Support in the early years

This includes providing you with a written progress check when your child is 2 years old, ongoing observations of your child's progress, and a written assessment in the summer term of reception year in school. Your child's health visitor will also carry out a health check on your child when they are about 2 and a half.

If your child has special educational needs they will be able to receive SEN support arranged by the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). 

If your child needs more help than the early years setting can normally provide, they may need an Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments and plans.

What if I think my child has special educational needs but they don't go to a nursery, playgroup or childminder?

Talk to a doctor or health adviser if you think your child has SEN but they don't go to a nursery, playgroup or childminder. They'll tell you what support options are available.

Home-based teaching for pre-school children with additional support needs

Durham Portage Service is a home visit educational service for preschool children who have development learning difficulties, physical disability or other additional support needs. We will work with you to help your child learn new skills and our trained staff will offer weekly home visits.

Find out more on our The Portage Service: pre-school education support service for children with complex developmental needs page.