Introduction: The Foundation of Inclusive Learning
At Little Mowgli Nursery, we believe that every child deserves a nurturing, supportive environment that recognizes their unique learning needs and developmental pace. For children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the early years are especially critical — it’s a time when the right guidance, resources, and emotional support can lay the foundation for a lifetime of confident learning and holistic development.
With a rich blend of Nature-Based Learning, a flexible Nursery Curriculum, and a focus on Child Development, our team at Little Mowgli ensures that each child—regardless of ability—feels valued, understood, and empowered.
📘 What Are Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Special Educational Needs (SEN) refer to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. These can range from speech and language challenges, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, to behavioural or emotional difficulties and autism spectrum disorders.
At Little Mowgli Nursery, we align with the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework while adapting our approach to meet the individual needs of every child.
🧠 SEN and Early Years Education: Why It Matters
Early intervention plays a pivotal role in improving outcomes for children with SEN. The Early Years Education phase (ages 0-5) is when the brain is most adaptable. By recognizing and responding to special needs early, we can:
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Boost emotional resilience
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Enhance social interaction
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Improve communication skills
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Prepare children for a smoother transition into primary education
Our team at Little Mowgli is trained to identify early signs of SEN and tailor our Nursery Curriculum and activities accordingly.
🌿 Our Nature-Based Learning Philosophy: SEN-Friendly and Therapeutic
Many studies support the benefits of Nature-Based Learning for children with special needs. Time spent outdoors helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and build motor skills.
At Little Mowgli Nursery, our outdoor play areas, sensory gardens, and woodland exploration sessions are an integral part of the weekly plan. These activities:
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Support sensory integration for children with ASD or ADHD
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Encourage gross motor development
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Offer calming and structured routines in natural environments
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Promote child-led discovery, vital for cognitive and emotional growth
Nature helps children connect with the world at their own pace—and that’s what every SEN child needs.
🏡 Nursery Rooms & Setup: Designed for Individual Comfort
The layout and design of our nursery rooms play a critical role in supporting children with special educational needs. Our spaces are crafted to be:
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Low-stimulation zones: Calm, neutral tones and minimal clutter help prevent sensory overload.
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Safe & inclusive: Ramps, visual cues, and tactile walls support mobility and understanding.
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Adaptable spaces: Areas are easily restructured to suit small-group or one-on-one activities.
From our baby rooms to toddler zones, each space at Little Mowgli is designed with diverse learners in mind. The goal is to create an environment where every child feels safe, in control, and ready to explore.
🧩 Tailoring the Nursery Curriculum for SEN
A rigid curriculum can hinder the progress of children with SEN. That’s why our Nursery Curriculum is flexible, child-led, and SEN-inclusive. It’s designed to:
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Focus on personal, social, and emotional development (PSED)
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Integrate speech and language milestones
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Build life skills through play-based, hands-on activities
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Allow for multi-sensory learning opportunities
We align our curriculum with individual learning plans (ILPs), developed in collaboration with parents, external specialists, and our experienced SEN support staff.
🎨 Inclusive Nursery Activities: Learning Through Play
Every child learns best through play—and this is especially true for children with special educational needs. Our Nursery Activities include:
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Music therapy and rhythmic movement to aid speech and coordination
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Sensory play with water, sand, foam, and textured materials
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Storytime with visual aids and puppets for auditory and visual learners
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Small-group social play to encourage peer interaction and communication
Our practitioners observe, assess, and respond in real-time, ensuring that activities are accessible, meaningful, and engaging for all children.
👨👩👧 Parent Resources: Building a Strong Partnership
At Little Mowgli, we see parents as partners in the child’s learning journey. For children with SEN, this partnership becomes even more vital.
We provide:
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Monthly progress reviews and check-ins
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Parent workshops on speech development, sensory processing, and more
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Access to external SEN specialists and referral pathways
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Custom Parent Resources including activity packs, home routines, and coping strategies
Our open-door policy encourages parents to share observations, raise concerns, and collaborate on goals and outcomes.
🛡️ Safeguarding & Wellbeing: Protecting Every Child
Children with SEN are more vulnerable to neglect, abuse, and bullying. At Little Mowgli Nursery, safeguarding isn’t just a policy—it’s a daily practice.
We ensure:
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Robust child protection training for all staff
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Secure premises and entry protocols
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Emotional wellbeing check-ins during each session
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Designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) on staff
The wellbeing of every child—emotional, physical, and psychological—is at the core of our care model.
👩🏫 Nursery Management & Staff: Trained, Empathetic, Inclusive
The heart of our inclusive nursery lies in its people. Our Nursery Management & Staff team is:
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Trained in SEN awareness and strategies
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Experienced in early childhood psychology
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Truly passionate about inclusive education
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Regularly updated with SEND Code of Practice and EYFS revisions
Whether it’s a keyworker offering calm reassurance or a SENCO supporting a parent through an EHCP process, our team ensures that every voice is heard, and every need is met.
📈 Progress Monitoring and Individual Support Plans
At Little Mowgli, we use detailed observation tools and child development tracking systems to:
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Identify emerging needs early
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Track social, emotional, and cognitive milestones
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Create individual support plans tailored to each child’s strengths and challenges
When needed, we work alongside:
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Speech and language therapists
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Occupational therapists
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Educational psychologists
This holistic approach ensures that children get timely, targeted, and collaborative support.
💬 Testimonials from SEN Parents
“My son has sensory processing disorder, and I was so anxious about placing him in nursery. But Little Mowgli has been a blessing. The staff are gentle, knowledgeable, and genuinely care. He’s now talking more and smiling every day.” – Priya, Parent
“The nursery created a quiet space just for my daughter during transitions. It made all the difference. She feels secure and is learning at her pace.” – Tom, Parent
🌈 Conclusion: A Place Where Every Child Belongs
Supporting children with special educational needs isn’t about labels—it’s about building a world where every child feels capable, respected, and loved.
At Little Mowgli Nursery, our commitment to Early Years Education, Child Development, and inclusive learning means that no child is left behind. Through nature, play, care, and collaboration, we help each young learner grow into their full potential.
Whether it’s designing sensory-friendly Nursery Rooms, adapting Nursery Activities, or empowering families with Parent Resources, Little Mowgli is more than just a nursery—it’s a community of care.