Early Years
Early Identification of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
On this page you will find information and guidance about what to do if you think your child (0-5) has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and don't know where to begin.
If you are concerned about your child's development or have noticed that they are not reaching typical milestones, such as crawling, talking, or walking at the expected age, it is important to document your observations and consult a professional. Your first professional to contact is your Health Visitor.
If your child is not in an Early Years setting, you should speak to your Health Visitor or GP. If your child is in an Early Years setting, you should also speak to your setting's SENCo/Keyworker.
Your health visitor or GP may recommend a further conversation with a specific health professional. This could take place at a health centre, child development centre, or the children's department of a hospital.
New Birth Review
Around 14 days after your baby's birth, your health visitor will arrange a face-to-face visit usually in your own home. During this visit, your health visitor can help support you with breastfeeding and safe formula feeding, and offer guidance on the reality of the early days with your baby, such as sleep and safety.
Your health visitor will check your baby has had a hearing and newborn bloodspot screen and is growing and developing and will also talk about your own health and wellbeing.
One Year Health Review
When your baby is between 9 and 12 months old, your health visiting team may invite you and your baby to an appointment to discuss their physical, emotional and social development. An 'Ages and Stages' questionnaire will be provided to help you and your health visitor understand how your baby is developing.
Your health visiting team will check your child's growth and offer practical support with regards to healthy eating, healthy sleep practices, dental health, immunizations, play and communication activities.
Two Year Health Review
Two Year Health Review
When your child is between 2 years and 2.5 years, your health visiting team will invite you and your child to an appointment to discuss their physical, emotional and social development. An 'Ages and Stages' questionnaire will be provided to help you and your health visitor understand how your child is developing.
Your child's growth, development and immunizations will also be reviewed, and the team can talk through any concerns you have about your child's health and wellbeing.