Support for young children with additional needs
The benefits of early identification (of special educational needs) 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).
Specialist teachers and Portage Home Visitors from the Early Years Special Educational Needs Support Service (EYSENS) 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
Support is available for parents, early years foundation stage (EYFS) practitioners, health visitors, paediatricians, teachers, children’s centre workers, speech and language therapists and other professionals working with a child with SEND.
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.
For more information about Early Years Special Educational Needs Support Service (EYSENS).
Supporting children with medical conditions in schools and education settings
For information, visit Supporting children with medical conditions in schools & education settings.
Supporting emotional health and wellbeing
For information, visit Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing.
Families Information Service
Derbyshire's Families Information Service (FIS) provides free, impartial information and guidance for parents, carers, practitioners, children, and young people on a wide range of services, activities, and events available in Derbyshire.
You can contact FIS via email: info.fis@derbyshire.gov.uk or by tel: 01629 535793 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). Follow FIS on Facebook.
Children’s Centres
Derbyshire Children’s Centres support children aged 0-5 and their parents and carers. The centre staff offer support on child development and parenting to help parents and carers in understanding the needs of babies and small children. We recognise the role of parents and carers as the child’s early educators and share skills and strategies to help their children achieve a positive start in life.
See more information about our children’s centres including what’s on offer, one-to-one support and parenting courses.