SEND in the early years (0 to 5 Years)

Childcare for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities

All early years providers need to be inclusive and are required to make 'reasonable adjustments,' in line with the Equality Act 2010. This means ensuring all children can access their facilities and services.

How to choose the right childcare

Choosing the right childcare for your child is important. There are some things to consider before making your final decision:

  • what specific training has the childcare provider undertaken in relation to SEND?
  • does the setting make ‘reasonable adjustments’ within their practice?
  • what reasonable adjustments does the setting need to put in place to meet your child’s needs?
  • does the setting have a trained Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)?
  • will your child have access to the full curriculum regardless of their additional needs?
  • does the setting cater for your child’s passions and interests? For example, do they have free flow to the outdoors?
  • does the setting have a high number of qualified staff, with experience of working with children with additional needs? 

Try to visit several childcare providers in your area to get a good idea of what suits your child. It can be helpful to take your child with you to see how they work with your child and how your child reacts to them.

Finding childcare providers

Westmorland and Furness Family Information Service (FIS) provide free and impartial information to families.  

FIS can help to signpost you to all Ofsted registered childcare in the area. It also holds the following information for each provider:  

  • their location
  • their contact details
  • information about costs and fees
  • when they are open
  • what vacancies they have
  • details about how they operate
  • what support is available for children with SEND

View a list of registered childcare providers in Westmorland and Furness

Further information

If you would like any additional support in finding childcare, please contact the Family Information Service.

You can also find further information on the Family Information website.