Understanding SEN Support at The Mulberry Bush Nursery: A Parent’s Guide to the SENCO Role
At The Mulberry Bush, we know that every child learns in their own unique way. For families navigating special educational needs (SEN), having the right support early on can make a world of difference. That’s where the role of a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) comes in—a key figure in making sure children get the tailored care and strategies they need to thrive in their early years.
This blog offers a clear, parent-focused explanation of what a SENCO does, when they might become involved, and how they work alongside you and your child to support learning, development, and wellbeing.
What Does a SENCO Do in a Nursery Setting?
A SENCO is responsible for identifying and coordinating the right support for children with additional needs. At The Mulberry Bush, each nursery has its own trained SENCO, and they are supported by our Area SENCO, who ensures a consistent and high-quality approach across all our settings.
Their role includes:
- Working closely with children, families, and key staff
- Identifying early signs of need
- Coordinating targeted support strategies
- Liaising with outside professionals when needed
When Might a SENCO Be Involved?
Every child develops differently. Sometimes, a child may show signs of needing extra help with communication, behaviour, social interaction, or physical development. This might be noticed by their key person or raised by parents. In either case, the SENCO becomes involved to ensure the right steps are taken.
Areas where our SEND team offers support include:
- Speech and language challenges (e.g., delayed speech, comprehension)
- Behavioural or emotional difficulties
- Social communication or interaction needs
- Physical development concerns
- Confidence and anxiety support
- Transition planning for school, including EHCP support
- Referrals and funding guidance (e.g., DLA applications)
How the SENCO Supports Your Child
Once a need has been identified, our SENCO works through a structured process known as “assess, plan, do, review”. This approach allows us to:
- Understand your child’s strengths and areas for development
- Set achievable, personalised targets
- Put tailored strategies in place at nursery and at home
- Monitor progress and adjust support as needed
Support strategies might include:
- Individual target plans (IEPs)
- Visual supports or reward systems
- Focused interaction and play-based interventions
- Joint planning with other professionals
We work closely with your child’s key person and communicate regularly with you to ensure continuity and confidence in the support journey.
Working with External Specialists
Our SENCOs often collaborate with outside professionals (with your consent) to ensure children receive the best care. This might include:
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational or Physiotherapists
- Portage Services
- Community Paediatricians
- Health Visitors
- Specialist Teacher Advisory Services for sensory impairments
- Inclusion Support Officers or Early Years Advisors
These partnerships help us build a truly holistic view of your child’s needs and provide well-rounded, timely interventions.
You’re Not Alone
Navigating your child’s early years journey—especially with additional needs—can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced SENCO team is here to support you, listen to you, and walk alongside you every step of the way. Together, we can help your child flourish, one small step at a time.
Need Support or Have Questions?
If you have any questions about SEN provision across any of our five nursery settings, we’re here to help. Please feel free to reach out to our Area SENCO, Sophie Ivemey.
