Support in the early years
All Ofsted registered childcare settings must make arrangements to support children with additional needs and make this information available to parents. They will be able to identify a member of staff who is responsible for special educational needs and disabilities who can advise and ensure that parents are actively involved in decisions. In a nursery, this person may be the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). Childminders, who usually work for themselves, will be this key point of contact.
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is extra funding for early years providers to support children with disabilities or special educational needs. It supports the provider to make reasonable adjustments to their settings. There is more information on the disability access fund, including how to claim, in the childcare costs section.
All early years settings offering free childcare for two, three and four-year-olds must follow the SEND Code of Practice.
More help and support, including support for pre-school children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, is available through Warwickshire’s IDS service: SEND support in the early years.