This group has been set up to help schools support the children they are receiving in their Reception classes that are not what they would historically have deemed ‘school ready’. The aim of the group is for schools to network and access resources and training to help bridge the gap between their expectations and the reality of what ‘school ready’ may currently look like.
As part of this, the EY transition work will continue to include the very successful transition ‘Speed Dating’ type events that we have historically held, where schools and settings meet together to discuss children of concern. We hope that this year schools and settings will make every effort to attend these events and we also aim to have an introductory speaker. More details will follow.
We will also be joining as a West Area to deliver an online EY transition training session for schools as we did last year. This will include speakers such as SaLT, OT’s, EPs and Specialist Teachers. More information about accessing and signing up for this training will be sent out shortly.
Secondary Transition Inclusion Network Group (STING)
This network group will aim to support our Secondary schools which will be receiving increased admissions of pupils with EHCPs and complex needs in the next academic year. Details about the STING will be shared imminently and we would like to encourage all Secondary Schools in the district to join the group.
We will be working closely with KEPS and our SEN Inclusion Advisor to support this group to make their schools as inclusive and ready for their Year 7 intake as possible. We will be building on our current Secondary Transition Project for vulnerable pupils and those who have an Autism diagnosis to ensure that Primary and Secondary schools have every opportunity to support pupils' transition and share good practices.
The Down Syndrome Networking Group (DSNG) was set up several years ago following an increasing number of children with Down Syndrome attending our mainstream schools and settings. We felt that a positive way forward was to set up this provision, enabling us to provide the best possible level of support for our schools and settings.
Fiona Mumford, Early Years Specialist Teacher and Anna Samuels, Cognition and Learning Specialist Teacher facilitate the DSNG meetings. As the majority of our children with Down Syndrome are working at a different developmental stage to their peers, the support from an Early Years specialist is key for ensuring a smooth transition into school, as well as moving them forward with learning that is appropriate to their individual stage of development.
We meet online for an hour and a half once a term. Within these meetings, we provide targeted training, focusing on aspects of learning and development highlighted by staff. This sometimes includes outside speakers. We also ensure time for updates on individual children’s progress and for staff to share good practices. This networking with others working similarly in different schools/settings is an important aspect of this group.
As part of a child’s transition to school, we can provide initial Down Syndrome training for those who are new to teaching children with this condition.
The DSNG meetings are open to all schools/settings from within Tonbridge and Malling, as well as other districts that would benefit from this input and support. The DSNG is part of the district offer and is part of our intervention package for supporting children with Down Syndrome on our case lists.
The Early Years Reception Network Group (ERYNG)