Norwood is pleased to announce the development of a new partnership programme, the Partnership for Inclusion in the Community (PIC), with The Learning Trust in Hackney. The programme will continue and develop the work of the Roving Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) Project.
The PIC, operated by Binoh, will ensure that independent schools and Chadorim within the community will continue to receive educational support to enable them to develop their school infrastructure, as well as support their pupils who have additional needs. This initiative will allow Binoh to increase its level of support in mainstream independent schools for children who have Statements of Special Educational Needs. The partnership was established in September and Binoh started its work in schools at the beginning of November.
An exciting new development linked to the partnership is the Early Years Support Programme, supporting children from birth up to the age of five, both at home and in their pre-school setting, with the emphasis on early intervention. Trained staff from Norwood's Somers Children & Family Centre in Hackney will support young children with additional needs and their families, through an extended home-visiting service. Staff will also provide focused sessions at the Family Centre, addressing issues such as parenting support, play, language, communication and motor development.
This programme will help identify, assess and support children whose parents have concerns regarding aspects of their development. Binoh staff will facilitate children's transition into a pre-school setting, giving them the support they require to help them settle as quickly as possible. Binoh's direct support and training for staff at these pre-school services will enable them to enhance the support they can offer to all children with special educational needs.
Norma Brier, Norwood's Chief Executive, said: "In the context of the Government's Every Child Matters policy, this partnership is a fine example of the voluntary sector working together with a local authority for the benefit of children in the community. The early intervention scheme will make a huge difference to the future of young children, ensuring that skilled staff give them the right support from the start to achieve their full potential in life."
Penny Dixie, Assistant Director, Support for Children and Young People at The Learning Trust said, "This exciting project will help us to intervene earlier with more children with special educational needs and remove barriers to their learning. Thanks to our excellent partnership with Binoh we will further raise the expectations and achievement of these children and their families."
For further information please contact Naomi Creeger, Public Relations Manager at Norwood on 020 8420 6900 or email naomi.creeger@norwood.org.uk
