Neurodiversity - The Umbrella Project
‘Here at Our Day Nursery we have a strong ethos that supports neurodiversity affirming practice. We strongly believe in promoting a strengths based approach for all of our children and we celebrate our unique differences and achievements. As a result of our commitment to lead the way with our positive approach to neurodiversity in young people, we have been recognised through fundraising by the ADHD foundation, a neurodiversity charity which has championed The Umbrella Project. As part of the initiative we proudly display 10 brightly coloured umbrellas that symbolise the belief that ‘neurodiversity is the umbrella term for all kinds of minds’.
Meet our SEN Lead Hannah
My name is Hannah, I am the SEN lead here at Our Day Nursery and I have worked across a range of settings with children over the last 12 years. I am a qualified teacher and taught in SEN schools for six years before having my own daughters. I am passionate about developing children's skills using a play based sensory approach as this enables our young people to build the foundations for learning and life!
I strongly believe that strategies often implemented for children with additional needs are beneficial for all children, and as a result we at Our Day Nursery work hard to embed strategies to create an inclusive environment. We use a total communication approach so use visual supports and audio cues, we incorporate signing and use lots of songs and music to aid communication too. We focus on our children's emotional well-being and understand how this is at the core of their development. We also support children with their sensory regulation in order to ensure they are able to access activities throughout the day and are having their bodies needs met.
Children follow a daily routine and participate in circle time activities such as 'What's in the box' and 'Bucket time' and over time the routine and repetition has hugely increased their anticipation and attention. We aim to create a wide variety of invitations to play that are child led, open ended and will foster their imagination and creativity! Our children love exploring outdoors, roleplaying and engaging in messy play and staff will plan in the moment to ensure they are following children’s interests and engage them fully.’
