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This July, we mark Disability Pride Month with a simple, sensory printing activity using paint and paper. Children make prints with their hands, feet, elbows, fingers, fists, feet, knees, choosing for themselves how their body meets the page. The resulting display celebrates the fact that there is no single right way for a body to work and that every child’s way is worth celebrating. 

We think of nurseries as full of joy at festive times, filled with decorations, trees and songs about donkeys and kings. However, for some children, changes to routine, environment and activity can be unsettling and stressful. Bright new lights, new sounds and smells, different food and a busier, less predictable schedule may lead to feelings of confusion and anxiety. With thoughtful preparation and sensitive support, practitioners can help all children feel secure, included and happy throughout this time. Check out our top tips on supporting children through seasonal change.

Creating a genuinely inclusive team doesn’t just happen. It requires nursery leaders to look honestly at the culture they are building, not only policies in the file, but the everyday moments that let each member of the team know they are valued and belong. The following tips are starting points for reflection and action.

When talking about children with special educational needs and disabilities, additional support for learning (ASL) or additional learning needs (ALN), the support we put in place and the people we work with, it’s important to use the right language and understand the terms we use.

Every child has the right to an education and, as early education and care professionals, it’s part of our duty to ensure that every child has equal access to high-quality learning opportunities and nurturing care.

Visual aids and prompts are valuable tools within the early years environment, supporting young children to understand routines, build confidence and develop independence.

We are asking ‘what is SEND?’ and what does working with children with SEND in early education and care mean?