At Dot Kids, inclusion isn’t a bolt-on, a buzzword, or a box to tick. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, understood and capable within creative spaces – especially those who are neurodivergent, disabled, anxious, or navigating additional emotional needs. As an organisation working closely with schools, families, charities, local authority Virtual Schools and community partners, we believe inclusion is not something you arrive at, but something you continually commit to.
That’s why we are currently undertaking the CPD Certified Inclusive Activity Provider Training.
Not because we have to – but because we believe it’s our responsibility.
Why We Chose to Do This Training
Dot Kids has always been rooted in emotionally safe, child-led creative practice. We work with many children who have experienced anxiety, exclusion, school-based trauma, unmet needs or a sense of being misunderstood in traditional settings.
We see, daily, how small adjustments can make a huge difference to a child’s sense of belonging.
But inclusion is not static.
Children’s needs evolve. Language evolves. Research evolves. And so should practice.
This training gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect and strengthen what we already do – ensuring our inclusive approach remains intentional, evidence-informed and consistently embedded across our work, including our growing franchise network.
A Values-Aligned, Evidence-Based Approach
This CPD certified training has been developed and delivered by Nicole Bateman(The Friendly SEND Advisor), alongside Educational Psychologist Dr Frances Willis.
What drew us to this training was its clarity, compassion and grounding in real-world practice. Rather than surface-level inclusion or generic advice, it offers a structured, evidence-based framework that supports meaningful, sustainable change within children’s activities and education settings.
It aligns strongly with Dot Kids’ ethos:
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Seeing the child, not the label
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Designing environments that support regulation, not compliance
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Shifting from deficit-based thinking to inclusive, flexible practice
What This Means for Children and Families
By undertaking this training, we are strengthening our ability to:
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Create environments where children feel emotionally safe and regulated
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Reduce barriers to participation rather than expecting children to “fit in”
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Build trust with families through clear, confident inclusive practice
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Ensure adjustments are thoughtful, consistent and embedded – not reactive
For families, this means reassurance.
For children, it means belonging.
For our team and franchisees, it means confidence and clarity.
A Commitment, Not a Badge
While the training leads to CPD certification and the Gold SEND Inclusion Mark, for us this isn’t about credentials alone.
It’s about accountability.
It’s about ensuring that as Dot Kids grows, our inclusive values are protected, strengthened and lived out in every setting, session and interaction.
Inclusion isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing things differently – with intention, understanding and care.
Looking Ahead
Undertaking this training reflects Dot Kids’ ongoing commitment to:
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Inclusive, accessible children’s activities
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Neurodiversity-affirming practice
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Emotional wellbeing and creative confidence
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Evidence-led, reflective professional development
Because every child belongs.
Every child deserves access.
And as providers, we have a responsibility – and a privilege – to make that happen.