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, so that families can manage 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, you will be assigned a key worker. Your key worker will be able to help with childcare, funding needs, and will make sure the correct information is shared with relevant professionals.

Resources, information and training are available, free of charge to families with a disabled child, from the Early Support Programme:

• Directgov - Early Support Programme
• DfE - Early Support Programme materials