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There’s a moment many people who work in early years will recognise. A child does something unexpected, communicates in a different way, fixates on a particular interest, responds strongly to noise, change or touch. In that moment, what matters most isn’t having all the answers. It’s curiosity, patience and a genuine desire to understand.

For World Autism Acceptance Month, we spoke to two of our SENCos, Rhiannon Thompson and Tammie Blockley, about their experiences in early years and the work they do every day. From what led them into SEND, to the areas they feel most passionate about, their conversations explore what this role really looks like in practice - and the perspectives they’ve gained along the way.

Finding Their Way to SEND

Neither Rhiannon nor Tammie planned to become SENCos. But both describe their roles as something they stepped into and then never wanted to leave.

Rhiannon has been supporting children with SEND since 2019, becoming a SENCo in 2022. With a background in Early Childhood Studies and a Master’s in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing, she brings plenty of knowledge to her role.

“I didn’t see this as a career path at first,” she says. “But now I can’t imagine doing anything else. I genuinely connect with the children and families. Every child is unique, and every story we’re part of is different.”

Tammie’s journey stretches back even further. She’s been working in SEND since 2014 and became a supernumerary SENCO in 2022. In 2023, she completed her CACHE Level 3 SENCo qualification, and was recognised with a National NMT SENCo Award.

“I didn’t choose SENCo,” she says. “It chose me. When you look back at the children and families you’ve supported over the years, it’s humbling to know you’ve helped shape their futures.”

Why Early Support Matters So Much

Both SENCos speak passionately about early intervention, not as a buzzword, but as something that genuinely changes lives. For Tammie, it’s about making sure children don’t have to struggle alone, and families don’t feel they’re constantly fighting to be heard.

“Having a child with additional needs can be tough,” she explains. “Especially when you’re trying to access the right support. I see my role as being an advocate, a listening ear, a guide, and sometimes the person helping families find their voice.”

Rhiannon agrees. Her particular passion is autism and social communication differences, and the impact that consistent, thoughtful support can have. “With the right support in place, and by working together, children can thrive in their own way. It’s incredible to see.”

What Support Looks Like in Practice

When Rhiannon and Tammie talk about SEND support at SM����, they don’t point to one single programme or approach. Instead, they describe a culture of curiosity, flexibility and shared learning. Rhiannon explains that in settings, teams are beginning to fully embrace neuroaffirming practice - focusing less on “fixing” behaviour and more on understanding it.

“By staying curious about what children are communicating through their behaviour, we can be proactive rather than reactive. That shift has transformed how our team engage with our neurodivergent children.”

Tammie highlights the importance of practical, everyday support - from training and funding to simply having the time to get things right.

“We use Makaton alongside spoken language every day. We talk about ‘sign of the week’ with families. We believe every child deserves a way to communicate, whether that’s verbal or not.”

She adds that being surrounded by a network of other SENCos makes a huge difference too. “Sharing ideas, challenges and successes helps us all do better.”

What They Wish More People Knew About Autism

There is no single version of autism.

“Working with one autistic child doesn’t mean you understand autism,” Rhiannon says. “It means you understand that one child. There’s always more to learn, and being open-minded is essential.”

Tammie adds that while autism can bring challenges, it also brings strengths that are too often overlooked.

“Many autistic children see the world differently. Their creativity, focus and unique way of thinking can be extraordinary if we take the time to notice it.”

A Month and a Mindset

World Autism Acceptance Month is a reminder, but the work doesn’t stop when April ends. It continues in small, everyday moments: taking time to listen, adjusting environments, celebrating differences and giving children space to be themselves.

As Rhiannon and Tammie’s stories show, when children are understood early - and supported with kindness and patience - they’re not being prepared to fit the world. The world is learning how to make space for them. And that’s something worth talking about all year round.