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Early Years

Communication

and Social

Interaction (CoSI)

services

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A Guide for working with parents of children with Special Educational

Needs or Disabilities (SEND)

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For children aged 0 to 5 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), early support and intervention can be life-changing.

In this guide, we explore early years provision and how to support your child’s educational journey.

Early years support for children with SEND involves identifying and meeting the needs of children from birth to age five, giving them the best possible start in life. Early recognition of these needs is crucial, as timely intervention can provide children with opportunities to build essential skills and reach their full potential.

Early years settings includes childminders, nurseries, pre-schools, and children’s centres.

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You know your child best. If something feels different or concerning, it’s okay to seek support and guidance. Here are some early signs that may indicate a child has SEND:

Delayed speech or language

Struggles with attention, listening or following instructions

Difficulty playing or interacting with others

Sensory sensitivities (to sound, textures, lights) to food and clothes

Repetitive behaviours or routines

Delayed sitting, crawling, or walking

Unusual responses to change or transition

Lack of eye contact

Medical adjustments that might be needed

Physical adjustments that need to be made

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If you’re concerned about your child’s development at the early years setting, here are some steps you can take:

1. Talk to your child’s key person or setting lead and share your concerns.

2. Speak to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).

3. Request a meeting to discuss the support options available. Ask how your child is being supported, and what observations have been made, remember to keep a record of what is discussed.

4. The setting should then begin the SEN support process. This should follow the graduated approach: assess, plan, do, and review .

5. Access inclusion support with your local authority.

6. Follow the local health route for referral to a GP or paediatrician.

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Mental health can come... - CALL 24/7 - Mental Health Wales

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Mental health can come in all different shapes and forms, and can impact everyone differently. If you’re concerned about your #MentalHealth or that of a…

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All early years providers must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets the standard for the care, learning, and development of children from birth to age five. It ensures every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

The SEND Code of Practice is part of this framework and ensures that children with SEND receive the right care, learning strategies and support based on their individual needs.

Assessing a child’s progress

As part of the EYFS, your child’s setting will regularly observe and assess their development to build a picture of their progress. One important part of this is the EYFS Profile, which is completed during the final term of the year when your child turns five.

The EYFS Profile gives parents, practitioners, and teachers a well-rounded understanding of your child’s knowledge, abilities, and how they learn. For children with SEND, it is especially valuable, as it helps identify any additional support that may be needed and can inform planning for future learning.

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The role of a SENCO involves:

Making sure all staff understand their responsibilities when it comes to supporting children with SEND.

Helping to identify any additional needs early and putting the right support in place.

Advising and supporting staff to make sure children receive inclusive, tailored support, adaptions or differentiated learning

Working closely with parents and carers – your views and experiences are really important and help shape the support your child receives.

Communicating with professionals outside the setting (like health visitors or specialists) to make sure everyone is working together to support your child.

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If your child is not developing or progressing as expected, the early years setting should follow the graduated approach. This is a four-part cycle designed to help your child make progress by regularly reviewing what’s working and adjusting support as needed.

The cycle includes:

Assess – The setting observes your child closely to understand their strengths and the areas where they may need help.

Plan – Together with you, the SENCO and key staff will agree on the outcomes you want to work towards and the support needed to help achieve them.

Do – The agreed support is put in place and carried out by staff who know your child well.

Review – Progress is reviewed regularly with you, and changes are made if something isn’t working.

This process isn’t one-off, it’s ongoing. Your child’s needs may change over time, and support should be flexible and responsive.

What support looks like will depend on your child. It might involve more one-to-one time, help during certain activities, or changes to the environment to make it calmer and more accessible. Some children may benefit from visual aids or quiet spaces, while others may use communication tools like picture exchange systems or Makaton.

You should always be involved. Your views matter, and so do your child’s. Even at a young age, their preferences and behaviours can help shape the support they receive.

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If your child needs more support than the setting can provide on its own, there are further steps you can take.

You can ask the setting or your GP to refer your child for specialist assessments. This might include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or a paediatric assessment to understand more about your child’s development.

You can also request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment. This is the first step toward getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) – a legal document that sets out the additional support your child must receive.

Importantly, you don’t need to wait for the nursery or setting to make this request. As a parent, you have the right to apply for an EHC needs assessment.

