This helps with their listening and understanding skills, as well as giving them a sense of accomplishment and helps improve their self-confidence. Asking them to help with similar age appropriate tasks at home can help them to settle better and adapt to the daily routines in nursery.

time away from parents / main care givers

It’s easier for your child to settle at nursery if they are used to being away from their parents and being looked after by other responsible adults such as grandparents or aunties/uncles. This can start with a short time and build up to longer times. This supports children to be happy and comfortable around other familiar adults, and away from parents, helping with the transition into nursery.

be positive

Starting nursery is an exciting but daunting time, for both adults and children alike, so in the run up to, and on your child’s first day at nursery, try to be calm and positive. We are here to help reassure the whole family that everything will be ok. When you have said your goodbyes, try not to worry. If there is a problem, you will be contacted, but in most cases your child will be enjoying their exciting new experience at nursery.