Parents’ early observation of their child are crucial. Children with more complex developmental and sensory needs may be identified at birth. Health assessments, enable very early identification of a range of medical and physical difficulties. Health services, including paediatricians, the family’s general practitioner (GP) and health visitors, will work with the family, supporting them to understand their child’s needs and help them to access early support. Where a health body believes that a young child under compulsory school age has, or probably has, SEN, they will inform the child’s parents and bring the child to the attention of the local authority.

The health body should also give the parents the opportunity to discuss their opinion and let them now about any voluntary organisations that are likely to be able to provide advice or assistance. This includes educational advice, guidance and any intervention to be put in place at an early point and before the child starts school. This support can take a number of forms, including:

• specialist support from health visitors, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists or specialist teachers. These specialists may visit families at home to provide support, answering questions and clarifying needs.
• training for parents in using early learning programmes to promote place, communication and language development.
• home based programmes, such as Portage, which offer a carefully structured system to help parents support their child’s early learning and development

From September 2014, 2 year olds who receive Disability Living Allowance is paid will be entitled to free education. See Education for further information.

Progress check at age two

When a child is aged between two and three, early years practitioners must review progress and provide parents with a short written summary of their child’s development, focusing in particular on communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. This progress check will identify the child’s strengths and any areas where the child’s progress is slower than expected.

If there are any significant emerging concerns (or identified SEN or disability) practitioners should develop a targeted plan to support the child, involving other professionals such as the settings SENCO. The summary must highlight areas where:

• good progress is being made
• some additional support might be needed
• there is a concern that a child may have a developmental delay (which may indicate SEN or disability)

Last updated: 12 June 2020