Early Years support and childcare

Support in the early years

This section provides advice if you have concerns about your child’s development. If your child attends a childcare setting, they may have raised a concern with you.

Early years foundation stage (EYFS)

All registered early years settings, such as schools, nurseries, playgroups and childminders, have to follow the EYFS.  This framework makes sure that there is support in place for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

Identifying and assessing children's needs in the early years

SEN Support

If your child has special educational needs (SEN), they can access SEN support. This support will be arranged by the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo).  

Identifying and assessing children's needs in the early years

If your child attends a nursery setting, a 2 year review will be carried out as part of a joint review with your child’s key worker and yourself. It may be carried out jointly with your Health Visitor.

The health visitor and nursery staff will observe and assess your child. They will communicate with you to discuss your child’s needs and what additional support you may require going forwards. You will also get a copy of the 2-year review for your records.

The setting will also monitor your child’s development and adapt their provision to support all children to make progress.

Some ways that settings may adapt their environment and the way they support children are described in Early Years Ordinarily Available Provision – Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years Ordinarily Available Provision [PDF 674KB].

If you have concerns about your child's development

If there are concerns about your child's development, then you should be fully informed and supported through the whole process. An Early Year’s Support Plan should be started. This is usually written in partnership with you, the SENCo in the setting with the support from your child’s key worker.

The graduated approach

The Early Year’s Support Plan should use a graduated approach to support your child. The graduated approach involves a four stage cycle, including:

  • assess
  • plan
  • do
  • review

This process will ensure next steps are reviewed in a timely way to ensure your child can achieve the best possible progress. The support plan should be updated frequently in partnership with you.

Your child’s setting may suggest a referral to a health professional, such as:

  • a community paediatrician
  • a speech and language therapist
  • a physiotherapist
  • an occupational therapist 

Settings can also make a referral to have your child’s hearing and vision checked.

If your child needs further support

If your child needs further support, depending on the level of your child’s needs, the setting can request the involvement of either:

  • an Area Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)
  • an Early Years Specialist Advisory Teacher (EYSAT)

They work for the Council and will come into the setting and offer further advice on how best to support your child in their learning and development.

If your child does not yet attend a childcare setting

When your child is between the ages of two and two and a half years old, the health visitor will offer you a review. This can take place in a clinic or at home by a member of the Health Visiting team. This health visitor will review your child’s physical, social and emotional needs and explore any risk factors.

As part of the review, you will have the chance to raise any concerns about your child’s health and development. The health visitor will also:

  • discuss dental care
  • discuss health promotion
  • talk about home safety
  • weigh your child 

The two year review meeting should be completed face-to-face so you can celebrate your child’s progress and discuss any worries you may have.

North Cumbria Integrated Care has further information regarding the two year check.

Portage

Portage is an early learning support service for pre-school children who have complex developmental needs and their families.

Portage provides structured teaching for children with a significant delay, in two or more areas of development. These sessions take place at home and focus on small steps and give activities which your child can practice at home. The service is registered with the National Portage Association.

Please contact your local Best Start Family Hub or ask your health visitor to make a referral.