Laser Lessons - Lesson

Understand the role and responsibilities of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator(SENCO) in early years settings

'The SENCo handbook’ by Elizabeth Cowne, published by Routledge, 6th edition, 2015

Read the sections relevant to early years settings in chapters 6 ‘Working with parents, children, and young people’ to chapter 11 ‘The SENCo’s role in developing inclusive practice’.
You do not need to buy this book. You may be able to find a copy at your local library service, or it may be available online.

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

'SEN and disability in the early years: A toolkit’ by the Council for Disabled Children and 4Children
Find and read the statutory guidance in relation to special educational needs and disability in own country. Also, find and read your setting’s policies and procedures in relation to supporting children with additional needs.
'Early years: guide to the 0 to 25 SEND code of practice’ by the Department for Education
The articles below, written by Julia Dunlop and published by Teach Nursery, offer advice on identifying SEND, early intervention, and the role of the SENCO.
'Cause for concern?’
'Time to take action’
'From planning to practice’
'A guide for working with parents of children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)’ by 4Children
'The SENCo handbook’ by Elizabeth Cowne, published by Routledge, 6th edition, 2015

Presentation
Good Practice Example
Good Practice Example
Good Practice Example
Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

Click to read ‘What Early Years providers need to know about supporting young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families’ by the National Children’s Bureau.
‘EAL specialist teachers and support staff’ webpage on the National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum website. Click on the icon to left to read guidance on the SENCO role for children with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
‘Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 Years’ by the Department for Education / Department of Health. Click on the icon to left to access this code of practice.
Click to read ‘Early years (Under 5s) Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS)’ by the Department for Education.
Read more about ‘What is early intervention?’ from the Early Intervention foundation.
Click to access the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on ‘Disabled children and young people up to 25 with severe complex needs: integrated service delivery and organisation across health, social care and education’.
Click to access information on ‘What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?’ from the Education Advocacy website.

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