Special Educational Needs
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Special Educational Needs
Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential
Our practitioners consider the individual needs, interests, and the stage of development of each child in their care, and use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience for their key children. High quality teaching is based on the highest expectations for individual children, draws on what staff know about children’s learning and development, is differentiated for individual children and uses a range of pedagogic approaches.
We believe in the following four principles:
- Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured;
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships;
- Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or careers;
- Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

Our Sensory Room
At Chairbears Day Nursery, our sensory room is a small, cozy, and carpeted sanctuary designed to offer a safe and tranquil space separate from the main base rooms. This adaptable environment can be set up in various ways to cater to the unique needs of our cohorts, providing a soothing atmosphere that encourages exploration and relaxation. Whether it’s for calming down, engaging the senses, or simply taking a break, our sensory room is a welcoming retreat that supports the well-being and development of all our children.

Meet Our SENCO
Silvia Miranda, our compassionate and committed SENCO, joined Chairbears Day Nursery in 2019, bringing a wealth of experience and warmth from Portugal. Silvia completed Lewisham’s inaugural cohort of SEN Level 3 training, equipping her with the expertise to support children with special educational needs. She is known for her positive and encouraging approach, working closely with parents and our team to ensure every child receives the best possible start. Silvia’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment makes her an invaluable asset to Chairbears and our community.

How to Access SEN Support at Chairbears Day Nursery: A Step-by-Step Guide
At Chairbears Day Nursery, we are dedicated to providing tailored support for children with special educational needs (SEN). Here’s a step-by-step guide to accessing SEN support:
Commonly Asked Questions About SEN (Special Educational Needs)
At Chairbears Day Nursery, we follow a structured process to identify potential additional needs. It begins with close observation and documentation of your child’s behavior and development by their key worker. If any concerns are noted, a meeting is arranged with our SENCO, Silvia Miranda, to discuss these observations and determine the need for further assessment. We collaborate with parents and may request additional documentation, such as medical reports, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your child’s needs.
Together, we create an individualized support plan to address and support your child’s unique requirements.
Communication is key to effectively supporting your child. You can discuss any concerns directly with your child’s key worker, who is the primary contact for your child’s development at the nursery. Additionally, you can schedule a meeting with our SENCO, Silvia Miranda, to explore your concerns in more detail. It’s also helpful to keep Maria, our nursery manager, informed so she can ensure that appropriate actions are taken. We encourage open and regular communication to provide the best support for your child.
Chairbears Day Nursery offers a comprehensive range of support for children with special educational needs. This includes individualized learning plans, tailored activities, and close monitoring of progress. Our SENCO works closely with key workers to provide specialized support and ensure that all educational needs are met. We also have access to external specialists, such as speech and occupational therapists, and we offer guidance on how to apply for additional support services. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
We prioritize ongoing training and professional development for our staff to ensure they are equipped to support children with special educational needs effectively. Silvia Miranda, our SENCO, has completed extensive SEN training, including Lewisham’s SEN Level 3 course. Our staff regularly attend workshops and training sessions focused on SEN best practices, inclusive teaching strategies, and specific support techniques. This continuous learning helps us maintain a high standard of care and ensures that we are always prepared to meet the diverse needs of our children.
If you believe your child might benefit from additional support outside of the nursery, we recommend discussing this with our SENCO, Silvia Miranda. She can help you identify the appropriate external services, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy, and guide you through the process of accessing these resources. We can assist with completing necessary application forms and provide information about local and national organizations that offer additional support. Early intervention is crucial, and we are here to help you navigate the options available to ensure your child receives the comprehensive support they need.
We are Officially OFSTED OUTSTANDING!
Staff are knowledgeable and expertly plan an educational programme that is bespoke to children’s individual needs… A highly nurturing and friendly environment. OFSTED 2023

Chairbears Is Officially Ofsted Outstanding
Staff are Knowledgeable and Expertly Plan an Educational Program That is Bespoke to the Children’s Individual Needs A Highly Nurturing ‘ OFSTED 2023
