Is this workshop specific to any one type of additional need?

No, it covers general principles of inclusive adaptation that apply across sensory, physical, communication and developmental differences, with examples drawn from a range of needs.

Does Amy have a background in this area specifically?

Amy holds an Animal-Assisted Therapy Level 3 certificate and an Outdoor Learning certificate alongside her early years qualifications, and has four years of leadership experience supporting children with a range of needs in group settings.

Will this tell us how to diagnose or assess a child?

No, this workshop is about inclusive everyday practice, not assessment or diagnosis, which sit outside an educator's role and require other professionals.

Is this useful if we don't currently have a child with additional needs in our room?

Yes, building inclusive habits before you need them means your environment and practice are ready whenever a child who needs them joins your setting.

Can this be tailored to a specific child we are currently supporting?

The public workshop covers general strategies; for guidance tailored to a specific child, a private session or setting package allows more individual discussion.

For early years educators

Supporting Additional Needs Through Inclusive Play

Every child deserves access to play that is meaningful to them. This workshop looks at practical ways to adapt activities, environments and interactions so that children with additional needs are genuinely included, not simply present. It draws on Amy's background in early years leadership and outdoor learning to offer realistic, setting-ready ideas.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

For educators, SNAs and room leaders supporting children with additional needs within a mainstream or specialist early years setting.

What we cover in the hour

The difference between accommodation and genuine inclusion in play.
Adapting activities for sensory, physical and communication differences.
Using visual supports and predictable structure to support participation.
Encouraging peer inclusion and friendship, not just adult-led support.
Working alongside families and other professionals supporting the child.
Adjusting your own expectations and pace to the child's, not the other way round.

What you'll leave with

A practical activity-adaptation checklist.
Visual support templates for common daily routines.
Peer-inclusion strategies to encourage naturally.
A collaboration checklist for working with families and other professionals.
Confidence to adapt in the moment, not just in advance planning.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes the activity-adaptation checklist, visual support templates and a family collaboration checklist.

This workshop is grounded in Síolta Standard 1, Rights of the Child, and Standard 3, Parents and Families, and supports the Aistear theme of Identity and Belonging by centring every child's sense of being valued.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Supporting Additional Needs Through Inclusive Play
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

Is this workshop specific to any one type of additional need?: No, it covers general principles of inclusive adaptation that apply across sensory, physical, communication and developmental differences, with examples drawn from a range of needs.
Does Amy have a background in this area specifically?: Amy holds an Animal-Assisted Therapy Level 3 certificate and an Outdoor Learning certificate alongside her early years qualifications, and has four years of leadership experience supporting children with a range of needs in group settings.
Will this tell us how to diagnose or assess a child?: No, this workshop is about inclusive everyday practice, not assessment or diagnosis, which sit outside an educator's role and require other professionals.
Is this useful if we don't currently have a child with additional needs in our room?: Yes, building inclusive habits before you need them means your environment and practice are ready whenever a child who needs them joins your setting.
Can this be tailored to a specific child we are currently supporting?: The public workshop covers general strategies; for guidance tailored to a specific child, a private session or setting package allows more individual discussion.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Sensory play · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy