Rethinking SEND in the early years: what children really need from us in mainstream settings

This thought provoking session challenges ideas about SEND in the early years and replaces them with a strengths based, developmentally informed understanding of how very young children learn best. It's ideal for leaders, SENDCos, and practitioners ready to rethink & embrace a relational, child centred approach. Key themes: ' Why early development is not linear ' and how this shapes identification and support. ' Understanding SEND through the lens of regulation, play, communication and sensory processing rather than labels. ' Why 'school readiness' often misses the mark for children with SEND ' and what should replace it. ' How to move from intervention-heavy models to relationship-first practice. This session helps professionals step back, re-evaluate and rediscover what early childhood is truly about.