Early Years (0 - 5 Years)
This page has information about the Early Years, which extends from 0-5; it includes a wide range of providers including PVI (private, voluntary and independent) settings, childminders, children's centres and schools. There are a range of services and provisions across Education, Health and Social Care for young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. You have been used to your baby’s growth and development being monitored during pregnancy, and this continues to happen through developmental checks from birth to 5 years old through professionals working with you.
These professionals will include: Paediatricians, Health Visitors, Childminders, staff in PVI settings, children's centres and schools.
The Childcare Act 2006 was introduced to give every child the best start in life and give parents greater choice in how to balance work and family life – the Act requires all local authorities to secure sufficient childcare to allow parents to work.
Every child with a special educational need/disability should have their needs met as far as possible within a setting, with access to a broad and balanced EYFS curriculum. Within Children & Families Services in Cumbria, there are a variety of services and support to make this possible for your child. Early years settings/schools are expected to apply the above principles to their everyday policies, practices and procedures. Settings and schools are also specifically required to appoint a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) and have a special educational needs policy in place.
