GTEP: Early Years Enhancement Programme (EYEP)
Aim
This programme supports the early identification of special needs as pupils enter nursery education or their first year of full time schooling. The aim is to identify pupils’ needs and address them at an early stage before they can seriously hinder learning.
Background
A multi-agency approach has been adopted with speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and partnerships established with Sure Start teams where possible. The pilot schools have welcomed the approach and the teams are working with parents to avoid the possibility of disaffection in the long term. Parenting programmes have been built into the programme to help parents support pupils as they move into mainstream education. Pre-school development packs have been designed for parents to work with pupils on shared activities. These packs have had a measurable impact as one project school recently inspected by Ofsted received glowing praise for its outstanding practice developed in partnership with this programme.
Professional development for foundation teaching staff, nursery nurses and classroom assistants is included within the programme. The development of speech and language expertise amongst school staff is essential so that the work of the therapists is fully supported in school with resources designed for use with pupils.
The programme is working with Colleges of FE (nursery nurse training and classroom assistants) and anticipates working with higher education institutions to establish support at initial teacher training level along with CPD provided for experienced teachers.
Contact
Sue Robinson
Tel: 01429 267221
Email: susan.robinson17@btinternet.com
Vicky Parker
Telephone 01642 781310
Email vickyparker1@hotmail.com