Diversity, Inclusion and Equality at Fennies: Embracing Every Child, Celebrating Every Voice

At Fennies, we believe inclusion is not a policy, it’s a mindset. It guides how we care for children, support our staff and build our nursery communities. Across our 20+ nurseries, we’re committed to creating welcoming, respectful spaces where every child, family and team member feels seen, heard and celebrated.

From cultural diversity and neurodiversity to inclusive Early Years education, this blog shares how we’re putting those values into practice, every day.

A Multicultural Community at Fennies

Fennies Purley is a powerful example of diversity in action. Within one room, our educators speak 14 different languages, reflecting the beautifully varied backgrounds of the families we care for.

This cultural richness is embraced in everyday learning. Our educators bring songs, stories and traditions from different cultures into play and conversation, helping children learn about the world while developing empathy and communication skills.

They also have ‘Welcome Walls’ outside each room that proudly feature the children’s photos, home countries and spoken languages, encouraging belonging from day one. This is partnered by a Settling-in Box with key phrases in their home language and cultural items to support their transition, helping them feel both recognised and at home.

These simple, thoughtful touches create environments where children and families know they matter, and where diversity is something to be celebrated.

Inclusion Through Celebration and Play

Across all our nurseries, we host regular events that celebrate our differences and bring families together. We recently held a multicultural taste-testing day that saw children trying global dishes and wearing traditional dress, sparking conversations about family backgrounds and shared experiences.

We also recognise that inclusion goes beyond culture, it includes different family structures and experiences. Our teams are trained to use inclusive language and activities that reflect every child’s reality, helping them understand and appreciate the uniqueness of themselves and others.

Supporting Neurodiversity from the Start

At Fennies, we recognise that every child learns and experiences the world differently. We are proud to celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week, where children explore how everyone’s brains work in their own unique way through engaging books, games and discussions.

Behind the scenes, we ensure our educators have the skills and confidence to support neurodivergent children. We provide robust training and guidance on early identification of needs, helping us create spaces where every child can grow and feel included.

Early Intervention and SEND Support

Our structured SEND process is central to our inclusive approach. Early Years are a crucial window for identifying additional needs, and our educators are trained to spot early signs and work closely with families to create personalised support strategies.

We have our Regional SENDCO and Inclusion Manager, Paula, who leads us in ensuring we provide inclusive practices across all of our nurseries. We also have a strong focus on collaboration, ensuring that no child is left behind. Our goal is to provide consistent, tailored support that gives children the confidence and tools they need to thrive, both now and in their next stage of education.

World Down Syndrome Day & The Sunflower Challenge

Inclusion is also about building awareness and understanding from the earliest age. Each year, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, with resources and activities that help children appreciate the beauty of difference.

We also take part in Down Syndrome UK’s Sunflower Challenge, a metaphorical celebration of individuality. Children plant sunflower seeds, care for them daily and watch them grow, just as they do. It’s a gentle, hands-on way to show that every child blooms in their own time and their own way.

“Be Yourself”: Inclusion Behind the Scenes

Our commitment to inclusion extends to our teams, too. Several staff members have shared how Fennies supports neurodiverse adults in a workplace where they feel accepted and valued.

Joey shared how consistency and understanding are vital to managing day-to-day life, and praised the BUPA Wellness Package for offering five free counselling sessions and 24/7 support. “Fennies lets you be yourself, while still empowering you to deliver high-quality care.”

Katie spoke about how her neurodiversity enhances her ability to learn from others and adapt to the children’s needs. “I’ve always loved working with children, and here, I don’t feel different. I just feel normal.”

Tanya, who brings high energy and a natural connection to her role, shared how being open with her team has made a real difference. “The support here is genuine, it’s the little things that make you feel recognised.”

Zoe added, “In past roles, I masked who I was. At Fennies, I’ve found a place where I can be myself and feel appreciated.”

By listening, adapting, and creating space for open conversations, we’re building a culture where every team member can thrive, just like the children in our care.

Looking Ahead: Inclusion as a Journey

At Fennies, we know there’s always more to learn and more we can do. But by embedding inclusion into our everyday practice, we’re helping shape a future where kindness, respect and diversity are part of every child’s story.

Whether it’s learning a child’s first language, creating sensory-friendly spaces or being a listening ear for a colleague, every act of inclusion matters.

As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” And together, we’re creating nurseries where everyone feels like they truly belong.