A childminding service in Paulton and a pre-school in Keynsham are the first childcare settings in Bath and North East Somerset to receive a national Mark of Achievement for supporting young children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Bev’s Childminding Services, located in Paulton, and Bath Opportunity Pre-School, an early years specialist service based at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham, have both been awarded the accolade by training provider Dingley's Promise in recognition of their passion and commitment to inclusive practice for early years children.

Bev Robbins, from Bev’s Childminding Services, and Stefanie Walbyoff, manager at Bath Opportunity Pre-School, have both expressed their pride at receiving the accolades which highlights the ‘good practices already in place’.

Dingley’s Promise provides free practical skills and knowledge training to childcare practitioners so they can offer children with SEND the support they need.

Bath and North East Somerset Council works in partnership with Dingley’s Promise to support childcare providers across the district to sign up to the training and make their settings more inclusive.

Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with our early years settings and with Dingley’s Promise to help create more inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.

“Well done to Bath Opportunity Pre School and Bev’s Childminding Services on being early adopters of the training and on their Mark of Achievement for passion and commitment to inclusion.

“The expert training that Dingley’s Promise provides is free, easy to follow and will help childcare practitioners to grow their confidence in supporting young children with SEND. I hope many more providers in Bath and North East Somerset sign up.”

Bev Robbins, from Bev’s Childminding Services, said: “Completing the Dingley’s Promise training highlighted the really good practices we already have in place within the setting and enabled us to reflect on areas for further development as a staff team.

“As a setting we are thrilled to be recognised as an inclusion-friendly setting, supporting children with SEN, the first across Bath & North East Somerset. I would highly recommend this training to all settings to upskill practitioners, or to reaffirm to practitioners they are secure in their existing knowledge.”

Stefanie Walbyoff, manager at Bath Opportunity Pre-School, said: “We are incredibly proud to have received the Mark of Achievement from Dingley’s Promise.

“Inclusion has always been at the heart of our ethos, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our whole team in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for every child.

“The training has been invaluable in helping us to reflect on our practice, strengthen our approach, and ensure that all children, regardless of their needs, can thrive and feel valued.

“This training is a fantastic opportunity for all early year’s settings — whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of inclusive practice or simply confirm that your current approach is on the right track.”