Understanding Neurodivergence: External Support

Kit Smithies
October 2025
4 min read

Prefer to listen instead of read? Listen to an audio version of this post by clicking below:

Caring for children comes with unique challenges—but also incredible rewards. As a nanny, you play a vital role in helping children navigate their world with confidence. This guide is part of ‘Understanding Neurodivergence,’ an 8-part series designed to give you practical, easy-to-use strategies to support children in their daily lives. From managing transitions and sensory needs, to supporting emotional regulation and communication skills, we’ll help equip you with real, actionable techniques to create a nurturing, structured, and empowering environment for the children in your care. Whether you’re new to these challenges or looking to refine your approach, this series will help you support each child’s unique strengths and needs—one step at a time.

Strategic Support: Your External Resource Guide

When caring for neurodivergent children, understanding the UK’s special educational needs (SEN) support systems can help you provide better care. Here’s what every nanny should know about SEN Support, EHCPs, and how to work alongside these frameworks.

What is SEN Support?

SEN support is the first level of help for children with additional needs in UK schools and early years settings. It typically takes the form of informal but documented support that might include extra help from teaching assistants, visual schedules, speech therapy sessions, or other adjustments. Think of it as the school’s way of providing support that is ‘additional to or different from’ what other children receive.

As a nanny, ask parents if their child has SEN support in place. If they do, find out what strategies work at school so you can use similar approaches at home. Consistency between home and school makes a huge difference for children with additional needs.

Understanding EHCPs

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children with more complex needs. It’s comprehensive, covering what support the child must receive across education, health, and social care. The EHCP outlines the child’s strengths, difficulties, desired outcomes, and specific support provisions.

If you’re caring for a child with an EHCP, it’s useful to familiarise yourself with its contents. It will tell you about effective strategies and important goals, and help you provide consistent support for the child in your care.

Work as a team

Building partnerships with parents and school/nursery staff creates consistent support that helps neurodivergent children feel secure across all environments. Schedule regular check-ins with parents to share what works and learn their effective strategies. With permission, maintain contact with teachers and SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) – even brief chats during pickup provide valuable insights about the child’s day and what approaches are proving most effective.

Share important information both ways. If the child has a difficult morning at home, let school know so they can provide extra support. When school reports a challenging day, you can prepare appropriate afterschool care. Keep simple records of successful strategies, behavioural triggers, and patterns you observe – your daily insights are invaluable for EHCP reviews and future planning.

Creating Consistency Across Settings

Using common language and approaches between home and school helps neurodivergent children feel secure and understand expectations more easily. If the family uses specific terms like “mindfulness minutes” for quiet time at home, ask teachers to use similar language at school. When schools implement particular reward systems, communication methods, or calming techniques, replicate these approaches in your care.

Create visual supports that mirror what’s used at school – many children with SEN benefit from visual schedules, picture cards, or simple charts showing daily activities. This consistency reduces anxiety and confusion, helping the child navigate their day with greater confidence and independence.

Finding Local Resources

Every UK local authority publishes a “Local Offer” detailing available SEN services and support. This might include autism-friendly playgroups, ADHD support clubs, or specialist therapies. Knowing what’s available locally helps you support the family better.

Organisations like the National Autistic Society, ADHD UK, and YoungMinds offer helplines and resources. Don’t hesitate to use these resources for additional support or guidance.

Final Thoughts:

Remember that your role goes beyond just following plans – you’re removing barriers and creating an environment where the child can thrive. By understanding the UK’s SEN framework and working collaboratively with families and schools, you become part of the support network that helps neurodivergent children reach their full potential while being accepted for exactly who they are.

As with the other elements of your nanny role, open communication with parents is essential. Discuss their child’s specific needs and effective strategies. By working together, you can provide a consistent and supportive environment that helps the child thrive.

If you’d like further support or advice, you can check out the resources below, or reach out to our friendly support team here at Koru Kids.