Nursery World Awards 2011: Initiatives - Inclusive practice award

Butterworth Family Childcare and Education Team, Bury

Bury couple Stuart and Linda Butterworth own and run Little Holcombe Nursery School and Tower View Nursery School. They take pride in the 'outstanding' settings' ability to meet every child's needs, regardless of language barriers, different cultures, physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

The team's commitment and dedication has been recommended to parents by many agencies such as portage, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Regular staff training is provided in areas including autism, epilepsy, gastrostomy and hoist training, and inclusive resources are purchased without funding or grants. Adaptations are made to the nursery environment to make sure all children can attend and maximise their learning potential, and staff ratios are increased to provide one-to-one care before statements are finalised.

Children attend the settings with additional needs such as global delays, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and Goutieres syndrome. Staff ensure that all children have access to all aspects of nursery life, including extra-curricular activities such as swimming and mini soccer stars.

The nurseries' inclusive practice has won many plaudits. Ofsted said, 'The environment is fully inclusive, reflecting the local community and the families that attend,' and 'The care and attention given to children with SEN and/or disabilities and those with English as a second language is outstanding.'

One parent said that her disabled daughter's progress since joining last year has been amazing. 'The staff are truly inspirational and this caring, inclusive ethos really shines through.'

Chrissy Meleady, CEO of Early Years Equality, has carried out training for Butterworth and said that they 'walk the talk on equalities, anti-discrimination, inclusion and rights on a consistent and exemplary basis. They have smashed down barriers not only to access, but to equal outcomes.'

Bellingham Community Nursery Group, London

Located in an area of south-east London with high crime rates, high unemployment and a diverse populace, Bellingham Community Nursery Group is owned, directed and managed by members of the community.

BCNG values each child as an individual regardless of race, culture, gender or disability. It currently caters for 21 children with English as an Additional Language, two with additional needs and 40 from low income/lone parent households, with six children known to social services.

The nursery promotes health and well-being by demonstrating good hygiene practice, and encourages healthy eating through ties with a community allotment. The outdoor space is wheelchair accessible and offers a multi-sensory experience.

BCNG's work to encourage inclusive practice within the community includes international social evenings for parents and supporting the parents' forum; a dads' day; 'Playing with Words', a six-week family learning project; and recruiting staff from the local community to reflect the social and cultural backgrounds of the children.

Innovative ways to strengthen community involvement are many and varied - a stayand-play service for families without a nursery place; a nurture group for children on the autistic spectrum; ICT training for staff and ICT equipment for children of all abilities; support for students; and a children's citizenship scheme to develop respect for others and the community.

Teresa Cleary-Smart of Hawk Training, who nominated BCNG for the award, said, 'The nursery demonstrates to families and the community that everyone is capable of achieving and contributing to a safe and thriving community.'

As the father of one child adds, 'All the staff and team have big hearts and truly believe in the children. This is without a doubt the best nursery in town.'

FINALIST

Busy Bees Canterbury, Community Placement scheme

Criterion: Open to services or projects that promote equality of opportunity and the best outcomes for all children, regardless of ethnic origin, special needs, background or disadvantage.