SNI

Special Needs and Inclusion

“We believe that all children, young people and young adults in Birmingham should thrive. We will encourage meaningful presence, participation and progress, enabling a sense of belonging and opportunities to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.”
— Birmingham Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028
“Inclusion is the conscious and deliberate act of embracing diversity. It is the value we place on creating an environment where everyone is welcome and included and therefore feels that they belong. It is reflected in our desire to enable everyone to thrive and succeed. Inclusion is fundamental to ensure that all children, young people, young adults and their families, regardless of their needs, get the best life chances. ”
— Birmingham Inclusion Strategy
 
 
 
 

Where to get advice and support
in Birmingham

 

  • Birmingham City Council: SEND Local Offer

    The Local Offer Birmingham website has a wealth of information for parents, families, and practitioners.

    Read the latest news

  • Early Years Inclusion Support inc. AREA SENCO team

    The teams provide specialised teaching, advice and support for babies and pre-school children who have emerging or identified special educational needs.

    Find out more

  • Ongoing support from the area SENCO team

    The Area SENCO team offer advice and support to PVI settings. Log in to EYMIS/Early Support to find out more.

    Learn more

  • SEND Noticeboard

    The noticeboard contains valuable information for all Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators and SEND Leads in schools and settings.

    View the noticeboard

Special Needs and Inclusion

Upcoming CPD Opportunities

 
Featured
WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings
Nov 18
WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings

This in-person workshop will support Early Years and Childcare professionals in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across their practice.

Level: Introductory

WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings
Jan 15
WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings

This in-person workshop will support Early Years and Childcare professionals in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across their practice.

Level: Introductory

BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Afternoon Session
Jan 19
BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Afternoon Session

A briefing session to support early years practitioners in setting clear and effective SMART targets for Birmingham’s Children in Care. 

Afternoon Session: 3:00-4:00 PM

BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Lunchtime Session
Jan 21
BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Lunchtime Session

A briefing session to support early years practitioners in setting clear and effective SMART targets for Birmingham’s Children in Care. 

Lunchtime Session: 12:00-1:00 PM

Special Needs and Inclusion

CPD: On Demand

 
CPD Content
Dingley’s Promise Early Years Inclusion Programme
Dingley’s Promise Early Years Inclusion Programme

This programme is a series of ten courses over five years aimed at empowering early years practitioners to deliver inclusive practices by upskilling them through training and shared information/learning resources.

Anna Freud: Guide to Neurodiversity in the Early Years
Anna Freud: Guide to Neurodiversity in the Early Years

A guide to neurodiversity in the early years from Anna Freud: National Centre for Children and Families, authored by Kerry Murphy.

Tapestry: Beginner’s Guides To…
Tapestry: Beginner’s Guides To…

Straightforward ‘Beginner’s Guides’ from Tapestry, addressing key topics and issues in early years education; including ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Ableism’.

DfE: Level 3 Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
DfE: Level 3 Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Early diagnosis of special educational needs (SEND) is essential to ensuring a child has the support they need throughout their education. This training leads to an accredited level 3 early years SENCO qualification.

Articles and resources

 
Featured
How the Reception Year can be more inclusive for children with SEND
How the Reception Year can be more inclusive for children with SEND

This article from The British Association for Early Childhood Education explores the findings of a review into the special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) provision in the early years within one local authority in relation to inclusion in the Reception year.

Contact: For Families With Disabled Children
Contact: For Families With Disabled Children

Contact is a charity that aims to provide the best support and guidance for families with disabled children. They provide online, printed and helpline advice and run national programmes across the UK, including FREE sessions, workshops and parenting courses.

Meeting the Needs of Early Years Children with SEND
Meeting the Needs of Early Years Children with SEND

Karen Jones, acting Head of Early Years SEND and Early Years Inclusion Support (EYIS) for Birmingham, shares an update on behalf of the Local Authority EY SEND Leads Group on meeting the needs of children with SEND, prior to transition to reception.