Specialist teacher observing child at nursery

[Blueyandbingox]

Does anyone have any experience of the specialist teacher service going into nursery to observe their child?

I'm not sure if it’s always called the same thing, it may be called something else in other areas.

Just wondering what they actually do while ‘observing!’

They watch.

that’s it.

usually they are watching for specific behaviours or to see if there is a problem.

so for example a specialist teacher of the deaf might go in to observe a child, and then they will be able to make suggestions to the teacher that help the child access what is going on.

most places have this advisory service for visually impaired, deaf, and other issues.

Thanks that is helpful!

I wasn’t sure if they’d literally just watch them or if it involved any sort of playing with them etc.

So it is to help the nursery learn/ be given ideas to help the child access the activities/ learning etc.

It will depend on what the concerns are what kind of specialist teacher. They will observe the child (who shouldn’t know they will be observed), they may also do some one to one activities with them seperatly but on the same day. They will be looking for your child’s strenghths and areas of difficulties and then will make recommendations on how the class teacher can best meet your child’s needs.

Thanks!

This has helped me understand what it’s for, I couldn’t quite get a grip on it from google but think I get it now.

Depends on the reason for the observation but most will just watch and write notes on behaviour, words the child uses, interactions with staff/peers.

They may do some limited interaction if they are looking for something specific. They aren’t usually there for more than about half hour to an hour.

I would have expected the nursery to have explained their reasons for requesting input from a specialist teacher to you and explained what is involved.

In my experience the type of specialism is usually identified in the teacher's job title but every local authority will do their own thing. Areas of expertise could be language, sensory, physical, learning,autism etc.

Is the nursery a nursery class in a school or private nursery?

Is there a time allocated for this visiting teacher to talk with you? I would expect this to happen in a nursery setting.

Thanks!

So I do know why they need input (child has mild CP, development delay in every area, doing well and progressing all the time but a solid year behind if not more in most areas, he’s 2.5). He’s a happy, social little babbler who loves to play but not yet walking, just starting to walk with a frame. He’s been in nursery since 15 months and they’ve been great with him so far.

It is a private nursery, they hadn’t really explained what the specialist teacher was for and we have so many referrals etc I never even thought to ask really until now it’s coming up next week. They haven’t requested me to be there or available for a chat with the teacher.

It sounds as though they are looking for guidance as to how they might best help your child, which is a positive thing.

It sounds great that nursery are both supporting well and seeking advice and support from outside agencies too.

It can be really overwhelming to have lots of referrals and professionals from different places. The positive aspect is that there will be a lot of relevant and specialist information available to backup requests for support including an EHCP if thats what's needed.

I would ask nursery for more information about the role of the visiting teacher, and where s/he comes from. I'm assuming its from the sen team of the local authority but its worth checking. Even if nursery staff are not 100% sure, with a job title you can Google and hopefully get a bit of clarity.

It sounds like your little chap is doing great 😊

Yes they did mention applying for an EHCP once he moved to the toddler room, which he just has at start of Sept so I imagine this process will begin soon! I will pop in and have a chat with the sendco and get some clarity. The form was done many months ago and I’d put it out my mind really until this week! Thanks for your help!

You can apply for ECH needs assessment yourself and this can be done at any time. I am going through this at the moment for an older child. I strongly suggest you speak to your local SENDIASS team as they can help you with this and help you make sure you get the right level of support for your child.

This used to be part of my role ( retired) as some PP have said it could be to provide written advice and strategies towards an EHCNA.

Our team did an initial observation to outline strengths and needs and provide strategies for staff

This might lead to a child being accepted “ onto caseload”

This might have been followed by some 1 to 1 sessions in the setting with a TA to improve intention and interaction or play skills for example.
All teams are different. Ours was a large team.

The observation would be to see the child in a range of areas and situations including free play, 1 to 1 or group sessions, snack time outdoor play etc.
I’d have been looking at speaking and listening skills, fine and gross motor skills, social interaction, play skills and interests.

Strategies for staff might include advice on developing attention and listening skills, communication strategies, play skills, turn taking etc
Adaptations to existing toys might be suggested such as Velcro on wooden blocks and ideas for multisensory teaching and learning and suggestions for any sensory needs.
At this age I’d have spoken to the key person or SENCO rather than undertake 1 to 1 activities. The EP will do this usually.
I often spoke to parents after an observation via a phone call if not in person. This isn’t always possible with time constraints.

Thanks for this! I have now spoken to the nursery sendco who has said I should come in after the observation and have a chat. I’m happy with this as I’ll be able to ask any questions that may pop up.
I honestly feel lucky we have such a supportive nursery, they already adapt things to include my boy (bringing activities to floor level for him etc), but there’s definitely some areas I think they could do with a little nudge in (for example his walker still hasn’t been used at nursery as they haven’t set the time with me to bring it in and show them how to use it) so hopefully this can be a catalyst for little things like that.

That’s great that you are having a meeting. Make a list of points and questions so that you don’t forget anything.
It’s good that they are supportive but do need to be advised by you especially around his physical needs.
Will they be applying for Preschool Inclusion supplement? You can ask the specialist teacher about this too.
Look on your LAs SEN Local Offer to see what is available.