Early years SENCOs
SENCOs must ensure that the setting:
- Meets the requirements of the SEND Code of Practice
- Meets the relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage for group and school-based providers) (EYFS) and the EYFS for childminders
- Is aware of the focus Ofsted Early Years Inspectors will have when inspecting Inclusion. Refer to the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Handbook
- Is aware of the Local Offer (Special needs and disability information)
The SEND Early Years Service can offer support to settings that work with children aged 0-5 years with additional needs.
eLearning is provided on the East Sussex Learning Portal. Search for EYFS: SENCO training for early years providers.
Inclusion support groups
Inclusion support groups are held three times a year. All SENCOs and registered childminders are required to attend at least one group per year in order to access additional funding to support children with SEND who attend their setting.
Guidance on how to apply for funding can be found on the Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF) | Czone page.
Information on funding rates can be found on the Early years education entitlement (EYEE) funding | Czone page.
The groups offer:
- Multi agency advice and guidance
- Training in different aspects of SEND
- Professional development support
- Opportunities to share and develop best practice
There is no charge to attend inclusion support groups. To book go to the East Sussex Learning Portal. Search for EYFS: Inclusion Support Groups.
SENCO Networks
SENCO networks enable early years SENCOs and childminders to meet online three times a year.
SENCO networks offer:
- Discussion about professional practice
- Updates on changes to practice and legislation
- Opportunities to support the development of SENCO guidance
- A forum to share and contribute to the development of best practice
There is no charge to attend SENCO networks. SENCO Networks can be booked using the East Sussex Learning Portal. Search for EYFS: Early Years SENCO Networks.
For further information email: childcare.support@eastsussex.gov.uk
Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment
Guidance for Early Years settings can be found on the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment Czone page.
Funding
Guidance on how to apply for funding can be found on the Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF) | Czone page.
Information on funding rates can be found on the Early years education entitlement (EYEE) funding | Czone page
Audit Tools
Applications for SENELF require you to have carried out a SEND audit – this does not need to be provided as part of your applications but you may be asked questions about your findings during visits from SEND EYS. You can audit your SEND provision as you see fit. Some example audits tools can be found below:
- East Sussex Early Years SENCO Audit - available upon request from childcare.support@eastsussex.gov.uk
- Dingley’s Promise Provision Audit (no membership required)
- NASEN SEND Audit - editable Sept 24.docx
Resources for early years SENCOs
The early years SENCO handbook is available on request, simply email the SENDEYS@eastsussex.gov.uk mailbox and a link to the Handbook will be provided to you. The handbook contains information to support the role of the SENCO and helpful advice to support children with SEND.
The department for Education (DfE) has created the ‘Help for early years practitioners’ website. These specifically support the role of the SENCO and staff in supporting children with SEND.
Supporting parents and carers
- Request an electronic Parent SEND Leaflet. The leaflet is designed to help SENCOs explain to parents how they can access support and guidance. Contact childcare.support@eastsussex.gov.uk .
- Signpost parents to Amaze, an organisation dedicated to supporting families with disabled children in East Sussex.
- Family Hubs are a source of support,advice and guidance for parents. Specific services related to SEND are listed on the Family Hubs SEND page.
- Bereavement resources are available on request from childcare.support@eastsussex.gov.uk . The resources are designed to help children who have experienced the loss of a close family member or friend.
Other guidance
A Setting-based support plan [132.4 KB] [docx] provides a clear, targeted plan for how a child will be supported to make progress. The key person is best placed to complete the plan with support from the SENCO and in consultation with parents.
Guidance on meeting children’s emotional needs in the early years (0-5 years) [1.2 MB] [docx] offers guidance to settings about responding to children’s emotional needs.
For information to support transition to school please refer to the transition guidance, which includes what steps to follow for children that are open to the SEND EY service.
Children’s Integrated Therapy and Equipment Service (CITES) provides helpful advice from therapists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. A range of care pathways are accessible on this website.
The Council for disabled children provide downloadable resources, including the Early years development journal. The journal contains helpful information for SENCOs, practitioners and parents on early development and also in tracking progress.
The SEN and disability in the early years: a toolkit – Council for Disabled Children provides a briefing on particular aspects of the SEN and disability reforms as they apply to early years providers.
