Sensory Spectacle Employer Skills Academy
The Sensory Spectacle Employer Skills Academy supports the ongoing development of The Sheffield College Nurseries by providing specialist knowledge, training and resources focused on sensory development and inclusive practice. Through this partnership, staff gain valuable insight into sensory processing and how best to support children with a range of learning and developmental needs. The academy helps ensure that children accessing the nursery benefit from high-quality, inclusive and responsive early years provision.
About Sensory Spectacle Employer Skills Academy
The Sensory Spectacle Employer Skills Academy has been developed to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of nursery staff through specialist training in sensory development and sensory processing. In partnership with Sensory Spectacle, the academy provides professional development opportunities that help staff better understand how children experience and interact with the world around them.
As part of the partnership, the nurseries have benefited from significant investment in specialist sensory equipment, creating an enriched environment where children can learn, play and develop through engaging sensory experiences. Alongside these resources, staff receive training and guidance designed to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practice approaches to supporting children's individual needs.
The academy promotes inclusive education and continuous professional development, helping staff create environments that support communication, emotional wellbeing, learning and development. Through access to specialist expertise, nursery practitioners can further enhance the experiences and outcomes of children attending the nursery.
Staff will develop knowledge and skills in areas including:
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Sensory processing and sensory needs
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Child development and inclusive practice
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Supporting children with additional needs
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Creating sensory-friendly environments
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Communication and engagement strategies
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Observation and assessment techniques
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Professional development in early years practice
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Promoting positive wellbeing and learning outcomes
About our Employer
Sensory Spectacle was founded in 2014 with a mission to educate, raise awareness and improve understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) through immersive and engaging learning experiences. The organisation works with education providers, professionals, families and organisations to help improve understanding of how sensory processing can affect individuals and how appropriate support strategies can be implemented.
Through a wide range of specialist training programmes, workshops and resources, Sensory Spectacle helps professionals develop the knowledge and confidence needed to support children and adults with sensory needs. Their training covers topics including understanding sensory processing, supporting daily living skills, creating sensory profiles and developing practical strategies that can be applied within educational and care settings.
As a partner of The Sheffield College, Sensory Spectacle is committed to helping staff create inclusive and supportive learning environments that enable every child to thrive. By sharing expertise, delivering specialist training and providing access to innovative sensory resources, the organisation plays an important role in supporting the ongoing professional development of staff and enhancing outcomes for children within the College Nurseries.