Last updated: 5 March 2024

Next review: 11 December 2024

Support before starting at an Early Years setting

All children and families can access a range of inclusive activities, information, and support as part of our Best Start in Life Offer. You can also access a range of support from local and national organisations.

All children with learning and developmental delay SEND will be offered targeted or specialist packages. These packages will support their learning and development before starting in the early years setting.

Children who are known to specialist children's health services will be offered a package of support. This is based on the child’s individual learning and development needs and will include either: 

Home learning sessions

An Early Years Inclusion Practitioner will visit a child’s and families home. They work with parents and carers to create an individual plan they can do at home to support their child’s learning through practical play activities.

Inclusion learning groups

Families will be invited to attend fun, interactive sessions for their children led by Early Years Inclusion Practitioners. They will work with parents and carers to develop their child’s learning. It will also provide an opportunity for parents and carers to meet each other.

Once parents and carers decide it's time for their child to start at an early years setting, support will be offered to them to help them choose an early years setting and support their child’s transition.