SENCos in Early Years Provision

Nursery schools that are maintained by the local authority must ensure that they have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) who is a qualified teacher.  The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework requires other Early Years providers to have arrangements in place for meeting children’s SEN.  Childminders are also encouraged to identify a person to act a s SENCo.

To fulfil their role in identifying and planning for children with SEN, the Council should ensure sufficient expertise and experience amongst local Early Years providers.  Islington uses Area SENCos to provide advice and guidance to Early Years providers on the development of inclusive Early Years environments.  The Area SENCos help make the links between Education, Health and Social Care to ensure timely provision, as well as supporting transition to school.

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