Children who were previously presumed not qualified to access a mainstream setting have been enabled to do so by the dedication of Caverstede's staff team.
The range of additional needs catered for is considerable, including children on the Autistic Spectrum, or with high and multiple profound needs and hearing and visual impairment. The setting runs a non-exclusion policy where every child and their family is welcome.
Parents see their child with profound needs or life-threatening conditions enjoying nursery life with their peers. Two such parents were unable to leave their two-year-old daughter with anyone else. She has complex medical needs and they were the only people trained in her care. The Caverstede team worked with them and professionals to undertake training and their daughter now attends by herself. She has developed a strong and cheeky character.
The centre offers respite for families and children with special needs throughout all school holidays. There is detailed planning at every stage of a child's transition. Children with significant needs continue to be supported when transferred to school through a 'buddy' system. A key person will remain in touch with the school until family and staff are confident the needs of the child are being fully met.
Caverstede's best practice was used to help the local authority to design the Peterborough Inclusion Charter Mark, now used across all sectors in the city. Every staff member is committed to ensuring they have the best skills to meet the children's needs - which significantly improves the outcomes for the children attending Caverstede and their families.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Little Cherubs Day Nursery, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
The nursery has gained a reputation in the area for providing a home-from-home environment and promoting inclusion wherever possible.
A common theme of feedback from parents is how the staff have helped them to accept and deal with the demands of having a child with a disability.
FINALIST
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Rushden, Northamptonshire
Criterion
Open to services or projects that promote equality of opportunity and the best outcomes for all children, regardless of ethnic origin, special needs, background or disadvantage.
