SEND Support at YMCA
Fairthorne Group Nurseries
When your child needs extra support, finding the right nursery matters. At YMCA Fairthorne Group Nurseries, we take time to understand each child as an individual and work closely with families to create support that feels thoughtful, inclusive and right for them. Across our nurseries in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, we provide SEND support with kindness, clarity and care.
Our SEN Support
Practical, inclusive support that helps every child feel confident, understood and able to join in.
Early identification
We notice needs early and act quickly, with sensitive observation and planning.
SENCo guidance
Specialist support that helps staff tailor approaches and remove barriers to learning.
Individual support plans
Clear, practical strategies agreed together so everyone supports your child consistently.
Inclusive environments
Adaptations to routines, spaces and resources so children can access and enjoy nursery life.
Working with families
We listen, share updates, and make decisions together so support feels joined up.
Support is responsive and child centred, with clear communication and practical strategies that help children thrive in everyday nursery life.
The Kinds of Support Children May Need
Every child is different. Some children may need extra support with communication, learning, emotions, physical development or the way they experience the world around them. Our role is to understand those needs early and respond with care, patience and the right support.
Communication and Interaction
Support with speech, language, understanding and social communication.
Helping children express themselves and feel confident joining in.
Cognition and Learning
Approaches that help children learn in a way that works best for them.
Using repetition, visuals and simple steps to support progress.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Gentle support with confidence, emotions and relationships.
Helping children feel safe, settled and understood.
Physical and Sensory Needs
Thoughtful environments that feel calm and accessible.
Adapting spaces and routines so every child can take part.
Every child’s needs are unique. These areas guide how we support children, but our approach is always shaped around the individual child.
My child has medical needs, can they attend YMCA Nurseries?
Yes. We work closely with parents to understand each child’s individual medical needs. Your child’s key person and SENCo will work with you to plan, document and ensure everything is carried out safely and consistently throughout the day.
Read a parent’s story →
How We Support Children with SEND
Every child is different, so support at our nurseries is never one-size-fits-all. We take time to understand each child, what they enjoy, what they find challenging and how they communicate, then shape support around them.
Our experienced SENCo works closely with practitioners and families to make sure the right support is in place and evolves as your child grows.
What Targeted Support Can Look Like
Some children benefit from a little extra support at certain times. These activities are shaped around the individual child and what will help them feel confident and included.
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Communication Support
Helping children express themselves in ways that work for them.
Communication Support
Helping children express themselves in ways that work for them.
Use of visuals, Makaton, repetition and play-based interaction to build confidence and communication.
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Attention and Listening
Short, focused activities to support concentration.
Attention and Listening
Short, focused activities to support concentration.
Simple games, stories and structured activities to help children develop attention and engagement.
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Emotional Support
Helping children feel safe, calm and understood.
Emotional Support
Helping children feel safe, calm and understood.
Calm spaces, predictable routines and reassurance to support emotional regulation.
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Physical Development
Building coordination and confidence through play.
Physical Development
Building coordination and confidence through play.
Activities like threading, playdough, climbing and movement games to develop motor skills.
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Play and Social Skills
Supporting interaction, sharing and connection.
Play and Social Skills
Supporting interaction, sharing and connection.
Supported play and small group activities to build confidence and relationships.
Working with Families
You know your child best, and we believe the best support happens when we work closely together. From the very beginning, we take time to listen, understand your concerns and build support around what will work for your child and your family.
If your child needs additional support or a referral, we will guide you through the process. Our team can sit with you to complete paperwork, making sure everything is clear and gives your child the best possible chance of getting the support they need.
Support doesn’t stop at nursery. We will share ideas, activities and strategies that you can use at home, so your child has consistency and confidence in both environments. Along the way, we keep you updated, review progress together and adapt support as your child grows.
A Parent’s Experience
For many families, reassurance comes from seeing what support looks like in real life. This is one example of how early identification, close communication and one-to-one support made a real difference.
One of our nursery children was born prematurely and his family had been told he may need extra support as he grew. Although he reached his physical milestones, there were concerns around speech and language development.
Our team noticed these early signs and worked closely with the family straight away. We supported them with a Speech and Language Therapy referral, sitting with them to complete the paperwork carefully so the right areas of need were clearly identified.
A strong relationship quickly developed with our SENCo, who introduced one-to-one strategies to build speech, communication and confidence. The family were kept closely involved and received regular updates, including photos and videos of their child taking part more confidently in nursery life.
While his journey is still continuing, the progress has been clear. He is now more engaged in group time, more confident in activities and continues to make great strides in his communication.
The one-to-one support made a real difference. We could see his confidence growing, and it meant so much to see him joining in and enjoying nursery life more fully. -Parent Quote
Meet our SENCo team
Each nursery has a dedicated SENCo who supports children and families every single day.
Jasmin
I’m passionate about creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child thrives, working closely with families and supporting staff development to ensure the highest standard of care.
Sam
I love being a SENCo, working closely with children and families to ensure everyone feels supported, understood, and able to thrive.
Rebekha
Extra support is sometimes needed. We tailor activities to each child, helping them feel confident, included and able to join in with nursery life.
Emily
I love working closely with families to support each child, creating a warm, understanding environment where they feel confident, valued, and happy.
Kirstine
"Every child is a different kind of flower, and altogether make this world a beautiful garden"
SEND Support in Hampshire
In 2023/24, YMCA Fairthorne Group embedded the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) across seven early years settings in Hampshire, transforming how we support young children with special educational needs.
This evidence based approach helped every practitioner reflect on their environment, interactions and teaching strategies, ensuring inclusion became a whole team commitment rather than a specialist task. The project reached over 1360 children, strengthened partnerships with families and is now shortlisted for the Youth Matters Awards 2025, a recognition of our dedication to inclusive early years education.
Where would you like to go next?
Explore our nursery locations or discover the values that guide everything we do.
View our nursery locations
Find your nearest setting and arrange a visit that works for your family.
View locations →Understand our story and values
Learn about our child-led approach and the principles that shape our care.
Explore our ethos →