Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) & Inclusion Policy

July 2026
LC Policy #34

At Little Crumpets, we are committed to providing a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, respected, valued and able to participate fully in our wraparound care provision.  We believe that every child is unique and has the right to enjoy high-quality childcare regardless of their individual needs, abilities, disabilities, culture, language, religion or family background.

As an Ofsted-registered wraparound childcare provider operating in partnership with the host school, we recognise that responsibility for identifying, assessing and coordinating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) usually rests with the child’s school and the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo). Our role is to work collaboratively with parents, carers, the school and other professionals to ensure children receive consistent, appropriate support during their time at Little Crumpets.

Little Crumpets aims to:

• Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for every child.

• Ensure all children are able to access and enjoy our activities.

• Promote equality of opportunity for all children.

• Make reasonable adjustments wherever practicable.

• Support children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence and independence.

• Encourage positive friendships and respectful relationships.

• Work closely with parents, carers and schools.

• Support children in line with agreed strategies and care plans.

Safeguarding and Children with SEND

At Little Crumpets, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We recognise the strong links between SEND and safeguarding and understand that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities may be more vulnerable to abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination and exploitation. Some children may experience additional barriers to recognising abuse, communicating concerns or seeking help.

The safety and wellbeing of every child is at the heart of everything we do. We understand our safeguarding responsibilities and ensure safeguarding is embedded throughout our daily practice.

Our staff:

• Receive regular safeguarding training and updates.

• Keep their safeguarding knowledge current through ongoing professional development.

• Understand how SEND can affect a child’s communication, behaviour and ability to disclose concerns.

• Know how to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns promptly.

• Work closely with parents, carers, the host school, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and the school’s SENDCo to ensure children receive consistent support where appropriate.

Safeguarding is embedded into our everyday practice by:

• Creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

• Building trusting relationships with children.

• Listening to children’s views and taking all concerns seriously.

• Remaining vigilant to changes in behaviour, presentation or wellbeing.

• Following robust safeguarding procedures at all times.

Where children require intimate care, staff follow our Intimate Care Policy, ensuring that care is delivered respectfully, sensitively and in a way that protects each child’s dignity, privacy and welfare.

We also recognise our responsibility to promote online safety. Where technology is used within our provision, staff supervise its use appropriately and follow our Internet Safety Policy to minimise risks and support children’s safe use of digital technology.

Positive behaviour is promoted through nurturing, consistent and developmentally appropriate approaches. Staff follow our Children’s Behaviour Policy, working alongside parents and the school to ensure behaviour support strategies are consistent and meet each child’s individual needs.

Our Role as a Wraparound Childcare Provider

Little Crumpets provides before school, after school and holiday childcare.

As a wraparound provider, we recognise that:

• The child’s school is responsible for delivering educational provision during the school day.

• The school’s SENDCo normally coordinates SEND assessments, support plans and Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans.

• We support the strategies already in place and provide consistent care during wraparound sessions.

• We work in partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow Early Years Education Team to develop inclusive practice within our setting.

• Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are Clare Raffet / Carol Cabourn-Smith 

• Our SENDCOs areClare Raffet/ Carol Cabourn-Smith 

We do not usually lead SEND assessments or write Education, Health and Care Plans. However, we play an important role in ensuring children feel included, supported and able to participate fully while attending Little Crumpets.

Working in Partnership with the School

We believe consistency between school and wraparound care benefits children.

Where appropriate and with parental consent, we will:

• Liaise with the school’s SENDCo.

• Follow agreed support strategies.

• Implement Individual Support Plans where relevant.

• Follow Behaviour Support Plans where appropriate.

• Follow Healthcare Plans.

• Share observations that may help support the child.

• Attend meetings where appropriate and practical.

• Ensure staff understand strategies used successfully within school.

Partnership with Parents and Carers

Parents and carers know their children best and are central to all decisions regarding their child’s care.

We will:

• Listen to parents’ views and concerns.

• Discuss any support required.

• Share information about children’s wellbeing and experiences.

• Maintain regular communication.

• Respect confidentiality.

• Work together to provide consistent support.

If we have concerns about a child’s wellbeing or development, we will always discuss these with parents and, where appropriate, encourage liaison with the child’s school.

Inclusive Practice

At Little Crumpets, inclusion is embedded in everything we do.

We will:

• Treat every child with dignity and respect.

• Encourage every child to participate.

• Adapt activities wherever reasonably practicable.

• Provide flexible routines where appropriate.

• Offer quiet spaces if children become overwhelmed.

• Encourage independence.

• Celebrate diversity.

• Promote positive friendships.

• Foster children’s confidence and self-esteem.

Reasonable Adjustments

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments wherever practicable to enable children with disabilities or additional needs to access our provision.

Medical Needs

Where children have medical conditions alongside SEND, we will follow their Individual Healthcare Plan and our Supporting Children with Medical Conditions Policy.

Staff Training

Little Crumpets is committed to continuous professional development. Staff receive regular training and updates to ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to support all children safely and effectively.

Training may include:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Safeguarding Children with SEND

• SEND Awareness and Inclusive Practice

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Positive Behaviour Management

• Autism Awareness

• ADHD Awareness

• Online Safety

• Communication Strategies

• Supporting Children with Medical Conditions

• Paediatric First Aid

Where appropriate, additional training will be sought to meet the individual needs of children attending the setting.

Confidentiality

Information relating to children’s additional needs will be treated confidentially and managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

Equality Statement

Little Crumpets welcomes children of all abilities and backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, included, respected and valued and has every opportunity to thrive within our wraparound provision.

Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside the following Little Crumpets policies:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

• Children’s Behaviour Policy

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

• Admissions Policy

• Supporting Children with Medical Conditions Policy

• Administering Medication Policy

• Health and Safety Policy

• Intimate Care Policy

• Internet Safety Policy

• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy

• Complaints Policy

• Whistleblowing Policy

This policy be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation or statutory guidance changes.

Legislation and Statutory Guidance
Little Crumpets operates in accordance with the following legislation and statutory guidance:

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework

• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice: 0–25 Years (2015)

• Children and Families Act 2014

• Childcare Act 2006

• Equality Act 2010

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), where applicable to our partnership working with the host school

• Prevent Duty Guidance

• Data Protection Act 2018

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)