The vast majority of my Wild Things develop typically and without any additional needs, neurodivergence or SEND. The Department for Education (DfE) requires me, through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, to have arrangements in place to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The early years is a critical stage in a child’s development, and the typical range of development is very broad. It is important that no behaviour is taken in isolation, and that the whole child over a period of time is taken into account. Not all needs will be long term, though some needs may be more significant and will require additional support or interventions to adequately meet the child’s needs. It is important that all needs are supported, whether related to SEND or not.
I am passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). I am a qualified Early Years SENCo and undertake many hours of continuous professional development each year updating my knowledge with the latest research, approaches and techniques to support all our Wild Things.
As an Autistic, ADHD person myself I have substantial insight into both conditions and have supported children with both autism and ADHD. I work closely with the Local Authority Inclusion Team and our Area SENCo, and have secured the necessary referrals, support and EHCPs to help successfully launch our Wild Things onto the next exciting stage of their journey.
Identifying need at an early stage is crucial in securing the support our Wild Things need in order to flourish at all stages of their education. It can be a daunting time for families, so I am here to support you as well.
Here are some resources that you may find useful.
Local information and resources for Worcestershire
- Worcestershire County Council’s local offer – resources, services, support, activities and events for children and young people who have a Special Educational Need (SEN) or are disabled, including those who do not have Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans
- Child Development Centres – accessed via your GP referral
- Health Visiting Team or telephone 01905 520032 – nurses or midwives with specialist child development training to support your child until they turn 5 years old.
- Speech and Language support (also known as SaLT) – tips to support your child’s speech and language development, as well as who to contact if you have a concern
- Paediatric Occupational Therapy – including a helpline for parents, carers and professionals
Autism and ADHD
- Anna Freud – Common difficulties in the early years and a guide to neurodiversity in the early years
- Kerry Murphy – Neurodiversity affirming practice in early childhood
Down Syndrome
- Down’s Syndrome Association
- Down Syndrome UK
- Positive About Down Syndrome Community – peer support by parents, for parents
Gestalt processing
- Sparkling Speech – What is Gestalt Cognitive Processing
- Meaningful Speech – Gestalt Language Processing and Gestalt Cognitive Processing
- Beach Speech Therapy – What is Gestalt Cognitive Processing
- What is Gestalt Processing – information sheet (PDF format)
- Supporting strategies for Early Years Gestalt Processors – information sheet of strategies used within the setting (PDF format)
Wild Things - Droitwich Childminding 