Inclusion at Gilah Nursery
Every child is valued, included and supported to thrive
At Gilah Nursery, we believe every child is unique. We celebrate children’s individual strengths, interests, needs and experiences, and make sure every child has the opportunity to learn, play, develop and feel that they belong.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where children are listened to, respected and supported to reach their full potential.
Learn to play, play to learn
SEND Local Offer
At Gilah Nursery, we are committed to including every child and supporting them to make progress, develop their independence and enjoy their time with us.
How we support children
We get to know each child as an individual and adapt our approach to meet their needs. This may include:
Individualised support and targets
Small-group and targeted interventions
Support with communication and language
Support with emotional wellbeing and self-regulation
Sensory activities and access to our sensory spaces
Use of our Nurture Room for additional support when needed
Adaptations to the environment, routines and activities
Working closely with parents and carers
Working with outside professionals, where appropriate
Regular observation, assessment and review of progress
Working together
We believe the best support comes from working together. We work closely with families and, where appropriate, professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, health visitors, educational psychologists and other specialists.
We use a plan, do, review approach so that support is purposeful and responsive to each child's changing needs.
Our SENCo - Caroline Rosen
Our SENCo works closely with the team, children and families to identify needs, coordinate support and monitor progress. Staff are supported to understand children's individual needs and use strategies consistently across the nursery.
Our approach
We believe that children's needs come first. We see behaviour as communication and look beyond the behaviour to understand what a child may be trying to tell us.
Our aim is for every child to feel safe, valued, understood and included, with the right support to take part in nursery life and learn through play.
If you have concerns
If you have concerns about your child's development or additional needs, please speak to your child's key person or our SENCo Caroline Rosen. We are always happy to listen, talk things through and work with you to decide what support may be helpful.
Gilah Nursery’s Local Offer https://directory.hertfordshire.gov.uk/Services/5508
Our Sensory Room
Our Sensory Room provides a secure, calm space where children can be supported by an adult to regulate, reset and feel ready to rejoin their group. It is used flexibly throughout the day and forms an important part of our inclusive approach.
Children use the room with a member of staff, either individually or in small groups, depending on their needs. Our LSAs also use the space for targeted interventions, including communication and speech and language activities, as well as other individualised support. The quieter environment can help children to focus and engage without the distractions of the main classroom.
The room provides opportunities for children to explore sensory experiences and develop strategies that support their emotional regulation and sensory needs. It can also be used as a calm, secure space when children need additional support to manage their emotions or become ready to return to their classroom.
We use the Sensory Room alongside our Nurture Room, small-group interventions and everyday classroom support, ensuring children receive the right support and environment for their individual needs.
Our Nurture Room
At Gilah, we know that every child’s journey is unique. Our Nurture Room, opened in 2019, provides children with extra time, support and opportunities to develop the skills they need to feel confident, settled and ready to learn.
The Nurture Room is a small, supportive group where children can practise important social and emotional skills in a calm and welcoming environment. Children have opportunities to develop their communication, build friendships, manage their feelings, grow in confidence and become more independent.
Sessions include a mixture of games and turn-taking activities, circle time, creative play, problem-solving, mindfulness and calming strategies, and sensory integration play. These experiences are carefully planned to support children's individual needs while making learning enjoyable and meaningful.
The transition from the classroom to the Nurture Room is calm and gentle, helping children feel safe and secure. The team works closely with our SENCo and Head to plan activities and provide consistent support for each child. Parents and carers are kept updated with regular feedback about their child's experiences and progress.
Our Nurture Room can help children to:
Build confidence and self-esteem
Develop friendships and teamwork
Learn to take turns and share
Express and manage their feelings
Develop communication and listening skills
Become more confident joining group activities
Develop independence
Manage changes and separation from parents or carers
Explore calming and sensory strategies
We want every child to feel safe, valued, understood and able to take part, with the right support to help them thrive both at Gilah and as they move on to school.