Early years is where the SEND crisis either gets contained or explodes

Nationally, the number of children and young people with EHC plans reached around 638,700 in January 2025, and the trajectory continues upward. Shabnum argues that treating SEND as a school-age issue is a structural error-by reception, patterns are already established. Her experience supporting early intervention and SEND pathways shows that when observation, provision, and family engagement happen between ages two and four, pressure on later systems can be significantly reduced. Her Outstanding Ofsted rating (March 2025) reinforces that inclusion and high standards are not competing priorities.

About Shabnum Bi

Shabnum Bi, podcast guest

Entrepreneur of the Year (MBCC, 2025) and Internationally Recognised Early Years Director of an Ofsted Outstanding Preschool

Outstanding Ofsted overall effectiveness (2025)2025 MBCC Entrepreneur of the Year14th World Leaders Summit speaker & Outstanding Leader AwardFounder & director Early Nurture Pre-School

Shabnum Bi is the founder and director of Early Nurture Pre-School, an independent early years setting in Birmingham rated Outstanding by Ofsted in March 2025. Her work is shaped by a simple but demanding belief: children thrive when they are seen early, supported early, and surrounded by adults who understand both development and family context.

Early Nurture was relaunched from an existing playgroup with a deliberate shift in direction. Rather than expanding numbers, Shabnum capped the setting at 30 children and rebuilt practice around attachment, emotional regulation, and early intervention—particularly for children with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. That choice now defines the setting’s reputation.

Her approach has gained recognition both locally and nationally. Early Nurture holds the Birmingham SEND Bronze Award, was named Nursery of the Year (Prestige Awards 2025–2026), and won Awards of Excellence for Early Years Childcare Provider 2025. Shabnum herself has been recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the MBCC Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards and as an Inspiring Leader in Early Years in the West Midlands.

In 2025, Shabnum represented the UK at the 14th World Leaders Summit at the University of Oxford, receiving the Outstanding Leader Award in Leadership and speaking on empowering multilingual families as co-educators.

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