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An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document in the UK designed to support children and young people up to the age of 25 who have special educational needs and disabilities.

It outlines the specific educational, health and social care needs an individual requires and how these should be met.

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While many children with special educational needs receive support through SEN services, some may need extra help. EHCPs are for children and young people whose needs go beyond what mainstream schools, nurseries or colleges can offer.

If you feel like your child needs extra help, you can request an EHC Needs Assessment from your local authority. They’ll work with you to assess your child’s needs and decide whether an EHCP is the best way forward.

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t have a medical diagnosis – it’s not necessary to apply for an EHCP. The goal is to ensure your child gets the support they need, based on their individual challenges and strengths

Here’s what an EHCP typically includes:

Assessment of Needs: This section details the child’s strengths and difficulties in areas like learning, communication, behaviour, physical health and emotional well-being.

Desired Outcomes: The plan outlines long-term goals for the child, focusing on what they should achieve in education, health, and independence. It should take into account the views, interests and aspirations of the child, alongside those of their parents.

Support Plan: It specifies what support and resources will be provided, including specialised teaching methods, equipment, therapies or additional assistance.

Who Will Provide Support: The EHCP lists all the professionals involved in the child’s care, including teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or healthcare providers, as well as personal budget arrangements.

Review Process: EHCPs are reviewed annually to ensure they continue to meet the child’s needs and help them make progress.

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You can apply for an EHCP Needs Assessment by contacting your local authority’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) team. Parents, carers, educators or young people aged 16 and over can request an EHCP.

When submitting a request, certain paperwork is required to ensure all relevant information is considered. If you’re unsure about what needs to be submitted, your local SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) can provide guidance.

Once the request is submitted, the local authority has six weeks to decide whether to proceed with the assessment. If the decision is made to proceed, a panel will review all of the gathered information and decide whether an EHCP is necessary.

Appealing an EHCP

If you disagree with the local authority’s decision regarding your child’s EHCP, you have the right to appeal through the First-tier Tribunal, commonly known as the SEND Tribunal. Young people over 16 years old also have the right to appeal.

Reasons for appeal:

You can appeal to the SEND Tribunal if the local authority:

Refuses to conduct an EHC needs assessment or re-assessment.

Refuses to issue an EHC Plan.

Issues or amends an EHC Plan, but you disagree with sections regarding special educational needs, provision, or placement.

Decides not to amend an EHC Plan after an annual review.

Decides to cease maintaining the EHC Plan.

Before appealing, it is essential to consider mediation, unless it relates to a specific case concerning school placement. Mediation can help resolve disagreements between families and the local authority without the need for a tribunal.

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PCVH is the local parent carer forum and promotes the participation of parent carers in the planning and delivery of services for children and young people (0-25 years) with disabilities or additional needs in Herefordshire Being the parent carer of a child with a disability or additional need can be a life changing experience. It can involve a total change in expectations and the ability to do what others take for granted, it also brings new experiences, knowledge and understanding. PCVH offers an opportunity for families of children with disabilities or additional needs to come together, to share information and to provide support to each other, while helping to create services that meet the needs of their families. Our top priority is MAKING SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD Parent Participation as a Parent Carer Forum is when parent carers and professionals work together, recognising each other’s knowledge, to make informed decisions about services that make the best use of resources. ·We work with all key areas – across Health, Social Care and Education – with health and LA partners, and the voluntary sector partners. ·We work with service leads to share collective views. ·We work with commissioners to develop and design services, pathways, and processes to improve outcomes for our children and young people. ·We shape and support improvement to practices and services focussing on person centred processes where possible. ·We influence policy and strategic direction. This means that services can better meet the needs of families with children & young people with disabilities and additional needs, so resources are not wasted on services which parents and families do not take up.

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The I Count Card is designed to help family carers identify themselves. What are its uses?

It can be used to easily access concessions, reduced or free memberships, entry, or goods.

Local businesses, including leisure centers, therapists, and solicitors, have joined the scheme and offer various discounts.

How to obtain one?

To get an I Count Card, simply sign up as a member of Parent Carer Voice through the link available on Facebook or visit our website at www.pcvh.co.uk.

