SEND in the Early Years

Safer Sleep
A free 20 minute recorded webinar from Department for Education about safer sleep updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which come into effect from 1 September 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe9fqJXjDvI
You can find further information on the updates here:
https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/safer-sleep

Safer Sleep in Early Years Settings Q&A This vodcast focuses on safer sleep for early years settings, speci...

Wise words from Diversity Kids, shout out to those who read the whole story.

Image shows a white background, text reads 'Each child is a whole story. Inclusion means we read the whole page,'

Starting Reception
A free downloadable booklet created collaboratively by a range of organisations, including Dingley's Promise ERIC UK and CBeebies Parenting. It includes information about supporting children with additional needs, both in the document and on the website. https://startingreception.co.uk/
Scroll down the webpage as well as downloading the booklet. The document is available in other languages, just click on the top right "English" and the arrow reveals a choice of Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati, Panjabi and Welsh.

Image shows the cover of the document, it has a blue background with a drawing of a child and adult walking to a school building. Text reads "Starting Reception - Your child's journey starts at home"

Screen Use
Published by Department for Education on July 13th - Screen use -
How to limit children’s screen use in settings and ensure it supports children’s learning and development.
https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/screen-use
CBeebies Parenting has useful information about the use of screentime https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/screen-time-advice

Help for early years providers : Screen use Evidence shows that screens can have a big impact on children and their development in the early years. Screen use should be avoided for under 2s and limited to up to an hour a day for children aged 2 to 5. You should take a precautionary approach to using screens in your setting by limiting screen....

Newly published - 2nd edition of Birth to 5 Matters
A fantastic document, full of child centred information, free to download. https://birthto5matters.org.uk/
You can also watch a video (1hr) which explains what's been included in the updated version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngpeEIF83Qw

Image shows the cover of the updated Birth to Five Matters document. There is a white/grey background and six photos of early years children engaging in enjoyable experiences both inside and outside. Text reads "Birth to 5 Matters, Guidance by the sector, for the sector. Non statutory guidance for the EYFS from the Early Years Coalition www.birthto5matters.org.uk 2nd Edition 2026

Additional Funding for Early Years Settings
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is worth at least £975 per child per year (2026 to 2027 figure) and was introduced to support disabled children’s access to Early Years Settings. It is not available for children in Reception classes. A child will be eligible for DAF if they are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and receive one of the following:
* the universal 15 hours entitlement for 3 and 4-year-olds
or
* the 15 hours entitlement for families of 2-year-olds receiving additional support
or
* the 15 hours entitlement for children aged 2 years of eligible working parents
or
* the 15 hours entitlement for children aged 9 months to 2 years of eligible working parents

Children do not have to take up the full 570 hours of early education to which they are entitled in order to receive the DAF. Children will be eligible where they take up any period of free entitlement and receive DLA.

Further information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027 -access-fund-daf

Children do not need a diagnosis to be entitled to Disability Living Allowance. The charity Contact - For families with disabled children have further information on their website: https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTPEkxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBySUJldEZyUW56bVFBUjdWc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHib5m63mEm8dYXWSRdVSrG61V1uWKKRDgT2oqVcXd_Te42Y3-dGwMtUn0Ggt_aem_X_B0znDjE1RAW8s8lJcBFQ

Image shows a post it note with the text "Disability Access Fund, Are you aware of the eligibility criteria and how to claim?" See les

School Holidays - Information for Parents/Carers

Twinkl Parents Support for SEND families on days out: Cards, passes and lanyards that can help https://www.twinkl.co.uk/news/support-for-send-families-on-days-out-cards-passes-and-lanyards-that-can-help?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=0726-digest-uk-supportforsendfamiliesondaysout-kmh&utm_content=fbpage

Scope Activities and days out for disabled children https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/days-out-disabled-kids

MoneySavingExpert.com Where can kids eat free?
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/kids-eat-free/

Image shows a cream background with flowers and clouds painted at the bottom and sides. Text reads "Information for Parents/Carers to help with accessible and low cost days out.

THANKYOU - Those words will never be enough to appreciate all those working in early years settings and schools who work so hard to meet the needs of every child. A special mention to those Early Years Settings/Childminders who continue to work through the Summer.

Image shows a white background, there are six photos of young children, text reads "Thankyou! To those working in schools and early years settings who've worked so hard to meet each child's needs this year."

This message is always important but particularly so at this time of year. A shout out to the professionals who see a child with fresh eyes and give them a new start, never underestimate the difference that you make. Apologies, I don't know who to credit for the quote and image.

Image shows a light pink background, text reads "When the stories about a student are saturated with negativity, have the courage to not join in. Tell a new story of their unique abilities and moments of kindness, tell the story of hope."

FREE Early Years SENCO Roadshow from Best Practice Network
"This in-person conference will bring together educators, parents and professionals to share insights, strategies and resources to support children with SEND. The event is free to attend for everyone involved in early years education and childcare."
Manchester - Fri 25th September
Bristol - Friday 2nd October
London - Friday 9th October
For further information and to book a place, please click on the link.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/best-practice-network-69097912123

Image shows a pink background with logos for the Department for Education, Best Practice Network and Supporting Education Group. Text reads "Early Years SEND Roadshow, Manchester, Bristol and London" Further information is available via the booking site. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/best-practice-network-69097912123