Information for parents
The Early Years Special Educational Needs Helpline offers information and advice about children between 0-5 years old who have, or may have, Special Educational Needs (SEN). As well as being for parents of young children with SEN, the helpline can also be used by Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) practitioners, health visitors, paediatricians, teachers, children's centre workers, speech and language therapists and any other professionals working with a young child with SEN.
The benefits of early identification (of SEN) are widely recognised - identifying need at the earliest point; and then making effective provision, improves long-term outcomes for children (Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2014). Specialists from The Early Years SEN Service (EYSEN) and The Early Years Improvement (EYI) Service are available to provide specialist Early Years SEN knowledge and advice on a range of subjects including:
- learning objectives and teaching strategies
- appropriate resources and effective environments
- supporting families and signposting to other services
- referrals for specialist intervention
- funding possibilities
- training opportunities
Contact EarlyYears.SENHelpline@derbyshire.gov.uk. Please provide brief details of your query, including the age of the child (in months). Include your contact telephone number so we can get back to you.