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Information & advice
For children aged 0 to 5 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), early support and intervention can be life-changing.
In this guide, we explore early years provision and how to support your child’s educational journey.
Early years support for children with SEND involves identifying and meeting the needs of children from birth to age five, giving them the best possible start in life. Early recognition of these needs is crucial, as timely intervention can provide children with opportunities to build essential skills and reach their full potential.
Early years settings can include childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, holiday playschemes and childcare in your own home.
If you suspect that your young child may have SEND, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can help assess your child’s needs and guide you through the next steps. Here’s is a handy guide of who’s who in SEND.
All early years providers are required to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets the standards for the care, learning, and development of children from birth to age five. This framework ensures that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
For children with SEND, the EYFS provides a clear approach to identifying needs early on and offering tailored support. The SEND Code of Practice, which is part of the EYFS framework, ensures that children with SEND receive the right care, learning strategies and support based on their individual needs.
Understanding this framework can help you ensure that your child’s early years setting is meeting their needs effectively.
One of the key roles in your child’s early years setting is the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). The SENCO is responsible for overseeing the support provided to children with SEND. They are there to help you, as a parent or carer, understand the best ways to support your child and ensure they receive the right resources.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, the SENCO is an excellent person to speak to about next steps and the support available.
– Identify if your child has SEND
– Develop and review an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to track your child’s progress and support needs
– Coordinate with staff and outside professionals to ensure your child gets the right interventions
– Offer advice and support to help you understand how to meet your child’s needs at home
One of the biggest milestones for children with SEND is the transition from early years settings to primary school. This can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it can be a smooth and positive experience for both you and your child.
Here’s how to help your child transition:
As a parent or carer, there are many avenues of support for your child. You are not alone; there are support networks, professionals, and resources available to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re looking for early years education for your child, whether it’s a nursery, playgroup, or home-based portage learning, we can help you explore and find the right option for you and your family.
Discover our early years learning and development services across the UK.
If your child is transitioning from nursery to primary school, we’re here to guide and support you through every step of the process.
Our 1:1 family support service connects you with an expert practitioner who can help with any questions or concerns you may have through personalised advice.
If you’re unsure about the next steps for your child, we’re here to support you.
We offer a free 15-minute support call to discuss your situation and help you explore the best options for your family.
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