Under the Equality Act 2010, settings are expected to make 'reasonable adjustments2 ' to ensure that children with SEND are not disadvantaged. These duties are 'anticipatory', meaning that settings should think ahead and consider what they may need to do to remove barriers and ensure that policies, practices and the environment are as inclusive as possible.
Many adjustments can be made at little or no cost3. Health and safety issues should also be considered and not seen as barriers to inclusion. The settings should seek to remove barriers to include everyone safely in the life of the setting. The goal is to provide equality of opportunity and settings should be prepared to think creatively about how they can include all children.
Some examples of reasonable adjustments:
Eva finds the nursery space overwhelming and at times needs some time out in a quiet, clam space.
Kai has a hearing impairment and wears hearing aids, which nursery staff know how to work. Staff are conscious about where Kai is seated for activities.
Alayah needs some activities to be differentiated so that she can access them. Her key person also incorporates her interests into activities, for example a sensory basket.
Billy has a vision impairment; his key person ensures Billy has access to toys which he can access through other senses for example, sound or touch.
Rashmi has a physical disability; staff make sure the activities are set up at an accessible level and the environment is safe.
Mateo has headphones he can wear if the environment is too noisy.
2 Equality Act Guide for EY - FINAL2_0.pdf (councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk) – see for more information.
3 If you have further questions about reasonable adjustments, please contact the inclusion team would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments with you.