Support for children with SEND in early years
We would like your views on a model for universal, targeted and specialist support in early years. Find out more and take part in our Early Years Education consultation.
Your nursery, pre-school, or childminder must follow the early years foundation stage (EYFS). It sets the standards for the care and learning of children from birth to the end of the reception year.
To learn about your child's progress, you will get a written assessment when they turn 2 and at the end of reception. If you are worried about their progress talk to your child's key person and share your concerns.
Read these tips to see what to ask.
Your child's development
Early years providers are trained to help your child develop as they grow older.
All children learn in different ways. Early years providers are trained to work out what works best for your child to help them develop.
To help your early years provider, we give them the Best Practice Guidance booklet. The booklet outlines how to be inclusive and new ways of working to support your child. Read the Best Practice Guidance for families (PDF, 808.5 KB).
Reviews between 2 and 3 years old
When your child is between 2 and 3, a review will take place to track their progress.
The review will look at your child's strengths and any areas of development that are not on track. If your child needs extra help, your early years setting will tell you.
Your health visitor will also invite you to an appointment. This appointment is part of the Healthy Child Programme. They will check your child's physical milestones. If there are any concerns they will talk to you about the through an 'integrated review at two meetings'.
This review takes place at your early years setting. They will watch your child play and discuss their strengths and needs. If your child needs help or a referral, they'll decide using the SEND code of practice (pages 82 to 88). They'll make a plan with you.
Support from the Local Inclusion Forum Team (LIFT)
Your early years setting may feel they can't meet all your child's needs. They may ask the Local Inclusion Forum Team for advice.
Before they discuss your child at a LIFT meeting, we will ask for your consent.
LIFT are a group of specialists and practitioners from other early years settings. They aim to find solutions and offer advice. They look at your child's strengths and the difficulties they face. Then, they see how they can help. This could include help from:
Read our parent guide to LIFT (PDF, 95.5 KB).
Extra resources can be requested via the special educational needs inclusion fund (SENIF).
Education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment
If your child needs extra help for their learning, they may suggest a formal assessment. This is known as an education, health and care needs assessment. The assessment will check the current support for your child. It will also explore any extra assistance that can be given.
If needed, this may result in an education, health and care (EHC) plan.
Help for you
As well as the support given by your child's early years provider, extra help is available from: