Celebrating Neurodiversity In Early Years Education

Neurodiversity Celebration Week provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the beauty of the uniqueness of each person in this world. Within the Early Years sector, understanding the role that neurodiversity plays is crucial to creating inclusive environments that suit and empower both children and educators.

Team members from various Fennies settings came together to act as spokespeople for the wider company, to reflect on how neurodiversity shapes the workplace we’re a part of but also how that affects the learning environments we create for children. Through plenty of discussions and activities, colleagues shared their experiences and explored how everyone’s strengths can support inclusive practice where both neurodiverse and neurotypical people can flourish.

Creating spaces for these conversations allows our educators to support each other and ensure they feel they can be themselves in the workplace.

Key Takeaways

• Neurodiversity recognises the wide variation in how people think and process information
• Open conversations help build understanding and supportive working environments
• Inclusive communication can support neurodivergent educators in the workplace
• Personal experiences help highlight both strengths and challenges
• Safe spaces for discussion encourage collaboration and stronger team connections
• Early Years professionals play a key role in promoting inclusive environments for colleagues and children

Going Beyond The ‘Mask’

The day began with a creative activity led by Katie, Nursery Manager at Fennies Twickenham, and Laura, Nursery Manager at Fennies Clapham. It was a creative activity exploring the idea of ‘masking’ and how people sometimes present themselves differently at work, as it helps them personally “feel more accepted" or “fit in”.

All participants were invited to design their plain mask with colours and messaging, written or artistic, that represented how they show up in the professional environment. Some masks reflected the two sides of their personality, whether that be the calmness they show on their exterior or the feelings they internalise to allow them to feel comfortable. Sometimes through humour. Sometimes through  remaining occupied. Sometimes through sarcasm. The discussion that followed the task, highlighted the difference in how people feel internally to how they believe others perceive them.

This exercise helped colleagues reflect on their own experiences and opened a safe space for honest conversations about their own identity and perception.

“The activity was a great chance to give our peers a safe space to express how they feel,” said Katie, Nursery Manager at Fennies Twickenham. 

A poignant takeaway from the session was the phrase “We’re all Pasta”. On the surface it sounds like a humorous comment, but when you dive a little deeper into the meaning behind it, we can see how each of us may have different names, shapes and sizes, but at our core we all have the same intention in what we do.

Activities that encourage this level of reflection and expression are incredibly valuable within a nursery setting. Something we wholeheartedly recommend others to do within their own environments to really understand each other and improve the level of cohesion and appreciation across your teams.

Round Table Discussion: Understanding Neurodiversity

Afterwards we held a dedicated round table, allowing colleagues to explore neurodiversity on a deeper level and share their experiences on how it plays out for them within the workplace.

Key discussion points included:

• Strengths & Challenges: Neurodivergent individuals can bring hyperfocus and attention to detail, which are valuable in Early Years settings. At the same time, challenges may arise from workplace structures generally being more suited to neurotypical individuals than neurodiverse individuals.
• Communication: Clear, structured communication with written and visual elements can help information be received effectively.
• Inclusive Practice: Managers can support different working styles while maintaining a safe environment for children.
• Ongoing Learning: Everyone can benefit from increasing their understanding of neurodiversity through research, conversations and training.
  
  

Karen, Nursery Manager at Fennies Purley, shared how her ADHD diagnosis during maternity leave has been a learning process. She reflected on how hyperfocus can both challenge and enhance her work, and how engaging with colleagues during the round table helped her explore new ways of problem solving.

The round table also highlighted that understanding neurodiversity is not only about managing differences, it is about recognising everyone’s unique strengths and creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Rosie, Deputy Manager at Fennies Horley, who was one of the people on the panel for the round table, opened up about embracing her strengths and being open about her neurodiversity as a key to her thriving in the workplace. She highlights resilience, empathy and a strong sense of justice as central to how she shows up each day. 

"Resilience helps me accept who I am, and being neurodivergent allows me to connect with people in a deeper way. Working with children lets me be energetic and creative, and these are some of the proudest parts of who I am." said Rosie.

Creating Safe Spaces For Open Conversations

Personal stories underlined the importance of creating supportive environments. Sharing experiences helps colleagues understand each other and adapt their approach where necessary.

For example, Lydia reflected on being both a parent to a newly diagnosed autistic child and a SENDCo supporting children in nursery. This dual perspective reinforces the importance of recognising individuality, in both children and colleagues, and tailoring support accordingly.

“Being a SENDCO and having a daughter just diagnosed with autism makes me see how important it is to celebrate everyone’s differences.” says Lydia, Third in Charge at Fennies Woking. “We’re not all ‘normal,’ and that’s something worth celebrating!”

Ruth, who is open about her ADHD, spoke about how connecting with colleagues who share similar experiences allows for honest discussion and shared understanding.

“Today has been great for having these conversations, it's been so interesting to see things from other perspectives!” said Ruth, Education Advisor at Fennies.

Afterwards, Sarah, an Educator at Fennies Eltham, brought a science experiment she planned to deliver to children later that day in the nursery to test out with the team, a perfect example of the creativity she brings. 

Continuing The Conversation

Neurodiversity Celebration Week sparked reflection, learning and connection across Fennies nurseries. Early Years educators dedicate their work to helping children develop confidence, communication skills and a strong sense of identity. Extending the same understanding to colleagues ensures workplaces are inclusive, supportive and empowering.

By continuing to listen, learn and adapt, teams across Fennies can ensure nursery environments remain spaces where individuality is recognised and celebrated. Supporting neurodiversity strengthens both the team and the experiences provided for every child.

“If we keep these conversations going and continue building awareness around neurodiversity in the workplace, we can gradually move towards becoming a truly neuroaffirming business, and that would be something worth striving for.” said Laura, Nursery Manager at Fennies Clapham.