Cumberland SEND Information, Advice and Support Service

Early Years

What does Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support in the early years mean?

Chapter five of the SEN and Disability Code of Practice 2015 (the Code) deals with SEN in the early years.

The Code applies to children in early years settings that receive local authority funding (including private/independent providers), whether or not they have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP).

Providers must have arrangements in place to support children with SEN or disabilities. These arrangements should include a clear approach to identifying and responding to SEN. 

The Code identifies four broad areas of need:

  • communication and interaction
  • cognition and learning
  • social, emotional and mental health, and
  • sensory and/or physical needs.

All those who work with young children should be alert to emerging difficulties and respond early. Parent/carers know their children best and it is important that all practitioners listen and understand when parents/carers express concerns about their child’s development. They should also listen to and address any concerns raised by children themselves. Early years providers must provide information for parents/carers on how they support children with SEN and disabilities.

Education, Health and Care Plans

Younger children with complex needs may need an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP).  This can be discussed with the early years setting.

Information on how to make a parent/carer request for an EHCP assessment can be found here: Education, Health and Care Plans (cumberland.gov.uk)

Early Years’ SEND Inclusion Funding (SENIF)

The Early Years SEND Inclusion Funding (SENIF) supports providers to meet the needs of individual children with SEND.   More information on how Cumberland LA provide SENIF to Early Years’ providers can be found here: Early Years’ SEND Inclusion Funding (SENIF) Guidance (cumberland.gov.uk)

Further Information

Cumberland LA’s information on SEND in the early years can be found here: Families Information | Supporting Children from Birth to Reception including a list of early years provider in the Cumberland LA area.

Early Years Guide to the SEND Code of Practice [PDF 427KB]

Early years entitlements: local authority funding guide 2024 to 2025

SEN and Disability Code of Practice 2015