Anyone work in reception or is a Senco ?

[undercoverperfectionista]

Ay preschool my son was quite involved their senco. He attended from age 2 and could not speak. He did have speech therapy privately and I got the therapist to attend preschool to see why he wouldn't speak there, once he slowly started to at home. Hearing everything checked and ok.

Preschool then said we think its best for him to go to school rather than me delay him as he's summer born. You'll get lots of additional support and will do lots of extra work on the transition. So then it was Covid. The transition stuff didn't happen, but he seems to have settled into school ok ( started this September.)

But when I spoke to his teacher on parents evening she said that the SENCo doesn't get involved with reception age children. Speech is still developing until age 7. I feel quite mislead there won't be any additional support. I was told there would be and that's why I shouldn't hold him back until he's 5. Teacher just said she can put him in a little group to work on his confidence. Is this normal?

He has speech of a 3 year old according to NHS 12-18 month behind his age.

No it’s not normal and completely at odds with the SEND code of practice. It might be that he’s not significantly behind and that they can meet his needs easily within the reception class setting; this wouldn’t be unusual. However they do need to step up in terms of identifying his needs and what provision is necessary to meet those needs. Email and ask for a meeting with the SENCO.

It might mean that the SENDCO doesn't actually come down and work with Reception kids because usually in Early Years there are more TAs around but that doesn't mean he or she shouldn't be involved. It sounds like your child needs SALT and frankly that is more specialist than a school has time and resources for. I'd ask for a referral to your LEA speech and language services. If you can afford it then get a private assessment and get private one to one weekly session. Honestly, worth every penny. You are right to be concerned and may well need to be 'that parent' because S&L needs are a hidden difficulty but impact in all areas of academic work plus social communication needs. Good Luck.

What @PaquitaVariation said.

The earlier you put provision in place the better. Especially when the process for additional EHCP help is so long winded.

All our Reception children were assessed with the first two weeks and the SENDCO referred to as needed. The Ed P has seen those the SENDCO decided needed to be seen and the process of gathering evidence, contacting previous providers etc has begun. This is usual procedure. Ensure everyone has the same information.Does school have copies of the private SALT findings? Does the teacher mean they do not think he needs SENDCO involvement? it is usual for SALT to come to school to work with children but Covid has affected who is able to come into schools. SALT then recommends perhaps 10 minutes a day work and feedback. Schools work with SALT/ others until they discharge the child. Working in smaller groups can be helpful and is an intervention. It depends on what you are expecting and what is presently his biggest barrier to learning. If this is his confidence that is what you would concentrate on.
Those needing help should get it asap as it is based on need and not diagnosis. The learning environment of one school can eliminate many SEND needs simply by the way they organise the day and the skills of the staff.
What is the norm at one school will be additional support at another school.
Read their SEND policy on the school website and keep talking with them.

@cabbageking thank you I will find the send policy.

My DS' last NHS SALT assessment was September 2019, because he then had an operation in January 2020, so was due to be assessed after a period of recovery ( as it was thought that the op would help, and it has in part). The NHS SALT appointment was the day before lockdown and his face to face appointment was cancelled and they just discharged him. Not helpful. Since I have spoken to them, but it's phone appointments and asking me stuff, not speaking with him.

School confidence is an issue because as a late talker he is relatively reluctant to speak. This might mean it's hard for them to assess what level he is at with the speech.

We stopped private SALT after DS' op and then hadn't restarted due to Covid's affect on our income. He had done weekly for 8 months and it made a massive difference, but we just can't afford it going forward. I actually think our SALT was great value at £600 for 10 sessions, but otherwise is £70 ph.

The teacher could be providing additional support by directing question his way based on the lesson and what they have already learnt about him.
They may have adjusted lessons to ones where work is held up, hand signals are used, working on specific phonic sounds or circle time where everyone gets to speak. He may be paired with a chatty child/ empathic or child who encourages well. He might be grouped with specific children who negotiate well and are inclusive. Being paired with a good buddy can help both children. It isn't always about taking a child out for 121. Music with beating instruments or lessons not depending on speaking skills can be a good leveller and build confidence.

Arrange to speak to his teacher and share your concerns. See if they also have concerns. You can also ask to speak with the SENCO and share previous SALT reports. If he’s been discharged then it may be that his needs aren’t too bad and that he’s managing fine.

It would be unusual for a SENCO to work face to face with an SEN child but they are responsible for leading in SEN and ensuring SEN children get the right support.

When my ds started reception there was talk of referring him to senco so definitely happens in my school this would really worry to be honest

I’m a SENDCO and have Reception and even Nursery (Pre-school) children on my list. What OP has described isn’t usual practice in my experience.