Early years and childcare

When children are aged between 0-5 years, they are said to be in their “early years”. The early years are an important time for all children because experiences early-on in life can have long-term effects on development. They can be especially crucial years for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Information, help and advice

Choosing childcare for children with SEND
All parents have a lot to think about when choosing childcare for their child. For parents of children who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the process can be particularly challenging. Visiting multiple childcare providers to get a sense of the support they…
Different types of childcare
There are lots of different types of childcare to choose from. Some families use informal childcare, such as other family members, friends or neighbours. However you may also find that you need to make more formal childcare arrangements. Some childcare settings provide specialist services for…
Assessing children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities
Children with special educational needs (SEN) have needs or disabilities that affect their ability to learn. Special educational needs aren't always a lifelong problem. Some children only need support for a short time. Just because your child is learning more slowly than others doesn't mean…
15 hours free early learning for 2-year-olds
Is your family living on a low income or claiming income based benefits? Does your two year old have additional needs, or have they left care? You may be entitled to claim free childcare up to a maximum of 15 hours during term time, or 11…
15 hours free early education and childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds
All three and four-year-old children are entitled to a free universal early education place. Each place provides 15 hours of early years education for up to 38 weeks per year. However, this universal entitlement is flexible and can be accessed over a minimum of three days per week (this…
Pre-school health notifications
When a health care professional identifies that a young child, under 5, may have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) they are required by law to tell the local authority. This is called a Health Early Notification. In the Bi-Borough (Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster),…
Early years support in the home
Drawn by Nico, age 6 Portage Home Learning Service Parents or carers of very young children with additional needs or recognised disabilities may benefit from the Portage Home Learning Service. Portage works in partnership with the child's family to build on the child's existing abilities…