All early years providers must support children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and have an EYSENCO (Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator or SENDCo) who coordinates the support. The EYSENCO ensures children receive the right help to learn, grow in confidence, and be well prepared for the next stage of their education.
An EYSENCO is responsible for making sure all people that work within the setting understand their own roles and responsibilities regarding children with SEND, and how the setting will approach the need to identify and meet these needs. This might include additional training and/or resources. An EYSENCO will ensure the team follows the setting’s policies and procedures regarding SEN provision and that the most recent and relevant guidance is shared, including any changes to legislation.
Every partnership begins with the child and their family. The SENDCO will listen to parents and carers, as the experts on their child. In this way, they can understand how best to support the child and the family. In some instances, a parent or carer is aware that their child has a developmental difference and shares that with the setting. Sometimes observation and assessment by the child’s key person may indicate areas that would benefit from some extra support or early intervention. First Steps will speak sensitively to parents and carers to explain what had been noticed, why that would be different to expected development, and ways in which support could be offered.
Support may be simple, such as introducing a targeted approach in a specific area, or in more complex cases, a setting may request the input of external agencies. We agree support points with parents and carers. A cycle of Assess (observing and establishing starting points for children), Plan (devising pathways of support and progression for children and how these will be followed), Do (carry out the plan!), Review (what went well? What could be improved? What next?) is written on a Support Plan.
Additional funding is sometimes available through the county council, and external agencies might also be able to help. The SENDCo will look at possible support and how best to apply for them. For children who need more than can be offered through SEND support, an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) may be applied for. This is for children aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through SEND support. The EHCP identifies needs, and set out the support needed to meet these needs.
When a child leaves First Steps such as to start school, we will discuss how best to support the child’s needs with their new setting, teacher or parent if being homeschooled.
If you are worried about your child at any stage, or just need advice please speak to us. We’re here to help!