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A Recipe for a Neurodiversity-Affirming Christmas in Early Years
December in early years settings can feel like a whirlwind: sparkly, sensory, exciting and at times, overwhelming. For many neurodivergent children the festive season brings big changes in routine, environment, expectations and emotional energy. This recipe will help you create a Christmas that’s rooted in empathy, connection, and inclusion, one that honours every child’s nervous system, every child’s way of being and every family’s reality. Ingredients 2 cups of genuine
Cheryl Jean
Nov 244 min read


Inviting Our Children to the Table: Why every child deserves to see their place, even before they can take it
In early years settings we are talking more about “inclusion”, but true inclusion is more than adapting activities or planning for needs. It’s about belonging. It’s about visibility. It’s about ensuring every child knows, without question: “There is a place here for you.” Recently, in my consultancy work, I’ve been exploring the idea of inviting our children to the table, both literally and metaphorically. The Physical Table: Mealtimes, Snacks, Group Moments For many neurodiv
Cheryl Jean
Nov 173 min read


Ofsted’s New Early Years Inspection Toolkit: What It Means for Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
From November 2025, Ofsted inspections will look very different. Gone is the single overall judgement; instead, settings will be assessed...
Cheryl Jean
Sep 93 min read


5 Signs your setting could benefit from an external SEND consultant...and why smaller settings don’t need to go it alone
Not every nursery needs a full-time Area SENCo but many still need specialist support they can trust . That’s where an external SEND...
Cheryl Jean
Jul 154 min read


All play is ok
I spoke last week at the Community Playthings Day of Play. It was amazing with over 200 people all gathered to have a day filled with...
Cheryl Jean
Feb 13, 20243 min read


SEND L4 qualification
A blog written for FAMLYHQ Why work towards a SENDCo qualification? | Famly I am an award-winning trainer and consultant working with...
Cheryl Jean
Aug 29, 20235 min read
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