Support in early years for children with special educational needs and disabilities

You can find out about the support available from childcare providers by checking their local offer on our childcare directory, the provider's website or by contacting the provider.

Early years providers registered with Ofsted follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework (external link). The framework makes sure that there is support in place for children with special educational needs (SEN).

If your child has a disability the provider has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your child. Depending on the nature of the disability, this may include simple adaptations to the physical environment and other aspects of day to day life that may impact on the disability. It may also include the provision of equipment.

Assessing your child's needs

If your child is already in childcare and you are concerned about their development or learning, talk to your child's key worker. If you still have concerns you can ask for a meeting with the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).

Your childcare provider will consult you if they have concerns about your child's progress.

Early years providers use a process called SEN support to identify and meet the needs of children with SEN. It uses the assess-plan-do-review cycle and is often known as a   'graduated approach'. 

They may carry out assessments on your child. They may also ask your permission to contact another agency to see if they can offer some support. You should be kept informed about all the help your child is getting from the provider or other organisations.

Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional support needs. 

Health visitors assess your child's development. All families with children under five will have a nominated health visitor who you can contact through your GP. The service is provided by Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service (external link).

The Children and Family Wellbeing Service (previously children's centres) provide various activities and services for children and their families, from Stay and Play sessions, advice and support, to parenting courses.

Break Time short breaks provide activities for children and young people under 18 while their carer has a break. They take place across Lancashire during term time and school holidays.

The Information, Advice and Support Team offer independent advice around special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The service is free, impartial, and confidential.

There are a range of events in local libraries and other venues for babies, toddlers, children and parents.

Further information

Coram Family and Childcare has a guide to childcare for children with special educational needs and disabilities (external link).