SEN In Mainstream: Early Years Toolkit

SEN In Mainstream – Early Years Toolkit

With increasing numbers of children with special educational needs in mainstream early years settings, practitioners are asking for one thing more than any other: practical strategies that actually work.

You know the challenges. Limited support. Stretched resources. Children with complex needs who need individual attention in busy classrooms. Parents who are worried and need guidance. And the constant question: “Am I doing enough?”

This training gives you the toolkit you’ve been asking for.

 

 

The Reality of SEN in Mainstream Today

Special schools are oversubscribed. Funding is harder to access. Diagnosis waiting times stretch for years. And meanwhile, you have children with special educational needs in your setting right now who need support today, not next year.

Many practitioners feel underprepared and overwhelmed. But with the right strategies and tools, you can make an enormous difference to these children’s lives – and create a calmer, more inclusive environment for everyone.

 

 

What You’ll Learn:

This 90-minute interactive webinar provides a complete toolkit of practical strategies for supporting children with SEN in mainstream early years settings.

Understanding and Assessment

– Recognising different types of SEN in early years
– Simple assessment approaches that inform your practice
– Knowing when and how to raise concerns with parents
– Working effectively with external professionals
– Documentation that actually helps (not just paperwork)

 

Classroom Adaptations

– Environmental changes that support SEN children
– Visual timetables and communication systems
– Sensory-friendly spaces and resources
– Adapting activities for different needs
– Creating inclusive learning areas

 

Communication Strategies

– Supporting children with speech and language delays
– Visual communication tools and strategies
– Makaton and simple signing approaches
– Communication-friendly environments
– Building language skills through play

 

Behaviour Support

– Understanding the reasons behind challenging behavior
– De-escalation techniques that actually work
– Positive behavior strategies for SEN children
– Managing meltdowns and emotional overwhelm
– Creating predictable routines and clear boundaries

 

Supporting Specific Needs

– Strategies for children with autism
– Supporting children with ADHD characteristics
– Working with children with sensory processing difficulties
– Approaches for children with learning delays
– Physical and motor skill support

 

Parent Partnerships

– Having difficult conversations with sensitivity
– Supporting parents through the SEN journey
– Sharing observations and concerns constructively
– Working together to support the child
– Signposting to additional support and resources

 

Inclusion Strategies

– Helping SEN children thrive alongside their peers
– Supporting positive relationships with other children
– Adapting group activities for different abilities
– Building confidence and independence
– Celebrating strengths, not just managing challenges

 

Live Q&A Session

Bring your specific questions about the SEN children in your setting. Get practical advice tailored to your situation.

 

Perfect For:

– EYFS practitioners and teachers
– Nursery managers and SENCOs
– Key Stage 1 teachers
– Teaching assistants and support staff
– Childminders
– Anyone working with children aged 3-7 with special educational needs

 

What Makes This Training Different?

This isn’t theoretical SEN training. This is practical, tested strategies from practitioners who work with SEN children every single day in mainstream settings.

Every strategy shared is:

✅ Proven to work in real early years environments
✅ Achievable without specialist equipment or huge budgets
✅ Based on understanding and empathy, not control
✅ Focused on helping children thrive, not just cope
✅ Immediately applicable in your setting

 

What You’ll Walk Away With:

– A complete toolkit of 50+ practical SEN strategies
– Confidence to support children with diverse needs
– Communication scripts for challenging conversations with parents
– Environmental adaptation ideas you can implement immediately
– Behavior management techniques that reduce stress for everyone
– A clearer understanding of different SEN needs and how to support them

You don’t need to be a SEN specialist to make a huge difference. You just need the right tools and strategies. This webinar gives you both.

Join us live via Zoom for 90 minutes that will transform how you support SEN children in your mainstream setting.

Delivered by Esther Evans, SEN specialist with over 25 years of early years experience and currently an expert advisor for a local authority in Wales.