Early Support Programme
It is good practice for local authorities to have a register of
disabled children in the area; therefore it would be advisable
for you to join this register when your child is born or when
disability has been identified. By joining the register, the
local authority will have an idea of whether service provision
matches the specific needs of its residents.
The Early Support Programme
The Early Support Programme provides support to disabled
children aged five and under. The aim of the service is to
bring together all the services and support available from
different agencies, allowing families the ease of co-ordinating
their child's health, education and social care needs.
Early Support is also available for anyone who works regularly
with young children and families, including:
- babies leaving hospital with medical and other support
needs
- older children where the need for extra help becomes clear when
they are two - three years old
- children with obvious or multiple and significant factors
affecting their learning and development
- children with less obvious difficulties.
Once you have joined the programme, a key worker will be
assigned to ensure smooth communication between you and all the key
professionals working with your child. Your key worker will
provide help in finding appropriate childcare, funding needs and to
ensure the correct information is shared with relevant
professionals.
The Early Support Programme has developed a range of materials,
that are free of charge to families with a disabled child.
These include:
- a Family Pack containing information booklets about services
available
- Family File for sharing information with service providers
easily
- materials and resources to record your child's development
- a range of training courses and workshops
For more information, or to download materials for the Early
Support Programme, please visit the links below:
Directgov - Early Support Programme
DfE - Early Support Programme materials