New early years SENCO resources published

Two new resources for early-years SEND provision have been created by the Department for Education and will be hosted by nasen, the National Association for Special Educational Needs.

Available on the online resource portal, SEND Gateway, the resources are aimed at securing the highest quality practice and provision for children with SEND in the early years sector.

While an early years SENCO does not have to be a qualified teacher, it is important that they are well trained and prepared so that they can carry out the role effectively.
The first resource, a specification for a Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification, is ideal for awarding bodies wishing to construct a Level 3 Early Years SENCO Award and is relevant to group settings such as private, voluntary and independent nurseries. Find it on the SEND Gateway at www.sendgateway.org.uk/resources.ey- senco-l3-qualificaiton-specification.html

The DfE has also published a template Early Years SENCO job description, which settings may wish to use to help in their recruitment process to this important role. Early Years practitioners may also wish to use this job description to help them in deciding if this is a career path that they may wish to follow. The EY SENCO job description is also published in the SEND Gateway and can be found at www.sendgateway.org.uk/resources.ey-senco- job-description.html

Minister for Children and Families, Nadhim Zahawi said: “This government wants every child to have the support they need to unlock their potential, no matter what challenges they face.

“This is why we put in place new measures to improve the SEND training available to school staff, including tools developed through our work with organisations like nasen, to boost the profile of early years professionals working with children who have additional learning needs – building on a commitment set out in our Early Years Workforce Strategy.”

Chief Executive at nasen, Dr Adam Boddison said: “By supporting early years settings to identify and meet the needs of children with SEND, we can help children to start school with the best possible chance of reaching their full potential. Early years professionals are well placed to work in partnership with children and their families from the outset, ensuring that effective support is in place in the formative years of their development.”