SEND Network
This is a network to facilitate thinking about how we do our best for ALL children.
Evidence is increasing our awareness about the different learning pathways that young children are on when they arrive in our settings. We know more about neurodivergent traits, complex learning needs, behaviour as a communication of need and attachment patterns. We have a responsibility to engage with and connect to the possibility of different brains needing different things in order to learn.
This network aims to inspire you to be celebratory in the way you support children, built on the premise that each person’s strengths are the place to begin our professional enquiries.
It will provide provocation and things to consider, from many different perspectives, but mainly support you to be courageous in adapting your practices to enable every unique child to thrive in every context.
View our Local Offer below.
Join the Bristol & Beyond SPH SEND Network
Join our Send Network to receive notifications of upcoming events, along with useful blog posts, links and resources.
Regional Offer
Our Regional Offer, which can be accessed by all childminders in our 8 Local Authorities, will include training and input from inspirational speakers or information sharing around relevant themes. It’s a fabulous opportunity to connect together and consider big-picture thinking.
Webinar: Kerry Murphy – Divergent Pathways of Development (Curiosity Circle 3)
The “Curiosity Circle with Kerry Murphy: Divergent Pathways of Development” was an enlightening event that took place on December 7, 2023. Guest trainer Kerry Murphy explored the unique developmental trajectories of neurodivergent individuals, challenging biases and promoting positive practices within the educational community.
Webinar: Kerry Murphy – Collaborative Support for Neurodivergent and Disabled Children (Curiosity Circle 2)
On November 8, 2023, the Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub hosted an enlightening webinar titled “Collaborative Support for Neurodivergent and Disabled Children”. Led by guest trainer Kerry Murphy, the session emphasized cultural competence, personalized support, and the value of parents’ insights. The recorded on-demand playback video is available for practitioners seeking stronger practice in early years education.
Webinar: Kerry Murphy – Understanding and Addressing Ableism in the Early Years (Curiosity Circle 1)
The Curiosity Circle webinar, led by Kerry Murphy on October 10, 2023, provided an insightful exploration into combating ableism in early education. Attendees engaged with case studies and discussions to understand ableism’s impact on neurodivergent and disabled children. The session, now available for replay, offers strategies for educators to foster Neurodiversity Affirming Zones of Practice, ensuring inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Webinar: Kerry Murphy – Exploring the Power of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice in the Early Years
In this special webinar, which you can watch back, Kerry helps us to explore the power of neurodiversity-affirming practice, shifting from a deficit-based approach to one that embraces the strengths and unique abilities of every child and in doing so creates a more inclusive and empowering environment that fosters positive self-identity.
News and Useful Resources
North Somerset EPS Training Library – Early Years Social, Emotional and Mental Health
North Somerset's Educational Psychology Service has a fantastic online training library with free online training videos for early years practitioners, childminders, and education staff. They have two playlists for educators, parents, and caregivers of children in the...
Dingley’s Promise
Dingley’s Promise is a charity that supports children with SEND in the Early Years and their families. In addition to operating five specialist early years settings, the charity provides training across 40 local authorities in England, and 99% of learners would recommend its courses.
Do you want to enhance your support for children with SEND and their families?
The Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub is funding 20 places on each of the modules below, and it is open to all Early Years practitioners in our SPH region: Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
