Nursery Empowering SEND Children to Thrive Visits Education Minister

A Nursery Making a Difference for Children with Special Needs

A nursery that is making a significant impact on the lives of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) recently welcomed a visit from a high-profile figure in the field of early education. The visit highlighted the challenges and successes within the SEND system, while also showcasing the positive work being done by dedicated professionals.

KIDS Nursery, located on Shakespeare Road, was visited by Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke, and Stephen Morgan, the Minister for Early Education. During their visit, they spent time with staff, parents, and children, gaining insight into the nursery's approach to supporting children with diverse needs.

Luke Murphy expressed his admiration for the nursery, stating, "Places like KIDS Nursery show the very best of our community; supporting children with SEND and transforming lives." However, he also emphasized the urgent need to address systemic issues that are hindering progress.

Challenges Faced by Families

The visit came in the wake of a recent SEND roundtable hosted by Mr. Murphy in partnership with Dingley’s Promise. At this event, parents from across the country shared their experiences navigating the SEND system. Many reported difficulties in securing appropriate nursery placements for their children, with some nurseries named in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) unable to meet the children's needs or ensure their safety.

Parents also spoke about delays in obtaining EHCPs, which were attributed to shortages of educational psychologists and incomplete assessments. Some families even mentioned spending up to £10,000 to access the support their children needed. Additionally, when a place was secured, many children were limited to just an hour or two at nursery each day, making it difficult for parents to return to work or find respite.

Concerns About Resources and Training

There were also concerns raised about the lack of specialist nursery places and insufficient training and resources for staff. These factors contribute to the challenges faced by families seeking quality early education for their children.

Mr. Murphy reiterated the importance of addressing these issues, stating, "Parents are fighting exhausting battles for the support their children deserve, facing delays, high costs, and a lack of choice. I’ll keep working with Stephen and the Labour Government to tackle these challenges, from increasing specialist and mainstream provision to resolving the workforce crisis in early years education so every child can get the best start in life."

A Commitment to Inclusion

Claire Coussins, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Kids, expressed her gratitude for the minister's visit and the opportunity to share the experiences of parents and children. She noted, "We were thrilled to host Stephen Morgan, the Minister for Early Education and Luke Murphy, MP at our inclusive nursery. The staff and children greatly enjoyed showing their special visitors around the nursery with parents also sharing some of their experiences with the Minister and Luke."

She further emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, "At our inclusive Basingstoke nursery, children with special educational needs and disabilities learn, play and thrive alongside their non-disabled peers, showing what true inclusion looks like."

However, she acknowledged that most babies and toddlers with SEND do not have access to such opportunities. "Unfortunately, the majority not being able to access early education settings due to inaccessible and insufficient funding and a lack of understanding of their needs and how to support them."

Looking Ahead

The visit by the minister and MP serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to improve the early years SEND system. With continued advocacy and support, there is hope for a more inclusive and effective system that meets the needs of all children.