Promoting Inclusivity and Empowerment through Thoughtful Routines
Routines that Nurture and Empower Children in the Early Years
When supporting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the importance of inclusive routines cannot be overstated. These routines form the bedrock of an environment that nurtures and empowers children in early years settings. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of instigating inclusive routines and highlight the critical importance of integrating specialist techniques to support children with SEND.
Establish Structure and Predictability
Inclusive routines are a potent tool for creating an environment that offers structure and predictability, benefiting all children. These routines provide a reassuring sense of stability and security, enabling children to develop a keen sense of order and familiarity. The presence of clear and consistent routines for daily activities, such as arrival and departure, snack times, and transitions, provides a framework that supports the emotional well-being of all children. Moreover, it equips them with crucial self-regulation skills.
Customise Routines to Individual Needs
The true essence of inclusive routines lies in their adaptability to cater to the diverse needs of all children. A cornerstone of this approach is the consideration of the specific requirements of children with SEND. The integration of individualised strategies within routines is paramount. This could manifest as visual schedules, social stories, or sensory supports to offer additional structure and assistance to children who either benefit from visual aids or require sensory accommodations. The customisation of routines ensures that all children can actively participate and engage in ways that are meaningful to them.
Incorporate Specialist Techniques
For children with SEND to truly reach their potential, the integration of specialist techniques within routines becomes non-negotiable. Collaboration with specialists, be it occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, or behavior analysts, is the key. Together, we devise strategies and interventions that address the unique needs of each child. These strategies may encompass alternative communication methods, the provision of sensory integration activities, or guiding behavior techniques. Specialist techniques integrated within routines are instrumental in fostering the development of essential skills and facilitating progress in areas of individual development.
Foster Peer Collaboration and Support
Inclusive routines are a fertile ground for the cultivation of peer collaboration and support. They facilitate a sense of community and belonging, encouraging children to collaborate, communicate, and extend support to one another during routine activities. The pairing of children with diverse abilities creates an environment where they can learn from one another, cultivate empathy, and refine their social skills. Inclusive routines provide a platform for all children to contribute and benefit from the diverse strengths and perspectives that each member of the group brings.
Empower Individual Goals and Independence
Inclusive routines help with the fulfillment of individual goals and the promotion of independence among children with SEND. By identifying specific objectives for each child and seamlessly integrating them within routines, we create opportunities for personal growth. For instance, a child striving to enhance self-help skills may find opportunities to practice dressing or feeding themselves during routine activities. Through the inclusion of individual goals within routines, children with SEND are able to hone their abilities, gain confidence, and take pride in their achievements.
Instigate Inclusive Routines
The initiation of inclusive routines, which cater to all children while seamlessly integrating specialist techniques to support those with SEND, is the pinnacle of an inclusive and empowering early years environment. By tailoring routines to accommodate individual needs, deploying specialist strategies, promoting peer collaboration, and facilitating individual goals, we ensure that every child can actively participate and reach their potential. Inclusive routines lay the foundation for nurturing the holistic development of all children, fostering a sense of belonging, and setting them on a path for lifelong learning and success.
