Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years
Children with SEND can miss vital support when early needs go unnoticed. Build the knowledge to promote inclusion, safeguard children and respond confidently in early years settings when early support matters. Enrol today.
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Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years
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This course includes:
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Access1 Year Access -
Skill Level -
Duration2 hours, 15 minutes -
Students54 Students
- Original price was: £425.£25Current price is: £25. ex VAT
- 1 year
- Intermediate
- Number of Units5
- Number of Quizzes0
- 2 hours, 15 minutes Gift this course
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Course Overview
Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years requires awareness, patience and a strong understanding of inclusive practice. When additional needs are recognised too late or support is inconsistent, children may miss valuable opportunities to participate, communicate and develop confidently.
This course explores how SEND is understood and supported within UK early years settings. You will examine key legislation and safeguarding responsibilities, explore different models of disability, and consider a range of developmental and learning needs. You will also learn how inclusive environments, communication and responsive practice can help children participate meaningfully alongside their peers. It also encourages thoughtful practice when working with children, families and colleagues.
By completing the course, you will develop a clearer understanding of your responsibilities and the principles behind effective SEND support. Build your awareness now so you can contribute more confidently to inclusive early years practice and help ensure children receive appropriate support when it matters.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain SEND concepts and their significance within early years practice.
- Interpret key legislation and safeguarding duties affecting children with SEND.
- Compare models of disability and their implications for inclusive practice.
- Identify different areas of need encountered within early years settings.
- Recognise characteristics commonly associated with developmental and learning needs in children.
- Apply inclusive principles to support participation, communication and children’s development.
- Promote respectful environments that value diversity and individual differences positively.
- Describe approaches that help remove barriers to children’s participation effectively.
- Understand professional responsibilities when supporting children, families and colleagues effectively.
- Evaluate how inclusive practice can strengthen outcomes for children with SEND.
Why Enrol in this course
- CPD Accredited Course
- Unlimited access for 12 months – learn at your own pace
- Earn instant certificate upon course completion
- Get a free student ID card to showcase
- Flexible study – no deadlines
- Transparent pricing – no hidden fees
- Dedicated tutor support on weekdays
- Fast assessments & instant results
Who is this course for?
- Early Years Practitioners
- Nursery Teaching Assistants
- Early Years Educators
- SEND Support Staff
- Childcare Apprentices
- Inclusion Coordinators
- Nursery Managers and Leaders
- Family Support Practitioners
Requirements
There are no formal prerequisites to enrol in this Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years course. It is suitable for both beginners and individuals already working in care who want to develop their skills further.
The course is fully accessible online, allowing you to study from home using any internet-enabled device.
All you need is a willingness to learn, basic literacy skills, and to be over the age of 16.
CPD Certification
After successfully completing the course, you will qualify for a CPD Certificate as proof of your continued professional development and achievement. This certificate can enhance your professional profile and showcase your commitment to building relevant skills and knowledge. You can receive your digital certificate for only £10, or request a printed hard copy sent by post for just £29 or both for £39.
Assessment
For assessing your learning, you have to complete an automated MCQ exam. It is required for the students to score at least 60% to pass the exam and fulfil the Quality Licence Scheme-endorsed certificate criteria. Learners can apply for the certificate after they clear the exam.
There are assignment questions provided at the end of the course. You are suggested to complete the questions to enrich your understanding of the course. You can complete this according to your preferred time. The expert tutor will provide feedback on your performance after assessing your assignment.
Job Opportunities
Knowledge of SEND and inclusive early years practice can support progression across childcare, education and family-support settings in the UK. The following roles may value relevant knowledge alongside the appropriate qualifications, experience and employer requirements.
- Early Years Practitioner
Support young children through play, learning and daily routines while recognising individual developmental needs.
Typical UK salary: £23,000–£29,000 per year - Early Years Teaching Assistant
Assist educators with learning activities and provide additional support for children who require differentiated approaches.
Typical UK salary: £23,000–£30,000 per year - SEN Teaching Assistant
Provide targeted classroom support for children with special educational needs and help promote participation and independence.
Typical UK salary: £24,000–£32,000 per year - Early Years Educator
Plan and support developmentally appropriate activities while contributing to an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
Typical UK salary: £23,000–£30,000 per year - SEND Support Practitioner
Work alongside early years teams to help children access activities, communication and social opportunities.
Typical UK salary: £24,000–£32,000 per year - Early Years SENCO
Coordinate SEND provision, liaise with families and professionals, and help settings meet individual children’s needs.
Typical UK salary: £28,000–£40,000 per year - Inclusion Coordinator
Help develop inclusive practices across early years provision and support staff in reducing barriers to participation.
Typical UK salary: £28,000–£40,000 per year - Family Support Worker
Work with families experiencing challenges and connect them with appropriate services, resources and professional support.
Typical UK salary: £25,000–£35,000 per year - Nursery Room Leader
Lead a team within an early years room while supporting children’s learning, development and individual needs.
Typical UK salary: £26,000–£34,000 per year - Childcare Development Worker
Support children’s developmental progress through structured activities, observation and collaborative work with families and colleagues.
Typical UK salary: £24,000–£32,000 per year
Salary ranges are indicative UK figures and can vary according to location, qualifications, experience, employer and role responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SEND in the early years?
SEND refers to special educational needs and disabilities affecting a child’s learning, development or participation. Early identification and appropriate support can help children access meaningful learning experiences.
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How does early years provision support children with SEND?
Settings can adapt activities, communication, environments and routines around individual needs. Practitioners also work with families and relevant professionals to provide appropriate support.
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What legislation applies to SEND in UK early years settings?
SEND provision is shaped by legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Safeguarding duties also form an important part of responsible practice.
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Why is safeguarding important when supporting children with SEND?
Children with additional needs may face particular barriers to communicating concerns or recognising unsafe situations. Strong safeguarding awareness helps practitioners respond appropriately and protect children’s welfare.
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What role does the SEND Code of Practice play?
The SEND Code of Practice provides guidance on identifying and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. It promotes participation, partnership with families and appropriate provision.
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What are the different models of disability?
Models of disability provide different ways of understanding disability and the barriers people may experience. Studying these perspectives can encourage more inclusive and respectful approaches in early years practice.
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How can early years settings create inclusive environments?
Settings can reduce barriers by adapting activities, spaces, communication methods and routines. Inclusive practice should recognise individual differences while enabling children to participate alongside their peers.
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What areas of need can affect young children?
Areas may include communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health, and sensory or physical needs. Children’s needs can overlap and may change as they develop.
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What is the role of an early years SENCO?
An early years SENCO helps coordinate SEND provision and supports colleagues with inclusive practice. They may also work closely with families and external professionals to help meet children’s needs.
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Can this course help me work with children with SEND?
Course Curriculum
| Module 1: SEND in Early Years | |||
| SEND in Early Years | 00:22:00 | ||
| Module 2: Legislation and Safeguarding | |||
| Legislation and Safeguarding | 00:41:00 | ||
| Module 3: Models of Disability | |||
| Models of Disability | 00:19:00 | ||
| Module 4: Different Areas of Needs | |||
| Different Areas of Needs | 00:30:00 | ||
| Module 5: Creating Inclusivity in Early Years | |||
| Creating Inclusivity in Early Years | 00:23:00 | ||