• Explore how educators can build meaningful relationships and engagement with all children, including those who are non-speaking or have profound and multiple complex needs
• How you can ‘tune in’ to children’s interests, behaviours, preferences and cues in order to build trust, communication and connection
• Using case study examples from Sheringham Nursery School, it will reflect on the emotional experience for educators when interactions do not always bring obvious feedback or reciprocity and explore strategies to sustain connection in practice

• How to plan your physical environment with inclusion as the starting point, rather than an afterthought
• Focusing on both children and adults, the session will consider how decisions around room layout, furniture, lighting and soft furnishing can benefit everyone.
 • Examples from practice and research, such as the impact of background noise in settings
• The session will also propose changes that can make a significant difference immediately, while inspiring strategic thinking about long-term inclusive design

Explore a positive and proactive approach to working in partnership with parents.
• How to focus on early support rather than a ‘wait and see’ model.
• The importance of careful and sometimes difficult conversations with parents, balancing support with appropriate challenge
• Helping families understand why one-to-one support is not always in a child’s best interests and how inclusive approaches can promote greater independence, confidence and long-term success

• Hear how educators at Ronald Openshaw Nursery School are working towards centring the language they use to validate children’s strengths and abilities while also acknowledging their challenges and needs
• Learn how positive language can shape a child’s self-image and trajectory
• Gain insight into changes you can make in your setting to move away from deficit-based labelling for the benefit of children and their families.

Early identification is not about applying labels but about understanding barriers to learning early enough to influence outcomes positively for children.
• How to identify needs effectively to provide timely support, strengthen wellbeing, improve progress and create inclusive learning environments.
• Explore the purpose and importance of identification through a child-centred and relational lens

This session will provide effective strategies for supporting smooth and successful transitions, both within the early years setting and into primary school.
• How to reduce anxiety, build familiarity and ensure continuity of support through strong communication and collaborative planning
• Practical approaches - including the role of visits, social stories, parent partnerships and multi-agency collaboration - to create positive experiences for children
• Case studies and examples from practice that highlight common challenges and provide practical ideas to apply in your own setting