Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

At First Day Nursery, we have a highly positive and proactive approach toward our work with neurodiverse children and those with a disability of any kind. We warmly welcome all children equally and will work hard to put any adjustments in place to ensure no child is disadvantaged as a result of their difference.

We work in partnership with parents, carers and relevant professionals from our community to make sure the additional needs of a child are detected and responded to swiftly, with support put in place as seamlessly as possible. Click on the button below to learn more about Hackney’s services for people aged 0–25 with SEN, disabilities or additional needs.

We work to educate children and parents alike on autism and other facets of the neuro diverse spectrum such as dyspraxia, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), speech and language differences and so forth so that all concerned can feel empowered by relevant correct information rather any outdated assumptions. We are highly considered in our language use and promote the use of the word ‘neurodiversity’ as an expression of our position on ‘special needs’. A child is autistic rather than ‘having autism’ as autism is not something external one can acquire, it is a descriptive term referring to a neurological difference in a person’s brain with which they are born.

Neurodiversity promotes awareness that differing brain neurology creates different ways of interacting with the world around us and differing types of behaviour occur as a consequence. We see difference as positive and we see many talents and progressive factors within neurodiverse and neurotypical people alike, all of which are essential for a rounded contribution. We believe the experience of ‘disability’ is often created by systems, approach and the culture of an organisation not adapting to difference. There is room for all to flourish if given the right holistic environment.

Our lead manager, Marian, is also the SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator) and ensures the implementation of our commitments.

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