Peter Rabbit Nursery

Inclusion Strategy 2026–2029

 

Our Vision

At Peter Rabbit Nursery, we believe every child has the right to belong, participate, learn and thrive.

Inclusion is not a separate aspect of our practice. It underpins everything we do. It influences how we design our environment, build relationships, support families, plan learning experiences and develop our staff.

We recognise that children arrive with different strengths, experiences and barriers. Our role is not to treat every child the same but to provide the support, opportunities and adaptations needed for every child to flourish.

Our aim is simple:

No child should become invisible.

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Our Inclusion Principles

Our work is built upon four key outcomes:

Belong

Every child feels safe, valued, welcomed and understood.

Participate

Every child can access experiences, routines, opportunities and relationships.

Learn

Every child makes progress from their starting points.

Thrive

Every child develops confidence, resilience, wellbeing and a positive sense of self.

These four outcomes underpin all aspects of our provision and align with the ambitions of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the evolving Ofsted framework.

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Understanding Our Community

Peter Rabbit Nursery serves a diverse community of children and families.

Potential barriers experienced by children may include:

• Speech, language and communication needs

• SEND

• Social, emotional and mental health needs

• Neurodiversity

• Separation anxiety

• Delayed social development

• English as an additional language

• Financial disadvantage

• Family circumstances

• Medical needs

We recognise that barriers are not always visible and may change over time.

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Quality of Education

We ensure all children can access a broad, ambitious and engaging curriculum.

We achieve this through:

• High-quality interactions

• Adapted teaching approaches

• Visual supports

• Flexible learning opportunities

• Strong communication strategies

• Individualised support where appropriate

The question we ask is:

Can every child access and benefit from our curriculum?

Behaviour and Attitudes

We recognise behaviour as communication.

Our approach focuses on:

• Understanding children's needs

• Emotional coaching

• Co-regulation

• Predictable routines

• Positive relationships

• Restorative approaches

We seek to understand what sits beneath behaviour rather than simply responding to behaviour itself.

The question we ask is:

What is this child trying to tell us?

Personal Development

We believe inclusion and personal development are inseparable.

All children should have opportunities to:

• Build friendships

• Develop confidence

• Take risks

• Explore interests

• Experience success

• Develop independence

Children are encouraged to see themselves as capable learners with unique strengths and contributions.

Leadership and Management

Leaders are responsible for creating an inclusive culture where:

• Inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

• Staff feel confident to adapt practice.

• Families feel welcomed and supported.

• Early identification is prioritised.

• Continuous improvement is embedded.

Leaders regularly review the effectiveness of inclusion through observations, data, staff discussions and family feedback.

Safeguarding

Inclusion strengthens safeguarding.

Children who feel safe, understood and connected are more likely to:

• Engage positively

• Communicate concerns

• Develop trusting relationships

Staff recognise that vulnerable children may require additional support to access safeguarding processes and communicate their needs.

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Ordinarily Available Provision

Our Ordinarily Available Provision represents the support available to all children without requiring diagnosis or external funding.

This includes:

Relationships

• Key person approach

• Consistent staffing

• Emotional coaching

• Strong family partnerships

Environment

• Visual supports

• Clear routines

• Accessible resources

• Quiet spaces when needed

Communication

• Visual timetables

• Makaton and gestures where appropriate

• Modelling language

• Processing time

Learning

• Flexible teaching approaches

• Adapted activities

• Small group support

• Individualised scaffolding

Support begins when a need is identified, not when a diagnosis is received.

Opportunity and Participation

We are committed to ensuring all children can access the full life of the nursery.

This includes:

• Trips and visits

• Outdoor learning

• Creative opportunities

• Physical development experiences

• Leadership opportunities

• Community engagement

We regularly reflect on participation and ask:

Which children may be missing out?

Partnership with Families

Families are central to successful inclusion.

We aim to:

• Build trusting relationships

• Share concerns early

• Celebrate strengths

• Involve parents in decision-making

• Work collaboratively with external professionals where needed

Parents are recognised as experts on their children.

Early Identification and Intervention

We are committed to identifying needs as early as possible.

This includes:

• Ongoing observation

• Assessment and monitoring

• Staff discussion

• Parent consultation

• Referral to external agencies where appropriate

Our goal is to provide support early rather than waiting for difficulties to escalate.

Staff Development

Inclusion requires skilled practitioners.

We will:

• Provide ongoing training on the job training

• Develop understanding of SEND and neurodiversity

• Strengthen communication strategies

• Share effective practice

• Reflect regularly on provision

Every member of staff is responsible for inclusion.

 

Measuring Success

We will evaluate this strategy through:

Child Outcomes

• Progress from starting points

• Engagement in learning

• Emotional wellbeing

• Independence

Participation

• Attendance

• Involvement in activities

• Friendships and relationships

Family Feedback

• Parent voice

• Partnership working

• Satisfaction surveys

Staff Development

• Confidence levels

• Training impact

• Reflective practice

Our Commitment

At Peter Rabbit Nursery, inclusion is not a separate initiative, policy or intervention.

It is the foundation upon which our nursery is built.

 

 

Every decision we make should help children:

Belong-Participate-Learn-Thrive

By maintaining this focus, we ensure that every child is seen, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Because no child should ever become invisible.