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