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School Nurse

School Nurses have specialist knowledge and skills to enable them to work with children and young people aged from 5 - 19 . All schools have an allocated school nurse. TEL: 07813 451034

Bladder and Bowel Health Service

Is a team that provides a comprehensive service for patients who are registered with a Herefordshire GP. They advise on incontinence products where maintenance of continence is not possible.

TEL: 01432 677352

Physio

Physiotherapists will usually be involved at an early stage of your child’s development and work with active exercise. They focus on joint range, muscle tone, movement and gross motor activities.

Direct line physiotherapy department County Hospital (01432) 269584

Portage

Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with SEND and their families.

Email: earlyyears@herefordshire.gov.uk

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Children's Hearing Service

Multi disciplinary team who are working with families to provide early identification, treatment and assessment for hearing difficulties.

Advise and support alongside screening for Yr1 children.

Contact- 01432 349620

Email- Childrenshearing@wvt.nhs.uk

Speech Therapy

Speech therapists work with children to help with a range of communication difficulties. Including listening and concentrating, eating, drinking and swallowing as well as developing speech.

Contact- 01432 363975

Email- salt.hereford@nhs.net

Occupational Therapy

An Occupational Therapist can assess, evaluate, advise and/or provide intervention for children who's daily living is compromised by physical, motor , sensory or learning difficulties.

Contact- 01432 269584

Ophthalmology (Eye Clinic)

If your child requires a comprehensive eyesight examination, ophthalmology at the hospital provide a paediatric ophthalmology clinic.

Referral required.

Contact- 01432 372925

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Communication and Social Interaction Group (CoSI) services support children and parents after a diagnosis of ASD is concluded.

The specialist teacher may work through outreach with your child’s setting or your child may be offered a place in CoSI group. CoSI group is a teacher led group with trained support staff offered to some children with an ASD diagnosis.

The group has a maximum of 5 children with 4 or 5 adults each session.

A Speech and Language Therapist is also part of the CoSI team.

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/24661/cosi-leaflet

Opportunity Group or ‘O’ group is a specialist therapeutic group setting for preschool children designed to support children with a variety of needs through play. Children receive tailored support towards their learning & development, in a small group which promotes opportunities to learn good behaviours for social interaction; learning; and communication. Children are supported by a key worker, who will work with parents/carers to decide targets for support according to each individual child's needs

Talk Talk Group is a small, fun, friendly group designed to improve children’s language and communication and support their interactions with others. Experienced staff help the children to meet their personal speech and language targets through play and structured, motivating activities. There are opportunities for small group activities & 1:1 support from the Speech & Language Therapist & child’s key person.

https://www.talkcommunitydirectory.org/media/p4zmr55w/talk-talk-group-leaflet-july-2021.pdf

SALT drop in groups

Speech and Language Drop In– If you or your child’s setting have questions or concerns about your child’s speech the setting may signpost you to the Drop In Session for Speech and Language (Salt). These happen twice a month (on the second and Fourth Wednesday) and are usually at Franks Avenue Community Centre, Hereford.

The Salt also offer help, advice and reassurance. If the therapist in the session feels it is necessary, they will make a referral with you at the session.

Time To Talk

A tailored intervention group run by the Speech and Language Service. Two year olds referred to the service may be offered this as part of their speech and language support.

Speech and language therapy

General tips to help your child with their speech and language development info booklet

https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/media/235725/Speech-general-tips.pdf

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The Widemarsh Explorers are the inclusive satellite provision of Hampton Dene Primary School, serving as a super cool Early Years Assessment Base within the Widemarsh Children’s Centre! These little adventurers are essential to the local education scene for kiddos with special educational needs. Starting from the pre-school year (that’s Nursery 2 for the cool kids) all the way to reception, Widemarsh Explorers roll out the red carpet with up to 24 part-time spots for young explorers diving into the Education, Health and Care Plan process. The amazing staff at Widemarsh Explorers team up with families to whip up a custom curriculum tailored to each child's unique needs, helping them spread their wings and grow. This dynamic duo of families and educators helps everyone understand what makes each child tick, ensuring a smooth transition to their next big adventure in education. Depending on their individual needs, some kids go full-time while others enjoy a more flexible schedule. Widemarsh Explorers proudly follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, sprinkling effective learning magic into every activity. Throughout their journey, the team conducts the Education, Health and Care plan assessment, gathering useful insights from superstar professionals like educational psychologists and speech and language therapists. It’s all about teamwork and making learning as fun as a treasure hunt!

