SEND Report: the sector’s response

Early years provision needs to be inclusive so that all children have equity of opportunity, access to play and can learn in an accessible environment free from barriers.

To support this, the Alliance has recently published a new publication designed to help educators develop their inclusive practice, which offers advice and guidance around ensuring provision is inclusive and considers how the government’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan: Right Support, Right Place, Right Time, will re-shape and improve the system from 2023 onwards.

The Improvement Plan recognised that there have been failings in the system, with too many children and families feeling they have not received the support to which they are entitled, and the system being considered very adversarial. This is something the Alliance has recognised and campaigned on.

Sharon Anderson, manager of Seashells Nursery in Lincolnshire, expressed frustrations with the general lack of government funding for the early years sector and has noted that this is seriously impacting those who need additional support. Commenting, she said: “This is a small setting with six members of staff, and we have seen an increase in children who need additional support, but it is a challenge to provide appropriate support. There is some local authority funding, but nowhere near enough and there are huge challenges in recruitment.”

Sharon explained that prior to the pandemic, around one or two children in a cohort had additional plans but now it stands at nine children, some of whom have some challenging behaviour. This means that there is lots of paperwork, assessments, and Education and Health Care Plans to complete. As a result, it has become harder to meet all the children’s needs because staff time is taken up on paperwork and the sector is seriously underfunded, understaffed, and overworked. Staff have also been hurt by children with complex impairments at the setting. This is distressing for children, families, and staff.

Chellsea, assistant manager at Seashells, echoed Sharon’s concerns stating, “I feel drained and helpless. It is difficult meeting all needs. We have done well to embed Makaton and it’s working well in improving communication for all children, but it is tricky. We have a great working partnership with families and have been able to identify issues early, speak about concerns openly, and set targets.”

While the staff at Seashells dread the challenges they are facing in the current system, they have worked hard to ensure families and children are given this vital support. Without such support, it is likely that families and children would be in unimaginably difficult situations. The team – like so many others across the sector – have challenges that they should not be facing, but have been able to draw strength from the support, care, and compassion they provide each other.

Parents have praised Seashells with comments like: “I love this nursery. Three of my children have been here, they do good things with the children they learn a lot ready for primary school.” Another said: “All the staff are lovely and helpful. If there is a problem, I can always approach them.”

The Alliance has welcomed the publication of the Improvement Plan and hope that this changes things for settings like Seashells. However, as Neil Leitch, Alliance CEO, has commented: “Warm words will only take us so far. It is absolutely pivotal, therefore, that this review leads to a significant and long-term increase in early years SEND funding – because, as it stands, the funding does not come anywhere near close to what is needed. We know that early educators are extremely committed to supporting children with SEND, but the fact is that the current system is not fit-for-purpose and as such, it is increasingly impossible for them to be able to do so sustainably.

“The government’s SEND improvement plan is a starting point, but there is clearly a huge amount of work to be done if we are to turn rhetoric into action and ensure that families receive the support they need when it has the potential to make the most difference.”