How to Create an Inclusive Nursery
Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs
Transcript
INTRO
How to Create an Inclusive Nursery – Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs
Ever feel unsure about how to make sure every child feels like they truly belong in your nursery? It can be tough to know how to support kids with special needs while juggling everything else, but here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Stick around, because today I’m sharing practical tips to help you create an inclusive environment where every child—no matter their needs—feels supported, engaged, and part of the group.
But, first welcome to the channel.
Intro Vid
Welcome to the channel, open a nursery with myself Curtly Ania where I support you to open run and grow your own childcare business.
Today’s video is all about how to create an inclusive nursery, especially for children with special educational needs. I know it can feel a bit too much at first, but trust me, with the right approach, it’s totally doable. So, if you’re ready, let’s begin!
What is Inclusion? And Why Does it Matter?
So, what do we mean by inclusion? At its heart, inclusion means making sure that children with special educational needs aren’t just there in your nursery—they’re actively involved, learning, and having fun just like everyone else.
It’s so important because every child deserves the chance to feel like they belong. And it’s not just about accommodating kids with disabilities; it’s about embracing all kinds of differences—whether that’s learning styles, abilities, or emotional needs.
When you create an inclusive nursery, you’re making sure that every child—no matter their background or abilities—has the same opportunities to grow, learn, and be part of the group. And honestly, when everyone feels included, the whole nursery community becomes stronger.
Step 1: Training Your Staff
Alright, so how do you actually start creating an inclusive nursery? It begins with your team. Your staff are the people who are going to make this happen day in and day out, so it’s super important that they feel confident and prepared to support children with special needs.
First off, there’s training. This doesn’t mean everyone needs to become an expert, but a little knowledge can go a long way. Look into training courses that cover things like autism, ADHD, and speech and language difficulties. These can give your team a solid foundation on how to support children with SEN.
But honestly, just as important as formal training is fostering an environment of empathy and patience. Children with special needs might have good days and not-so-good days. They might need extra time or a different approach, and having a team that’s flexible and understanding is key. Sometimes it’s the small gestures, like a kind word or a little extra patience, that make the biggest impact.
Step 2: Creating a Welcoming Environment
Once your team is ready, the next step is making sure your nursery environment is inclusive too. And no, it’s not just about adding a ramp or a quiet corner—although those are important! It’s about creating a space where all children feel comfortable, safe, and encouraged to be themselves.
Let’s start with accessibility. Depending on the needs of the children you’re working with, this could mean adjusting your layout to be more wheelchair-friendly or creating spaces where children who need more space can move freely. But it’s also about thinking beyond physical changes. For example, children with sensory needs might need a quieter space where they can go if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Having a calm corner with soft lighting, calming textures, and sensory toys can make a big difference.
Speaking of sensory needs, having sensory-friendly areas can help a lot. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Things like dimmer lights, soft cushions, and quiet spaces can provide comfort for kids who might get overstimulated.
Another great idea is using visual supports. Simple things like picture schedules, visual cues for daily activities, and using images alongside written instructions can really help children who struggle with language or following spoken instructions. It gives them something to look at and refer to, which can make their day much smoother.
Step 3: Adapting Activities for Everyone
Now let’s talk about the activities. I know it might seem tricky to adapt your daily plans to suit every child’s needs, but the truth is, small changes can make a huge difference.
For example, if you’re doing an arts and crafts activity, think about how you can make it easier for children who might struggle with fine motor skills. Instead of just offering crayons and pencils, throw in some thicker markers or foam pieces that are easier to grip. Little tweaks like that ensure everyone can join in without feeling frustrated.
And when you’re giving instructions, try to break tasks down into smaller, simpler steps. Instead of giving a long list of directions, give them one at a time. For kids who might get overwhelmed or confused by too many instructions at once, this can really help them stay focused and succeed.
Also, don’t be afraid to offer alternative activities if a child just isn’t feeling comfortable with the main group task. For example, if you’re doing a loud group activity and you know one of your children has sensory processing difficulties, have a quieter option ready. The key here is to make sure that even if they’re not doing the same thing as everyone else, they still feel included and engaged.
And don’t forget about peer interactions! Sometimes, children with special needs might hesitate to join in with their peers, but you can help by setting up activities that encourage teamwork or pairing them up with a buddy who can guide and support them.
Step 4: Working with Parents and Specialists
One of the most important parts of supporting children with special educational needs is building strong relationships with their families and, if needed, any specialists they’re working with.
Parents know their children better than anyone, so make sure you’re keeping an open line of communication with them. Check in regularly, share updates about how their child is doing, and most importantly, listen to their concerns or suggestions. They might have ideas for how to better support their child that you hadn’t thought of.
For children with more specific needs, you may also be working with specialists—like speech therapists, occupational therapists, or educational psychologists. These professionals can offer advice on specific strategies or activities that will best support the child’s development. Working together as a team—nursery staff, parents, and specialists—ensures that the child gets consistent, personalized support.
Step 5: Building Social and Emotional Skills
Inclusion isn’t just about learning and physical accessibility—it’s also about helping children with special needs develop socially and emotionally. Some children might have trouble making friends or understanding social cues, so it’s important to create opportunities where they can practice and build those skills.
One way to do this is by teaching empathy to all the children in your nursery. Help them understand that everyone is different, and that’s a good thing! You can introduce stories or activities that highlight diversity and teamwork.
You can also set up buddy systems where children are paired up to help each other during activities. This gives children with special needs a chance to bond with their peers while learning important social skills.
Step 6: Celebrating Every Success
Lastly, remember that every child’s success looks different. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, making a friend, or just having a good day, it’s so important to celebrate those moments.
Positive reinforcement, praise, and encouragement can go a long way in building a child’s confidence and helping them feel like they belong. Even small milestones should be recognised because every achievement—no matter how big or small—is worth celebrating.
Conclusion
And that’s it. These are all the simple but effective ways to create an inclusive nursery that supports children with special educational needs. It’s all about making small adjustments to your environment, activities, and interactions to ensure that every child feels welcomed and valued.
If you found this helpful, don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe for more tips on running a successful nursery. And if you have any questions or ideas for future videos, drop them in the comments below! Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time!
God Bless.
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