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You might have heard people talking about the Local Offer but do you know what it is?

Watch our short video that explains how the Local Offer can help you and your family find information, support and services for children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

https://orlo.uk/SENDLocalOffer_Dop9R

We are adding new information all the time so add it to your favourites and check back again soon! If you can't find what you're looking for on the Local Offer, you can contact us on localoffer@herefordshire.gov.uk and we will do our best to find you the information you need.

#localoffer #send #sendlocaloffer

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Local offer special educational needs and disabilities – Herefordshire Council

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Herefordshire Council provides local authority services, including Council Tax, planning applications, bin collections, libraries, roads and parking

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Targeted Short Breaks (TSB) allowance scheme for SEND children The short breaks allowance scheme is aimed at children with special educational needs and disabilities who require extra support to take part in leisure activities out in the community. The funding will be uploaded directly on to a prepaid card account, which you use like a bank/ debit card, to pay for your chosen activities. • TSB allowance prepaid card guidance - quick guide • TSB allowance prepaid card guidance www.herefordshire.gov.uk/family-support/short-breaks-scheme/3 Who can apply? If your child has an Educational and Health Care Plan (EHCP) which shows that they are on Special Educational Needs (SEN) Tariff D or above, your child is automatically eligible for TSB Allowance. You can apply online and a card will be sent out and funding loaded onto it. If your child does not have an EHC Plan or does but is on tariff A to C and you feel they need extra support to take part in activities in the community, you are still able to apply for the TSB Allowance. in this situation you will be able to apply as a special circumstance. The local authority will ask you to provide us with as much extra information as you have, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA ) confirmation, and reports from professionals. The Children with Disabilities Team will look at these applications and they will inform you of a decision promptly. Apply online for the TSB allowance What the allowance can be used for The TSB allowance is to help children with special educational needs and disabilities to take part in leisure activities whilst allowing the person/s that care for them to have a short break.It can be spent on a wide range of things. Read more about what the TSB allowance can and cannot be used for by looking on www.herefordshire.gov.uk/family support/short-breaks-scheme/3 page .Spend is monitored and audited so we ask that you keep hold of receipts and proof of purchase for audit purposes. Fraud prevention privacy notice If you apply for the TSB allowance, the personal information the local authority collect from you will be shared with fraud prevention agencies who will use it to prevent fraud and money-laundering and to verify your identity. If fraud is detected, you could be refused certain services, finance, or employment. View further details of how your information will be used by the Local Authority and these fraud prevention agencies, and your data protection rights, on the council Fraud prevention privacy notice. Short Breaks team contact details Telephone: 01432 260123

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Family Fund’s mission and vision

Family Fund believes that families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people should have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as wider families.  We try to make this happen every day by:

Giving grants to families on a low income for items they may not otherwise be able to afford. For example family breaks, digital equipment, white goods, clothing, bedding, furniture and play equipment.

Offering services to help parents and carers to achieve the outcomes they want for their child and family. This includes where to go for support with money, benefits and budget planning, information on mental health and wellbeing. And practical workshops to help people get online and use digital tools.

Providing ways for families to share their experiences, so they can influence lasting change on issues that matter to them.

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Family Fund deliver grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young people on a low income across the UK

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Melo is available to any child or young person aged 0-25 and their families, across Herefordshire & Worcestershire, to:
address early mental health issues
promote wellbeing
build emotional resilience

Visit Melo Onside website to find out more

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Melo :: Onside, Worcestershire & Herefordshire

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Herefordshire Autism & Neuro Diverse Support Hub

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Herefordshire Autism & Neuro Diverse Support Hub

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Glossary of Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) Acronyms

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Glossary of Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) Acronyms

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A

ADHD -Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ASC- Autism Spectrum Condition

