As someone who personally struggled to 'fit in' as a child and then became a parent of a child with learning difficulties, I have learnt first hand how tough it can be to feel separate from your peers. This division can sometimes be due to educational needs and disabilities, race, culture, religion or backgrounds and can often appear through lack of knowledge, understanding or awareness.

This is why it is so important to me that our nurseries embrace and support all children and their families, working together to ensure our play spaces are inclusive, and provide amazing learning opportunities and positive outcomes for all. Helping to change the world, one preschooler at a time.

After all, none of us are the same, but all are equal and special in our own right.

Heather Johns, CEO, The Birds Nursery Group