š SENCO at Our Nursery: How We Support Every Child to Thrive
Championing inclusion, understanding, and supportāso every child can shine
At our nursery, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their individual needs or learning style. Thatās why inclusion is at the heart of everything we doāand why our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) plays such a vital role in supporting children, families, and the team.
In this blog, weāre shining a light on what a SENCO does, how we support children with additional needs, and how we work in partnership with families to ensure every child gets the best start in life š±
š§ What Does a SENCO Do?
Our nurseryās SENCO is a trained and experienced member of staff who:
- Identifies and supports children who may have additional or special educational needs (SEND)
- Works closely with families and staff to create individual support strategies
- Coordinates with external professionals like speech and language therapists, health visitors, and local SEND services
- Makes sure that our setting is inclusive, nurturing, and accessible for all
Whether a child needs support with speech and language, sensory regulation, social interactions, or developmental delay, the SENCO ensures they are seen, understood, and supported.
š¬ āInclusion is not a bolt-onāitās built in.ā
At our nursery, inclusive practice isnāt something we add ināitās part of who we are.
We recognise that:
- Every child is unique
- Children learn in different ways
- Development happens at different paces
- A little extra support can make a big difference
Through careful observation, warm relationships, and consistent routines, we create an environment where all children feel safe, valued, and confident to explore.
š§© How We Support Children with SEND
Our SENCO works closely with key persons and families to create individual support plans, sometimes called IEPs (Individual Education Plans) or Targeted Learning Plans. These include:
- Clear, achievable goals tailored to the child
- Strategies we use to support learning and development
- Regular reviews to monitor progress
We might also:
- Use visual aids, communication cards or Makaton signing š§
- Create sensory-friendly spaces or calming areas
- Break activities into smaller, manageable steps
- Offer 1:1 support during key routines (e.g. transitions or mealtimes)
š All staff receive regular training in inclusive and SEN practices, so support is consistent across the setting.
š¤ Working in Partnership with Parents
You are the expert on your childāand we want to work alongside you every step of the way.
Our SENCO will:
- Listen to your concerns and observations
- Keep you informed about your childās progress and strategies
- Help you access support services if needed (e.g. speech therapy, referrals)
- Make sure your voice is included in all planning and decision-making
š” Even if your child doesnāt have a diagnosis, we can still put early support in place.
š” Supporting Learning at Home
Our SENCO is also here to help you understand how to support your child at home with:
- Visual routines and communication tools
- Calming and sensory strategies
- Tips for managing behaviour positively
- Language development games and songs
Just askāweāre always happy to help you build confidence and ideas for learning together at home.
š Every Child Belongs Here
Inclusion is not about doing moreāitās about doing whatās right for each child. Our SENCO ensures no child is left behind and every child has what they need to thrive, belong, and be celebrated.
If youād like to talk to our SENCO, raise a concern, or find out more about how we support additional needs, please donāt hesitate to reach out. Weāre here to listen, help, and walk with you on your childās journey š