Thoughts on this?

[Cheryl22x]

My daughter is 2 years old she will be 3 in septemeber. She started private nursery septemeber last year. She has never really settled well at nursery she has always been attatched to me so I thought it would be good for her to socialise with children her age and for her devolpment. I do believe she is meeting all of her milestones she is very clever for her age. Anyway her nursery have pulled me to one side when I have went to collect her a number of times about her being very emotional. She is clinging on to the teachers and constantly needs a teacher by her side to do something. They pulled me a side today to tell me they are going to start her on a ‘ Individual play plan’ l have read up on this and it is coming up about SEND. I’m quite worried about this. Do this mean that they think she has SEND needs?

I thought it was normal for a 2 year old to be quite emotional sometimes because they are learning there emotions. I don’t know what to think about this because she is flying in everything else. What are peoples thoughts?

It doesn't mean they think she has SEND. It means they're concerned she isn't happy and are coming up with ways to help her in that respect. It sounds like she has some separation anxiety, which is normal, and they feel she would benefit from a bit of extra help, such as dedicated time playing with her key person. It's a really normal thing to do with children who struggle to settle. It'll help her feel more secure at nursery so she can do things by herself without a teacher always right there.

Do ask them what the plan will involve, if you're concerned. It sounds like they didn't explain it very well to you.

Most/all children have a 'special need' at some point. They need some extra help that the typical children don't. Emotional issues like starting somewhere new, a death, or moving house. Physical issues such as a touch of glue ear, allergies, or a broken bone. The IPP is just going to state what the issue is and how to help overcome it. Maybe encouraging a special cuddly toy from home or making sure a particular teacher warns her of upcoming "transitions" (changes of what's happening), with extra support.

They think she needs a little help and they're going to give it to her. Don't worry.

What both pps have said.

She is struggling with something at the moment. They have noticed (and you agree). So they are putting a plan in place to make sure things are differentiated a little bit in order to help her. It is a good thing.

Yes, some children who have a Play plan, will go on to need further things in place over a longer period of time, but plenty of others benefit from that little bit of a change, and then don't need another plan.