Inclusion

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

FASD is an umbrella term used to describe the range of birth defects which can occur in a child whose mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. More information on FASD coming soon.

Interested in working with children with additional needs?

Paid positions will be advertised by Job Seekers through the Recruitment Team on 01905 822 658, 822 659 or 822 660 and have all the childcare vacancies sent to you on a regular basis.

The Inclusion Team

Inclusion Team Co-ordinator: Becky White, 01905 822 672

• Manages Inclusion Team, including: Portage Service, Early Years Special Support Advisors and SEN (Special Educational Needs) Improvement Advisors (Learning and Development)
• Funding available to train staff and increase staffing ratios to support children with additional needs

Special Support Advisors:

• Provide advice and guidance in all matters relating to the inclusion of children with complex needs
• Work closely with a range of statutory, private and voluntary childcare providers throughout Worcestershire
• Support early years and childcare settings in provision of childcare for children with additional needs
• Support in evaluating special needs policies

SEN (Special Educational Needs) Improvement Advisors:

• Provide advice and guidance in all matters relating to the inclusion of children with complex needs
• Specifically focused support to settings with children who are attached to pre-school forum
• Support the statementing process of children one year before entering school

Portage

Portage is a home-visiting educational service for children aged 0 to 5 years with additional support needs. The home visitors work in partnership with the family, supporting the child's development through play activities.

Parents or professionals can refer children to Portage if:

• A child has significant developmental delay in at least two areas and/or has a recognised disability
• A child lives within the County boundary
• Parents are willing to commit to a regular teaching programme
• The home visiting model is appropriate
• The child is not attending a special needs placement for 50% of the working week
• Children are of a pre-school age
• The child has at least one full term before s/he is due to start school
• Also provide a programme of training to parents in matters of inclusion

Contact us

You can get in touch with the Inclusion Team in the following ways:

Call us on: 01905 822 672
Email: eycsinclusion@worcestershire.gov.uk