Local Offer

 

Kendal Nursery School: Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Kendal Nursery School is an inclusive setting that welcomes all children and values each child’s uniqueness.
We are committed to ensuring that every child is included in all aspects of learning and nursery life throughout their time with us.

Our Aims

At Kendal Nursery School, we aim to:

  • Embed a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, covering all seven areas of learning and supporting each child’s holistic development.

  • Provide a caring, stimulating, safe, secure, and healthy environment that meets the individual needs of every child.

  • Build self-confidence, cooperation, and independence — empowering children to become resilient, motivated learners with a lifelong love of learning.

  • Follow children’s passions and interests, enabling us to identify individual paths of learning and celebrate each child’s achievements.

  • Celebrate the joy and wonder of lifelong learning through rich experiences in our outdoor environment.

  • Develop and extend our services by working in partnership with families and other professionals to meet the needs of all children and their families.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities

At Kendal Nursery School, we follow the definitions set out in the SEND Code of Practice (2014):

  • Special Educational Needs (SEN):
    A child has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which requires special educational provision to be made for them. This may apply to children who experience significantly greater difficulty in learning than others of the same age.

  • Disability:
    Many children with SEN also have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010. This refers to a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term and substantial impact on their ability to carry out normal daily activities. This can include sensory impairments or long-term health conditions.

The term Special Educational Needs therefore refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of their age. Support is usually provided within school and, where appropriate, with the help of external specialists.

Areas of SEN Support

SEN is generally grouped into four broad areas:

  1. Communication and Interaction

  2. Cognition and Learning

  3. Social, Emotional, and Mental Health

  4. Sensory and/or Physical Needs

If you would like to speak to us about your child’s needs, please contact us on 01539 730800 and ask to speak to our SEND Co-ordinator, Alyssa Dobbs.

Our Local Offer and the Westmorland & Furness Local Offer

What is a “Local Offer”?

A Local Offer explains the support, services and provision available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
It is designed to make information clear and accessible so families know what help is available and how to access it.

Our Nursery’s Local Offer

Our Nursery Local Offer sets out what Kendal Nursery School can provide to support children with SEND within our setting.
It includes information about:

  • How we identify and assess children’s needs.

  • The support and adjustments we make to meet those needs.

  • How we involve families and professionals in planning and reviewing support.

  • How our environment, curriculum, and teaching approaches are adapted to ensure inclusion.

  • How we measure progress and celebrate success.

You can view our full Local Offer here:
👉 Kendal Nursery School Local Offer

The Westmorland & Furness Local Offer

The Westmorland & Furness Local Offer provides a wider picture of all the SEND support and services available across the local authority area, from birth to age 25.
It includes details of education, health, and social care services, as well as information about transport, leisure, and support for parents and carers.

You can access it here:
👉 Westmorland & Furness SEND Local Offer

How the Two Offers Work Together

  • Our Nursery Local Offer focuses on what we provide directly within Kendal Nursery School.

  • The Westmorland & Furness Local Offer shows the full range of services available in the wider community and explains how to access additional or specialist support.

  • Together, they ensure families have a clear understanding of the support available both within our setting and across the local area.

  • We regularly review our provision so it aligns with the local authority’s offer and continues to meet the needs of all children and their families.

Support for Parents and Carers

If parents or carers would like impartial advice or support about their child’s special educational needs and disabilities, they can contact Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).

SENDIASS offers:

  • Impartial information, advice, and support on all aspects of SEND.

  • Help preparing for meetings with schools or the local authority.

  • Practical support during meetings, provided in an appropriate and impartial manner.

  • Signposting to other relevant support networks.

For more information, please visit:
👉 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) | Westmorland & Furness Council