Preschool - Age 0 to 5
Early years support for children under 5
Some children have difficulties in their development and need some additional help and support, there is a range of support available.
SEND Reforms in Early Years Settings
The Council for Disabled Children have summarised SEN and disability responsibilities in the early years and this briefing can be used by settings to review their progress in implementing the reforms. Find out more.
Early education and childcare
There are many organisations and groups offering early education and childcare. These include day nurseries, pre-schools, nursery schools and childminders.
All early education providers must operate under the Early Years Foundation Stage and this is a legal requirement. This means they are obliged to carefully consider the specific needs of each child they look after in order to provide appropriate support.
There is a guide designed to help you understand your rights to free childcare for disabled children. Find out more here Childcare for families with disabled children.
What do the SEND reforms mean for Early Years Setting?
This briefing summarises SEN and disability responsibilities in the early years and can be used by settings to review their progress in implementing the reforms.
Identifying and supporting children with SEND
If you are worried about any aspect of your child’s development, you could speak to your health visitor, GP or someone at your local children’s centre. They can provide advice and information about further support.
If your child attends an early education setting, such as a day nursery, pre–school or childminder, you can speak to your child’s key person. They are there to help and will also be aware of your child’s learning, development and care.
Health and developmental checks
Every two year old child should be offered a health check. The check is an opportunity to discuss your child’s development with a member of the health service.
The health visitor will contact the parents of each child and arrange the health check. All two year olds attending an early education setting, such as a day nursery, pre–school or child minder, will also have an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Progress check. Your child’s key person (in the setting) will meet with you to discuss your child’s development and you will plan together how to help and support your child. If additional advice or support is needed this can be sought as early as possible.
SEND support for parents and carers
Sutton Information, Advice and Support Service (SIASS) provides information and advice to parents of children with SEN regarding their child’s education. Previously known as Sutton Parent Partnership Service.
Sutton Parents Forum is run by parents/carers of disabled children/young people, for parents/carers of disabled children/young people who live in the London Borough of Sutton. If that describes you, then you don't have to join, you already belong.
Services available to help children with their learning
The Communication Trust is a coalition of more than 50 not-for-profit organisations working together to support everyone who works with children and young people in England to support their speech, language and communication. The Trust has created a single 'Local Offer' webpage which is designed to supply information about services and resources available to families with children who have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
CBeebies CBeebies is the brand used by the BBC for programming aimed at encouraging learning through play in a consistently safe environment for children aged 6 or under.
CBeebies for grown ups All the latest news and piles of helpful information for CBeebies Grown-ups.
Signed Stories An award-winning online library of the best contemporary children's books. It's a safe and monitored environment for children, growing month on month with new fun and educational content. And it's free!
EYFS Statutory Framework Sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
Parent View gives you the chance to tell Ofsted what you thinkabout your child’s school, from the quality of teaching to dealing with bullying and poor behaviour. The survey can be completed at any time; you don’t have to wait until the school is being inspected.
Book scheme
Bookstart is part of a nationwide programme to introduce children to books from an early age, encouraging a love of stories, songs and rhymes.