ASD- Autistic Spectrum Disorder

B

BSL -British Sign Language

C

CAF Common Assessment Framework / Form

CAMHS -Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

CCP -Consultant Community Paediatrician

CDC - Child Development Centre

CHC -Continuing Health Care

C&L - Cognition and Learning

CoSI -Communication and Social Interaction

CYP -Child and young person

D

DAF – Disability Access Funding

DAMP- Deficits in Attention, Motor Control and Perception

DCTS -Disabled Children and Therapy Service

DfE -Department for Education

DLA -Disability Living Allowance

E

EAL -English as an Additional Language

EH -Early Help

EHA – Early Help assessment

EHCNA -Education Health and Needs Assessment

EHCP -Education Health and Care Plan

EPS -Educational Psychology Service

ES- Early Support

EWO -Education Welfare Officer

EY -Early Years

EYIF – Early Years Inclusion Funding

EYIS – Early Years Inclusion Support

F

FIS - Family Information Service

F&PB - Funding and Personal Budgets

FSW - Family Support Worker

G

GA - Graduated Approach

H

HV - Health Visitor

I

IEP - Individual Education Plan

INSET -In Service Education and Training

L

LA - Local Authority

L&A - Learning and Achievement (Service)

LAC - Looked After Children (now Children in Care)

LO - Local Offer

M

MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulties

MSI - Multiple Sensory Impairment

O

Ofsted - Office for Standards in Education

OT -Occupational Therapy

P

PCVH - Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire

PD - Physical Difficulty

PEP -Promoting Effective Parenting or Personal Education Plan

PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty

PSN – Pre School Notification from Health

S

S&L -Speech and Language

SALT - Speech and Language Therapist or Therapy

SENA&PT - SEN Assessment and Provision Team

SEND - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

SENDIASS - Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service (independent service)

SC - Social Care

SEMHD - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties

W

WVT - Wye Valley Trust

Please check out the pcvh.co.uk webpage (link below) for a more in-depth explanation

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Making sense of SEND language – a glossary

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Make sense of the different terms and acronyms used when discussing special education needs and disabilities with our SEND glossary.

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Portage Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/243918186743637/?

Parent Carer Voice Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/Parent-Carer-Voice-HFD-forum-page-2565600373455665

Sendiass Facebook Link

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sendiass | Facebook

Send Local Offer Facebook link Herefordshire SEND Local Offer | Hereford | Facebook

Facebook - hands hub

NAS Herefordshire Facebook

Link National Autistic Society Herefordshire Branch | Facebook

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Support available in Herefordshire while waiting for your appointment

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Support available in Herefordshire while waiting for your appointment

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Support is available to children and young people, as well as their families, who find themselves experiencing long waits for appointments with Health services in Herefordshire.

This website contains details of resources and support available locally & nationally.  This includes links to web resources, telephone advice and some in-person groups.

Some of our Herefordshire Children’s Community Health services are continuing to experience a high volume of referrals and unfortunately that means children and young people are waiting longer than usual for their first appointment.

We understand that the length of time waiting for services can be worrying and frustrating.  As a system we are working to improve waiting times for children, young people and their families.

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Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System

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Support is available to children and young people, as well as their families, who find themselves experiencing long waits for appointments with Health services in Herefordshire.
This website contains details of resources and support available locally & nationally. This includes links to web resources, telephone advice and some in-person groups.

Some of our Herefordshire Children's Community Health services are continuing to experience a high volume of referrals and unfortunately that means children and young people are waiting longer than usual for their first appointment.

We understand that the length of time waiting for services can be worrying and frustrating. As a system we are working to improve waiting times for children, young people and their families.
Please note that all services will have their own specific criteria, so we recommend visiting the service specific website for further information.
What to do if your child's needs change whilst you are waiting:

If your child's needs change, while you are waiting for an appointment, please update the team you are waiting to see, or contact the person who made the referral,as this may lead to a review of your current position on the waiting list.

Alternatively, you can contact your GP who can assess their condition, and if necessary, seek advice from a specialist. You can also contact NHS 111 for advice. If you believe that your child's symptoms are life threatening, please visit our Emergency Department - Emergency Department - Wye Valley NHS Trust

The information on this page is designed to help you while you wait for your child's appointment. If you have any suggestions for information that you think would be helpful to include on this page, please email

Different resources and support available:

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Support available in Herefordshire while waiting for your appointment :: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System

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Support is available to children and young people, as well as their families, who find themselves experiencing long waits for appointments with Health services in Herefordshire. This website contains details of resources and support available locally & nationally. This includes links to web resources, telephone advice and some in-person groups.

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Early years and childcare for children with special educational needs and disabilities – Herefordshire Council

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Information for parents and carers about early years and childcare services for children with special educational needs and disabilities