Supporting Children from Birth to Reception
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The Early Years webpages will be split across the two new authorities, over time. Most of the current information will be duplicated initially on both new websites.
Some children can be identified as having additional needs when they are very young. Staff will be required to make reasonable adjustments in order to meet their learning needs.
If there are concerns about a child's development then the Early Help Process should be started. This can be done by any professional that is involved with the child.
This will be discussed at an early year's panel meeting where it will be allocated to an area special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) or a Specialist Advisory Teacher depending on the level of need.
Specific early years information and guidance can also be found in our SEND Handbook.
Childcare for children and young people with SEN and disabilities
There are a few things to consider when choosing childcare for your child, such as:
- What specific training has the childcare provider undertaken in relation to SEND?
- What are your child's medical needs?
Try and give yourself enough time to visit several childcare providers in your area to get a good idea of what suits your child. It can be a good idea to take your child with you to see how staff work with them.
How do I find childcare?
Cumbria's Family Information Service (CFIS) provide free and impartial information to families.
CFIS can help to signpost you to all Ofsted registered childcare in Cumbria and also hold the following information for each provider:
- the location of a childcare provider;
- how to contact different childcare providers;
- information about costs and fees;
- when they are open;
- what vacancies they have and key details about how they operate;
If you would like additional support in finding childcare, please contact CFIS at: childrens.information@cumberland.gov.uk or telephone: 03457 125 737. You can also find further information on the Family Information Directory.
What is a parent and toddler group?
Parent and toddler groups provide a meeting place for adults while their children play together and take part in activities.
Groups provide an excellent support network. They can also be a great place to make new friends, swap ideas and share parenting experiences. Groups usually meet once or twice a week, during school term-time.
How do families arriving from Ukraine apply for a school place and childcare?
Як родинам, що приїжджають з України, подавати заяви на отримання місць у школі та допомоги з оплати послуг з догляду за дитиною?” has been published on the The Education Hub blog.
The article is translated into Ukrainian. Цю статтю перекладено українською мовою нижче.
All children and young people arriving in England from Ukraine via the family route or the sponsorship route have the right to access education and childcare.
Read more of this article via the GOV.UK website.
Useful information and documents
| Document | Version | Published | Format | Size |
| My Early Years SEN Support Plan - Parent Guide | V1 | 09.06.18 | 319KB | |
| Parent's Guide to the Early Years Foundation Framework | V1 | 09.06.18 | 998KB |
Please note: If you are a professional or practitioner, please visit our new Early Years SEND Professionals Page to find further information and guidance.