Bowerdean & Mapledean Nursery Schools are committed to inclusion; we strive to develop policies and practices that include all children and their families. Our admission policy reflects our views and no child with Special Educational Needs will be discriminated against. We aim to engender a sense of community and belonging, and to offer new opportunities to children and their families.

We recognise that children learn at different rates and that there are many factors affecting achievement, including ability, emotional well-being and age. We believe that many children at some time may experience difficulties which affect their learning, and we recognise that these may be long or short term. In accordance with the SEND Code of Practice (2014) aim to identify these needs as they arise and provide teaching and learning contexts which enable every child to achieve to his or her full potential.

Learning Together

We believe that all children have the right to be included in everything that takes place at Nursery. We believe that inclusion happens when everyone feels appreciated and welcome to participate. We support all our children to learn Makaton to help strengthen communication and develop mutual understanding.

These are the 10 signs we use daily at Nursery and encourage parents to use them too.

We endeavour to make all activities, including Forest School inclusive. Both nurseries are well resourced and we are lucky to have a Sensory Room.

We support children to work towards achieving personal targets often on a 1:1 basis or within a small group. The children are provided with specialised support by experienced and trained staff and are supervised by the SENCO. We work together as a team and in conjunction with other professionals.

We listen to and value the views and opinions of children and their parents, believing that working together will produce the best possible outcomes for the children involved. Please look at the Buckinghamshire family information website for more details regarding our work with children with Special Educational Needs.

Please feel free to contact any of the staff to discuss your child’s specific needs and requirements. For specific advice and expertise please contact the following two staff:

• SENCO – Mrs Zoe Staines Bowerdean Nursery
• Deputy SENCO – Mrs Shelby Thomas Mapledean Nursery

"Children who are disabled, either mentally or physically, have a right to special care and education so they can lead full and independent lives."

- Article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.