SEND Networking Sessions

Stronger Practice Hub Event

Supporting Non-Verbal Children with Communication and Behaviour: Using Visuals in the Early Years is a practical course designed for early years practitioners working with children who are not developing communication in the usual way. The session focuses on how visual supports can help children make sense of their environment (receiving communication) and find ways to express their needs, wants, and feelings (giving communication). Practitioners will explore a range of simple yet effective strategies to reduce frustration, support emotional regulation, and foster meaningful interaction. The course also looks at how to make early years settings more inclusive for children with a wide range of communication needs.

Stronger Practice Hub Event

Introducing SCERTS: Supporting Social Communication in the Early Years is a clear and accessible course for early years practitioners working with children who have autism or social communication difficulties. SCERTS stands for Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support — and this session introduces the framework, its development, and its application in early years practice. With practical, play-based examples, the course shows how SCERTS can support children’s interactions, emotional well-being, and relationships. Practitioners will leave with a solid understanding of the approach and feel confident and excited to begin using it in their own settings.