How we promote inclusion and ensure equal opportunities for every child

At Scallywags nursery, we believe that every child is unique and deserves to feel valued, supported, and included. Our aim is to create a warm, welcoming environment where all children whatever their background, ability, language, or family circumstances have the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive.

Below is an overview of the ways we promote inclusion and ensure that every child receives the same high-quality opportunities.

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A welcoming and accessible environment

• Our playrooms and play areas are organised to allow all children to move freely and take part in all activities.

• We use visual aids, picture cards, and signs to support communication and help children understand routines as and when required.

• Our books, toys, and resources reflect a wide range of cultures, abilities, and family types, so every child sees themselves represented.

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Support for each individual child

• We get to know each child as an individual and adapt activities to suit their interests, abilities, and learning styles.

• If a child needs additional help, we work closely with parents and when needed, external professionals to ensure the right support is in place.

• We follow recognised guidelines for supporting children with special educational needs and keep families involved at every stage.

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Celebrating diversity

• We celebrate different cultures, languages, and traditions that our families share.

• Parents are encouraged to bring in stories, songs, or customs from home to help children feel proud of their identity.

• Staff model respectful, inclusive language and help children learn to do the same.

 

Trained and caring staff

• Our team receive training in inclusive practice, special educational needs, communication support, and emotional wellbeing.

• Staff promote kindness, fairness, and positive relationships, helping children develop empathy and respect for others.

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To ensure every child receives the same opportunities we:

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Inclusive Resources

• We offer a wide range of sensory toys, communication tools, and tailored materials so all children can participate comfortably.

• Activities can be made simpler or more challenging depending on what each child needs are.

 

Flexible teaching approaches

• Staff use visual, verbal, hands-on, and play-based methods to suit different learning styles.

• Small group and one-to-one time is available when children need focused support.

 

Consistent routines with gentle adjustments

• Our routines help children feel safe and secure.

• When needed, we add extra visual prompts, countdowns, or quiet settling time to support children’s confidence.

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Emotional support and wellbeing

• Each child has a key person who provides nurturing care and emotional reassurance.

• We offer calm spaces for children who may need quiet moments or sensory breaks.

 

Early identification and intervention

• Staff carefully observe children to understand their development and spot any emerging needs early.

• We put support strategies in place quickly so children can continue to progress smoothly.

 

Working in partnership with families and professionals

• We value open communication with parents and always welcome your thoughts and insights.

• When necessary, we work with speech therapists, health visitors, SEN specialists and other professionals to provide consistent, joined-up support.

 

Ensuring every child can join in

• No child is ever excluded from an activity due to ability, behaviour, or background.

• We provide alternative options—such as quieter groups, sensory versions of activities, or extra encouragement—to make sure everyone can participate.

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Supporting transitions

• We offer personalised settling-in sessions to help children feel comfortable from the start.

• When children move rooms or get ready for school, we create a tailored transition plan to ensure they feel confident and secure.

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How we use additional funding:

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We are committed to using all additional funding to enhance learning and ensure children receive the very best start. We use all additional funding directly for the benefit of children—supporting their learning, wellbeing, confidence, and development so that every child receives the same rich opportunities.

 

Different types of funding available and what they are for:

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EYPP (Early years pupil premium): Boost outcomes for disadvantaged children

Deprivation Funding: Support children in deprived areas based on postcode

DAF: Improve access for disabled children

SEND Inclusion Fund: Early SEND support for children with emerging or identified needs

High Needs/EHCP Funding: Complex SEND support for children with significant needs

Two-Year Funding: Free entitlement for disadvantaged 2s form low-income families

Local Authority Supplements: Improve quality, inclusion, or sustainability

LAC: Additional support for children living in care / looked after children

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How funding is used to help your child:

 

Targeted Learning Support

·       Additional funding allows us to offer more small-group work or one-to-one support when needed.

·       It helps us focus on key areas such as communication, social skills, early literacy, and confidence building.

Specialised Equipment and Resources

·       We invest in resources such as sensory tools, communication boards, language packs, and story-based learning materials.

·       These items help children access activities more easily and support their individual learning styles.

Staff Training and Development

·       Funding may help to provide staff training in areas such as speech and language support, behaviour guidance, and inclusive teaching approaches.

·       This ensures our team has the skills needed to meet each child’s needs effectively.

Enrichment Opportunities

·       Funding can be used to enhance experiences—for example through visiting workshops, music or movement sessions, or additional outdoor learning materials.

Working closely with families

·       We may use funding to provide home-learning packs, borrowing resources or story sacks to extend learning at home.

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Our Commitment to you and your child

We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, nurturing nursery experience where every child receives the same high-quality opportunities, feels accepted, and has the support they need to grow and shine.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s needs further, we are always here to help.