Please help. Action for Inclusion meeting!

[Btowngirl]

Good morning,

is anyone able to give any wise advice please?

DD was recently diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that causes global delay and some mobility issues. She is in mainstream nursery and likely to go to mainstream school. She’s due to start school in September 2026.

We have an action for inclusion meeting coming up and I am not sure what to expect/the process. She’s a very sweet girl and has struggled with communication and physical development, she’s almost 4 and learnt to run recently and her communication is coming on a lot but she needs some time to process information. I see people ask her back to back questions which is too much and also speak over her when she doesn’t answer quickly enough. She’s not bothered at this stage but I’m worried it’s going to be a barrier to school education and really want to get this pathway we are on right.

Does anyone have any positive stories of the school transition please? Any advice for the EHCP pathway?

Request an EHCNA yourself now. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use. Don’t let anyone put you off. If an EHCNA hasn’t been requested yet, you won’t have an EHCP by the deadline for the normal admission process, so you should make a normal application too. Unfortunately, some have to appeal, sometimes more than once, so you may not have an EHCP by next September either.

It can help to make notes before the meeting. This page has some good questions to think about. You should mention about only asking one question at a time and giving time for DD to answer.

Look for a child friendly one page profile and fill it in for Nursery. Usually includes favourite activities or toys and “ how you can help me” “ I don’t like”etc
You can add info under the communication section
e.g. Use my name to gain my attention
Use reduced language
Pause to give me time to respond or answer
If you need to repeat use the same language
Add any signing used or symbols etc
These are really helpful for transition but sounds like one would be helpful now
Has the SALT given strategies for Nursery staff?
Look at Blanks Level questions for questioning when sharing books etc. I’m guessing she may be level 1 or 2
Might be helpful for staff.
Good luck with the meeting.

The Action for Inclusion meeting will include making a plan (may not be called a one page profile. Depends on the area/nursery) which may use a specific template for that area (some AFI plans do).

One page profile/ pen portrait is just an information sharing document. An All About Me A4 sheet usually completed by parents ( or someone who knows the child well) for a setting or used on transition.
There are some lovely themed ones suitable for Early Years. Lots of examples and templates online. Some EYFS settings use them for everyone

I know they are information sharing documents. I was just saying the AFI meeting will include having an information sharing document and it may use a specific template they use in that area/setting because some have a set template they use for AFI plans. Although not all call it a one page profile.

Thank you all so much. I am going to properly research and prepare everything on Monday when my girls are in childcare. We had a call from the early years education woman who met/observed dd in nursery this week. She definitely wants to proceed with EHCP she said but specifically based around DD’s diagnosis.

@Btowngirl Hope it all goes well on Monday
Don't be afraid to ask questions or for clarification especially if they use lots of jargon or initials. There are SEN jargon busters online.

EHCPs are based on needs rather than diagnosis.

I know, I thought it was strange she said it but will discuss it more when we meet with her. I don’t know if it was misplaced on her side to be reassuring or something.

Great thanks. Might write myself a little list before going!