SEN provision in the EYFS: requirements

Understand what's required of early years providers under the SEND Code of Practice, including identifying needs, managing SEN support, requesting EHC assessments and helping with transition.

Last reviewed on 23 May 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 10612
Contents
  1. Your overall aim is to improve outcomes for children with SEND
  2. Duties under the Equality Act
  3. Identify a SENCO
  4. Monitor and identify needs
  5. Put support in place
  6. Keep up-to-date records
  7. Arrange EHC plans where necessary
  8. Support the transition to primary school
  9. Funding is provided by the LA

Early years providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors, that are funded by the local authority (LA), are required to follow the statutory guidance set out in the SEND Code of Practice.

Requirements specific to early years providers are in chapter 5 of the code, and are summarised below:

Your overall aim is to improve outcomes for children with SEND

You should have high aspirations and expectations for children with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities.

Paragraphs 5.1 to 5.9 state that all early years providers must:

  • Follow the safeguarding and welfare, and learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
  • Have arrangements in place to support children with SEN or disabilities
  • Provide information to parents on how they support children with SEN or disabilities
  • Co-operate with the LA in reviewing the provision available locally and in developing the local offer

Include a clear approach