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Early identification and notification for pre-school children under 5

Guide for parents or carers

Every child is different, and some may need extra help as they grow and learn. You might already be working with health professionals like doctors, health visitors, or therapists. If your child is finding learning more difficult or has a disability, their nursery, pre-school, or childminder can talk to you about what support might help.

If your child isn’t attending an early years setting or known to the Kent Portage Service, health professionals have a duty to let the Local Authority (LA) know if they think your child may have additional needs. This helps make sure your child gets the right support as early as possible.

What is an early notification?

Health professionals must notify the Local Authority if they believe a child under school age may have special educational needs or a disability and isn’t yet in a nursery, pre-school, or with a childminder.

Before doing this, they should talk to you about your child’s needs and the support they can offer.

Who can make a notification

This can be done by professionals such as:

  • health visitors
  • audiologists
  • eye doctors
  • children’s nurses
  • consultants
  • therapists (speech, physio, occupational)
  • paediatricians.

Why it matters

Early notification helps services plan ahead so schools and settings are ready to support children with additional needs. It also helps make sure there are enough places and resources available across Kent.

What happens next

If your child isn’t already in a setting or known to Portage, the Local Authority will contact you. They’ll talk with you about your child’s needs and offer advice or support if needed.

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