What SEND Parents need to know for children under 5 by SEN Parent Support Group
Understanding Early Years SEND Support:
Navigating support for children under 5 can feel like tiptoeing through a foggy maze with no horizon in sight, especially if your child is showing early signs of neurodiversity or developmental differences but there are clear paths available. You just need to know where to look.
Whether your child is struggling with communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, or hitting developmental milestones more slowly, early intervention isn’t just helpful it’s critical.
Why Early Support Matters
- The brain is most adaptable in the early years, support at this stage can significantly influence long-term outcomes.
- Strong foundations in communication, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing set the stage for future learning and relationships.
- Waiting for school age intervention can miss the window where support is most impactful this is why at SEN Parent Support Group we are here to help.
Support Starts at Home (But You’re Not Alone)
Parents are often the first to notice challenges. Trust your instincts ALWAYS!
- Keep a journal of concerns: behaviours, speech delays, feeding issues, meltdowns, sensitivities.
- Reach out to your Health Visitor: They’re your gateway to accessing early developmental support.
- Request a 2-Year Review follow-up or additional assessment if milestones aren’t being met.
- Check out our EARLY Years VLOG in our Closed Facebook Support Group here:
What Support Exists And How to Get It
| Support Type | Access Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy | Via GP referral or Local NHS Children’s Services | You can also seek private SALT assessments for faster feedback |
| Portage Services – Local Offer | Local Authority referral or self-referral | Home-based developmental intervention for children under 3 |
| Community Paediatrician | GP referral or HV escalation | Formal assessment and coordination of SEND services |
| Early Years SEND Panel | Via nursery/SENCO or direct Local Authority contact | Can provide funding and inclusion support in early settings |
| Educational Psychologist | Limited access before school age; possible via LA or private | For deeper understanding of learning profile & needs |
| Disability Living Allowance | Apply via GOV.UK without diagnosis | Considered based on care needs, not labels |
| Specialist Settings | Panel or EHCP-based referral process | Nursery places with enhanced staff training and expertise |
Requesting an EHCP for Under 5s
Yes, it’s possible and sometimes essential.
- You can request an EHC Needs Assessment before school age.
- Use developmental evidence, professional reports, and parental observations which as a group we can support. Try our Core Deficit Parental Assessment here:
- Quote SEND COP (2015) Section 9.3: “An EHC needs assessment can be requested at any time… including in early years.”
Don’t wait for school to “give it a go” first. Under 5s deserve tailored support, not trial and error.
The Role of Early Years Settings
If your child is attending nursery, here is what to do!
- Ask for their SENCO contact and request a planning meeting.
- Ensure they’re following the Graduated Response (Assess–Plan–Do–Review).
- Document any unmet needs and ask whether an Early Years Inclusion Grant has been considered.
You’re the Voice That Starts the Change
- You don’t need a diagnosis to be heard.
- You don’t need a professional to “sign off” your concerns.
- You don’t need permission to advocate.
Because every child deserves a head start, not just when school begins but from the very first moment support is needed.
Navigating the SEND Process for better OUTCOMES, TOGETHER! ™ SEN Parent Support Group
We are SEND Educational Experts, trained in SEND Law and are here to support you on your journey!
Click here to access our socials & renowned free support via our closed Facebook Group!
For more information message info@senparentsupportgroup.org
