Pen
A Celebratory Approach to Working with Children with SEND
Fully Funded Training Course – Delivered by East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
Overview
This immersive training course introduces early years professionals to A Celebratory Approach to Working with Children with SEND—a values-led, evidence-informed model developed by Pen Green and endorsed by the Department for Education.
Rooted in deep respect for children’s identities, strengths and family contexts, this approach moves beyond traditional deficit-based assessment models. Instead, it encourages practitioners to celebrate what children can do, and to co-construct inclusive pathways to learning with families, settings and wider professionals.
Online and in person options available.
Available to settings in North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire, Leicester City, Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire.
Training Dates;
What the Course Covers
-
The origins, research base and national context behind the Celebratory Approach
-
Exploring what SEND means in early childhood, and shifting from deficit to celebration
-
Early identification and assessment tools aligned with the EYFS
-
Building confident, reflective practice through shared tools and dialogue
-
Engaging families meaningfully—recognising parents as experts on their child
-
Using celebratory profiles, one-page plans, schematic observations and child voice
-
Working collaboratively in multi-agency teams to remove barriers
-
Exploring the Pen Green environment and pedagogical spaces through a centre tour
Key Features
-
Delivered by experienced Pen Green professionals including SEND specialists
-
Combines theory, discussion and practical reflection
-
Includes access to DfE-endorsed resources: A Celebratory Approach to SEND Assessment in the Early Years
-
Aligns with the EYFS and supports graduated response pathways
-
Supports practitioner confidence in working with neurodiverse and complex needs
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for:
-
Early Years practitioners and setting leaders
-
SENCOs and inclusion coordinators
-
Local authority SEND teams
-
Trainee teachers, researchers and professionals working with under-5s
Course Outcome
Participants will leave with a refreshed understanding of inclusion, practical tools to implement in their settings, and the confidence to reframe SEND provision in a way that celebrates every child’s learning journey.