Choosing an early years setting or pre-school

Choosing the right type of childcare for your child can be daunting but there is help is available.

Every child and family are different, so you need to find what is right for you. There are:

  • childminders
  • private day nurseries
  • nursery classes in a school.

All childcare settings must be inclusive for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.  Early years settings must make adjustments so that children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) can access the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Our team supports all providers to understand and meet these responsibilities.

To ensure full access to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), some children will require additional support in line with the SEND code of practice; this outlines a ‘graduated approach’ to meeting needs. This means that the support for your child will match their level of need. 

While most children with SEND go to mainstream settings and schools, a small number might need to go to a specialist setting.

This section will help you make the very important decision about where your child will first attend an educational setting. 

You may want to seek information and advice from professionals before making a decision about the best setting for your child.

Childcare for Children with Additional Needs and/or Disabilities

How to choose an early years setting

When choosing an early years setting, it is important to get as much information as possible before deciding if it is right for you and your child. You could do this by: 

  • looking at the setting’s website (especially their SEND information)
  • checking the most recent Ofsted report
  • contacting a setting directly and check if they have space available
  • requesting a guided tour - you will get a better feel for the setting if you do this whilst other children are there

You can search the list of early years providers via Solihull’s Family Information Service.

Once you have made a list of settings that you would like to consider and have booked appointments, you may want to:

  • take someone along with you such as a friend or relative – they can help in discussing your impressions afterwards
  • think carefully about whether you want to take your child with you on the first visit (you could discuss this with the setting or another professional)
  • take relevant reports or information about your child’s additional needs with you.

Transition into a childminder, nursery or school. What will help your child?

 

Further information

More information is available on the parent toolkit