Michael Pettavel: Why early years settings need to be accessible to all

It’s difficult to know where to start this month. I’d like to focus on the vulnerable, especially those with additional needs.

I think we would all anecdotally agree that the number of children who need a different approach to learning are increasing in our nurseries and the challenges to support them are many and varied. Our nursery has a policy of never saying ‘no’ to a family, and as a result we appear to have become renowned for inclusion. We find ourselves recommended by paediatricians and health professionals as a place where children will be valued, whatever their needs.

Parents choose us because of our staff. Relationships are at the core of our practice and the commitment of our team is demonstrated through action, not simply ‘policy wording’. Even in the most challenging situations, our team holds a clear vision of a world in which everyone is important and you can judge your practice by the progress of the most vulnerable. Increasing numbers of children with complex needs does not make life easy, but it does make it worthwhile. Each small step is an opportunity and each setback a chance to learn. Inclusion has refined our practice and made us better for it.