Early years education (0 to 5)

The early years are an important stage for identifying and assessing a child's needs as they emerge.

All providers of early years education must have arrangements in place for identifying SEN early, and supporting children with SEN or disabilities.

Read more about What early years providers must do.

Also see: The Council's responsibilities and duties for early education and childcare.

There is a wide range of options for childcare and day care including childminders, family hubs and nurseries. 

Find out more about different types of early years settings.

All providers of early years education must:

• Have arrangements in place to identify special educational needs early. They use an adapted version of The SEND Ranges to do this.
• Have arrangements in place to support children with SEN or disabilities, and provide information for parents on how they do this.
• Work closely with the Council and other services to make sure that assessments and services are joined up.

The Early Years Foundation Stage framework sets out the standards that all Early Years providers must meet.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments must be made for children with Special Educational Needs and /or Disabilities (SEND). 

Childcare providers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to offer children with SEND equal access under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND Code of Practice 2014.

This means young children should be able to:

• use the space where service takes place
• take part and enjoy the setting and services provided
• engage with the Early Years Foundation Stage (the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old)

Read more about inclusion in the early years.

Extra funding

Settings may be eligible for extra funding to support and meet the needs of children with complex Special Educational Needs. See financial support for children and young people with SEND.

Early years providers can get advice, support and training opportunities through the following services:

• The Area Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)
• Portage and Pre-School Service 
• Hearing and Vision Impaired Services
• Educational Psychology Service
• Children's Centre Outreach
• Ashley Child Development Centre
• Health visitors
• A wide range of health services, including Children's Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

Settings may be eligible for extra funding to support and meet the needs of children with complex Special Educational Needs.

There are regular network meetings for Early Years settings and Childminders where training is delivered and good practice is shared.