Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Warm, thoughtful support for every child

At Hollywood Park Nursery School, we believe every child is capable, curious and full of potential. Some children need a little extra help to explore, communicate and thrive — and we are here to support them with warmth, expertise and care.

Our approach to SEND is gentle, inclusive and rooted in strong relationships. We work closely with families to understand each child’s strengths, interests and needs, and we create learning experiences that feel safe, meaningful and joyful.

How we support children with SEND

Children with SEND are supported through:

warm, attuned interactions
predictable routines and gentle transitions
sensory‑rich experiences
communication‑focused practice
small‑step learning pathways
thoughtful adaptations to the environment
close partnership with families
specialist input when needed

We make sure every child can take part in play, exploration and nature‑rich learning in ways that feel comfortable and emotionally safe.

Early Identification

We observe children closely and talk with families from the very beginning. If we notice that a child may need additional support, we:

share observations sensitively
listen to family insight
agree next steps together
put early help in place
monitor progress gently and regularly

Our aim is always to understand each child deeply and respond with care.

Working Together with Families

Families are central to our SEND approach. We:

meet regularly to share progress
celebrate strengths and achievements
co‑create targets
offer guidance and reassurance
work together through transitions

You know your child best, and we value your voice in every decision.

Support in the Nursery Rooms

Children with SEND are included in all areas of nursery life. Staff adapt:

activities
routines
environments
communication
expectations

…so that every child can participate confidently.

We use visual supports, sensory tools, calm spaces and small‑group learning to help children feel secure and ready to explore.

Graduated Approach to SEND Support

We follow the national Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle to make sure children receive the right support at the right time.

Universal Support

All children receive high‑quality, adaptive teaching and inclusive practice. Staff adjust routines, environments and communication so every child can participate confidently.

Targeted Support

If a child needs more help, we agree small‑step targets with families and offer:

Early Talk Boost (when developmentally appropriate)
communication groups
sensory supports
small‑group learning
additional visuals or routines
targeted strategies in everyday play

Children at this level are not on the SEND register.

Enhanced Support (SEND Support Plan)

Some children need more specialist help. Enhanced Support may include:

SALT‑led communication targets
sensory profiles
Intensive Interaction
Attention Autism
specialist equipment
multi‑agency involvement
tailored Resource Base interventions

Targets at this level are functional, relational and embedded in daily routines.

Early Identification and SEN Short Notes

If we notice early differences in communication, play or regulation, we talk with families sensitively and record observations in a SEN Short Note.

A Short Note includes:

staff observations
parent voice
early adaptations (visuals, modelling, sensory supports)
a date to review progress

Short Notes help us understand whether a child needs additional support or simply more time.

Curriculum Pathways (2s, 3s, 4s and Resource Base)

Our curriculum is developmentally sequenced across four pathways:

2‑year‑olds (2s)

A nurturing, sensory‑rich curriculum focusing on communication, regulation and early independence.

3‑year‑olds (3s)

A gentle, relational curriculum supporting emerging needs, co‑regulation, communication and readiness for the 4s room.

4‑year‑olds (4s)

A school‑readiness curriculum building independence, early literacy and numeracy foundations, problem‑solving and confidence.

Resource Base

A highly structured, sensory‑rich curriculum tailored to each child’s developmental stage, with specialist communication systems and multi‑agency support.

All children access learning at their developmental stage, not their chronological age.

SEND Information Report (Summary)

We publish a full SEND Information Report each year. Here is a parent‑friendly summary:

We identify needs early through observations, parent voice and professional advice.
We use a graduated approach to plan support.
We work closely with families at every stage.
We adapt environments, routines and communication.
We provide targeted and specialist interventions when needed.
We work with SALT, OT, EP, Portage and health professionals.
We support transitions sensitively and individually.
We monitor progress regularly and adjust support.

The full report is available on our SEND page.

Stockport Local Offer

Hollywood Park Nursery School is part of Stockport’s Local Offer for children with SEND. Families can find more information about services, support and entitlements at:

www.stockport.gov.uk/localoffer

Our Resource Base

Some children benefit from a highly structured, sensory‑rich environment. Our Resource Base offers specialist SEND provision for children aged 2–4 with significant and complex needs.

You can read more about the Resource Base on our SEND page.

Specialist Support

When needed, children may receive support from:

Speech and Language Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Educational Psychologists

We work closely with professionals to ensure children receive the right help at the right time.

A Safe, Inclusive Nursery for Every Child

We are proud to be an inclusive nursery where children feel safe, valued and understood. Every child is welcomed with warmth, and every family is supported with kindness and respect.

If you have any questions about SEND or would like to talk about your child’s development, please speak to a member of our team — we are always here to help.