Episode 14: Supporting children with additional needs in early years settings

At a time of year when many young children are joining early years settings and schools for the first time - this podcast episode explores how educators can support and welcome every child. How can educators today ensure that they are offering a truly inclusive environment which allows all children to play and learn?

"One of the key Froebelian principles is starting where the learner is at, letting the child be the stage they are at and not focusing constantly on pushing them to reach the next stage... A Froebelian approach is all about respecting diversity, respecting that all children are different..."
Eve Mawby Whistler

Presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a panel of guests:

Dr Agnes Agyepong

Agnes is a mother of three and the Founder and CEO of Global Black Maternal Health, a leading advocate for empowering Black communities to reclaim their health narratives. Agnes spearheaded the pioneering Black Child SEND report and conference, highlighting the experiences of Black children and their families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

As a maternal health advocate and former Head of Engagement at a national charity, Agnes is dedicated to promoting representative research in maternal health, education and healthcare.

Janice Marriott

Janice is Head of Tuffkid Nursery which is part of Kisharon Charity Organisation. Kisharon offers education, opportunity and support for people with learning disabilities and their families throughout life’s journey.

Tuffkid is a Jewish nursery for mainstream children and those with disabilities and special educational needs, with an integrated approach to learning through play. Tuffkid has been recognised by Ofsted three consecutive times as ‘Outstanding’.

Janice has been working as Head of Tuffkid for 22 years and has a background in Education and Therapy. Having completed four Elements of the Froebel Trust Short Courses at Tuffkid, Janice has introduced Froebel to Kisharon School which has been participating in the year long Froebel Trust Online Course. Janice has promoted parent/ family involvement with Froebel in the nursery, with Dr Stella Louis supporting Parent Evening.

Eve Mawby Whistler

Eve worked in a maintained nursery school in Peckham, London for over 6 years and is currently a nursery teacher in a primary school in Cambridgeshire. She gained her MA in Early Childhood Studies at University of Roehampton and it was there that she became inspired by a Froebelian approach to early education. She is now a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor, sharing her Froebelian knowledge and supporting educators in schools and settings across the UK.

Eve co-authored the Froebel Trust pamphlet 'Supporting children with additional needs'. Published in September 2024.

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Research, links and resources for educators mentioned in Episode 14:

Supporting children with additional needs by Eve Mawby Whistler with Lizzie Montgomery (Froebel Trust, September 2024) Free to download.

Black Child SEND Report: Accessing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision for Black and mixed Black heritage children: Lived experiences from parents and professionals living in South London (Global Black Maternal Health, February 2024)Free to download.

Tuffkid Nursery, London

Nursery attachments and the Key Person role by Dr Peter Elfer (Froebel Trust, September 2022) Free to download.

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A transcript of Episode 14 is available to download at froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast

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Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education.

froebel.org.uk