With support from the SENCO, it is important for all staff to take a lead role in understanding the strengths and needs of all the children in the setting. This is supported by effective information-sharing on transition, where previously successful strategies and approaches can be shared, and well embedded systems through which staff are able to identify and monitor needs at the earliest opportunity.
It is important that all staff are familiar with good practice recommendations, strategies and assessment tools that can be used to identify children's needs across different areas. The different areas of need covered within these web pages will support staff to identify general setting-based strategies and assessment tools that can be used to support early planning, under the Thriving and Getting Advice sections.
The Notice, Check, Try model aims to support class practitioners with the early identification of needs and early intervention before a decision is made as to whether the need is a special educational need. This model could be used for up to the first 2 terms of any period of concern, with a flexible approach according to the level of need:
Notice
Staff are aware of possible difficulties a child may be experiencing, noticing their presentation and/or engagement within the classroom and/or throughout the setting.
Check
Staff seek further information about the children's strengths and needs from the child themselves, colleagues, parents/carers. From the information gathered, staff then decide what next steps they might take (e.g. acting upon the child’s views).
Try
Guided by the information gathered, teachers and/or support staff try different approaches and continue to monitor the child's progress and wellbeing, involving others close to the child as appropriate.
At every stage of Notice, Check, Try staff should explore the possible needs underpinning a child's presentation and follow best practice guidance. Settings should have comprehensive recording systems in place for Notice, Check, Try so that, if further planning and support is required under the graduated approach, there is sufficient information to guide next steps with the SENCO.