Rising to the SEN Challenge
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Providing the one to one support that many children with special education needs (SEN) require can be a arduous task, for what many would say is already an under funded childcare sector. In addition, the common misconception that SEN children are always difficult dissuades many nurseries from investing in the necessary support required. One nursery that has recently been praised by Ofsted for its ‘outstanding’ practice’ is The Apple Tree Private Nursery in Braintree, Essex. Deborah Young, Special Education Needs Co-ordinator at the Nursery completed her Early Years level 3 with VTS in 2004. Since then, she has played a major part in the development of the nursery’s understanding of SEN. ‘We are able to offer one-to-one support, make up games to help develop their language and communication skills and also tailor the child’s care plan based on any feedback we get from speech and language specialists.’ In addition to this, the nursery encourages SEN children to mix with the other children in their care. Deborah continues ‘we think it is important to break down barriers early on and mix children who may not speak or behave in the same way. The aim of the group has always been for local children to play alongside children with SEN, rather than the other way around.’ |
VTS is an equal opportunities company aiming for the widest possible diversity in its workforce and learners.