Support before starting at an Early Years setting
All children and families can access a range of inclusive activities, information and support.
Children with learning and developmental delay SEND may be offered targeted or specialist help, before starting in the early years setting, under the ‘Early Years Inclusion Pathway Programme’.
Children who are known to specialist children's health services will be referred to the Early Years Inclusion and SEND Advisory Team. A team of multi-agency professionals will review each referral to ensure suitable support is offered. This will begin to form the Early Years Inclusion Pathway Planning (EYIPP) for the child.
Support could include group sessions, home learning sessions, supportive communication.
Group sessions
- You will be invited to attend fun, interactive sessions for your children led by an Early Years Inclusion and SEND Advisor who will work with you to develop your child’s learning.
- This will also provide an opportunity for you to meet other parents, carers and professionals.
- During these sessions you will develop a clearer understanding of how your child learns and you will be supported to explore your child’s next stage in learning such as an early year’s provision.
- The Early Years Inclusion and SEND Adviser will work with you and existing professionals to check your child’s progress and where applicable start the ‘supported transition’ approach.
Home learning sessions
- Home visits are generally offered to children who are not yet attending an early years setting and are not yet able to access a targeted ‘group session’.
- Visits are usually undertaken by an Early Years Inclusion and SEND Adviser to work with you to support your child’s development through play by using a ‘SMART targets approach’.
- Outcomes to be achieved and interventions to support will be agreed with you on the first visit.
- We will discuss an Early Years Inclusion Pathway with you and your child’s progress will be reviewed by a team of multi-agency professionals.
Supportive communication
- An Early Years Inclusion and SEND Advisor will support you with regular contact via email or telephone.
- This is to enable you to make informed choices about the support you would like.
Once you decide it's time for your child to start at an early years setting, support will be offered to help you choose an early years setting and support your child’s transition through the ‘Supported Transitions’ programme.
Withdrawing support
Support from the Early Years Service is time limited and depending on individual needs we generally end visits when all agreed outcomes have been achieved or when:
- you are confident in supporting your child’s learning and development
- you no longer wish to receive support from the service
- you are not able to engage with the service
- your child is reaching his/her developmental milestones
- your child is attending an Early Years setting and their education needs are being well supported
- your child has an EHCP
- your child moves out of area.
