Adaptive Practice in EYFS: Supporting SENd From the Start

This session focuses on how inclusive practice begins in the early years and how settings can respond to emerging needs through everyday provision. It explores how the current SEND landscape places increasing importance on early identification, strong universal provision and timely targeted support, with practitioners playing a key role in noticing and responding early.

Using principles of Universal Design for Learning, the session considers how environments, routines and interactions can be designed to support all children. This includes creating communication-rich spaces, using visual and sensory supports, and embedding opportunities for engagement, exploration and expression through play.

Practical strategies focus on adapting provision rather than adding intervention, including how to scaffold language, support attention, and build regulation within continuous provision. The session also explores how to recognise early signs of need, work effectively with families, and use observation to inform next steps.

Examples from practice illustrate how small, consistent adjustments can have a significant impact on engagement, communication and early development. Participants will leave with practical ideas that can be implemented immediately, alongside access to follow-up resources to support ongoing development.

TBC

Sarah is a literacy and inclusion specialist focusing on empowering all learners, embracing neurodiversity and SEND. Sarah provides face to face or online training, consultancy, information and support for professionals and families from all sectors. Sarah is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives, attitudes and outcomes of those neurodiverse learners who may struggle to learn. Sarah has over 25 years’ knowledge and experience within special and mainstream education up to Headteacher level, as well as a solid research background rooted within the psychology of learning, that includes a Masters and PhD in Special Education.

Sarah recently published a book on ‘Teaching Reading to All Learners’ and writes regular articles for several key industry publications. Throughout her career the one constant has been her belief in people and that everyone can succeed in the right environment, with the right support and equal access to opportunities. Sarah aims to bridge the gap between theory and learning, to create a culture where high expectations thrive, improving outcomes for all. Through the creation of inspirational learning opportunities, raising expectations, and removing barriers for all learners