Childcare and early education for children with SEND

Good quality childcare benefits all children. It can play a hugely important role in your child's development, allowing them to:

  • become independent
  • mix with other children
  • learn new things

Choosing the right childcare can be a difficult decision for every parent. Particularly if your child has a special educational need or disability (SEND).

For more information visit the Family and Childcare Trust website.

Childcare funding

For help with childcare funding, see Help with childcare costs.

All Ofsted-registered childcare such as:

  • childminders
  • nurseries
  • pre-schools
  • school nursery classes

must have regard for the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (January 2015), and have arrangements in place to support children with SEND. 

Group providers will have a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) who will work with staff, parents and other services.

Find a childcare provider

Children's development

The Healthier Together website has information and guides to child development from birth to 5 years old, including:

  • communicating and talking skills
  • hand skills
  • emotional behaviour
  • play

Local organisations offering support

You can get an overview of information including childcare, education, mobility schemes, and home adaptations.

Visit the Help if you have a disabled child webpage on the Gov.uk website.