Early years options for children with SEND
If you're looking for childcare or early education for your child with SEND, you have the same choices as other parents.
There are lots of options for early education and each will offer something different, so you can choose what best suits your child and family situation.
Your options include:
- childminders
- day care
- playgroups
- pre-school
- nursery (school or private)
Finding early education providers
You can search for childcare options on the Family Information Directory.
You can also find child minders in your area and vacancies in local nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools, by contacting Early Education and Childcare. They can also tell you about funding available for early education and help you to apply.
Funding includes:
- Terrific Twos - 15 hours early education for some 2-year-olds who meet the criteria
- free entitlement - 15 hours early education and childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds
- 30 hours funding - 30 hours free childcare for some 3 and 4-year-olds who meet the criteria
- Disability Access Fund - an annual payment of £615. This can only be issued if you are receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your child and they are claiming their funded early education entitlement. 4-year-olds in reception classes are not eligible. If you're receiving DLA for your child, give a copy of your award letter to your setting and they will be able to claim the funding.
- Early Years Inclusion Fund - childminders, early years providers and school nurseries can apply for additional funding to support your child's individual needs. This funding is only available to 3 and 4-year-olds who have a funded place, and do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Early years education curriculum and standards
Foundation stage curriculum
All childminders and providers follow the early years foundation stage curriculum. It covers the learning and development of all children up to 5-years-old and promotes inclusion and achievement. Your child's progress will be tracked, and staff will work with you to plan individual targets and learn more about your child.
Inclusion and achievement
All providers of early education or childcare must promote equal opportunities for children with SEND so that they make the best possible progress. They must not discriminate and must make reasonable adjustments to include children with SEND.
For more information, view the SEND code of practice (PDF).
Quality teaching
Your child should have access to quality teaching, stimulating play experiences and interaction with other children.
Staff follow an 'Assess-Plan-Do-Review'. This means they think about how to best teach your child new skills, plan their teaching activities in advance and monitor your child's progress.
Transition into school
If you have a child with SEND, choosing a school for them can feel like a big decision. View our transition into school information to find out more about schooling options, how to apply, and ways to get further advice.
If you need extra support
Extra support is also available. Your child may benefit from:
- SENCo - a special educational needs coordinator who can monitor and review your child's progress during their time at the setting and liaise with other professionals involved. All Enfield settings can ask for advice from the area SENCo, a senior specialist teacher with skills and knowledge in a wide range of different special educational needs.
- an educational psychologist - referrals can be made to an educational psychologist with your permission
- other professionals - settings can ask other professionals who already know your child to share knowledge and offer specialist advice. They can also make referrals to other services with your permission.