Early Excellence Podcast
A Guide to SEND in the Early Years with Kerry Murphy
May 2, 2025
Kerry Murphy, an Early Years Lecturer and Consultant, discusses her expertise in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She highlights common misconceptions and the importance of a personalized, inclusive approach in early education. Kerry advocates for celebrating developmental differences through positive language and holistic practices. She introduces 'inchstones' to recognize small achievements, emphasizing the need for adaptive teaching strategies and creating supportive, language-rich environments for all learners.
42:48
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Quick takeaways
- Kerry Murphy emphasizes the need for systemic change in the SEND framework to celebrate diverse developmental paths rather than focusing on a curative approach.
- The podcast advocates for a holistic teaching approach that integrates diverse learning strategies within general classrooms to support all children, especially those who are neurodivergent.
Deep dives
Background in Early Childhood Education
The speaker shares a personal journey into early childhood education that began unexpectedly when she worked in her mother's nursery. Initially uninterested in working with children, a pivotal moment occurred when she connected with a non-speaking child with developmental needs, igniting her passion for the field. Over the years, she took on various roles such as SENCO, deputy manager, and nursery manager, ultimately leading her to work within a local authority in London. This progression fueled her desire to advocate for equity in education for children with different developmental paths.
