Special educational needs in early years
Once a child aged three to five years has been identified as having special educational needs an individual educational plan will be drawn up that includes activities to help them learn and progress. This first stage is called Early Years Action.
If your child still does not progress then they move to the Early Years Action Plus stage. The nursery, playgroup or school will ask for help from professionals such as an educational psychologist or a speech therapist. Your child’s individual educational plan is reviewed and adapted, based on the advice of the support services involved.
At both these stages your views are important. There will be regular consultation with you.
Funding
A childcare provider may need extra funds to meet the needs of your child, for example to pay for extra staffing or special equipment. To apply for this funding both you and the childcare provider will need to complete an application form.
The form is available on czone – the website for people working in Children's Services in East Sussex. Go to czone – childcare funding for children with special educational needs.
Assessment
If your child has more complex needs that cannot be met by Early Years Action Plus, the nursery, playgroup or school may consider asking for a Statutory assessment of special educational needs. Parents can also ask for an assessment to be made.
Key workers
Find out more about help available to parents and carers of young children with special educational needs on our page Key workers – help for parents of young children with special needs.
More help and advice
For more details on where you can turn for help and advice, see our page on Special educational needs (SEN) help for parents and carers.
