SENCO Support & Inclusive Practice
in Early Years Settings
Being a SENCO is a role that many of us are passionate about, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. Between supporting children with a wide range of needs, working closely with families, liaising with outside agencies, keeping on top of paperwork and ensuring provision is effective, the demands can quickly become overwhelming.
I understand the realities of the role because I've been there myself. I know how difficult it can be to find the time to complete observations, write support plans, gather evidence for EHCP applications, prepare for meetings and still be fully present for the children who need you most.
Sometimes you simply need another professional to talk things through with. Someone who understands SEND, can offer practical advice, help you work through challenges and provide an extra pair of hands when workloads become unmanageable.
At Early Steps SEND Consultancy, I work alongside nurseries, schools, childminders and other professionals to provide flexible, supportive and realistic SEND guidance. Whether you need help with SEND paperwork, EHCP applications, audits, staff development, inclusive practice, transition planning or supporting children with more complex needs, my aim is to make your job easier while improving outcomes for children and families.
I believe SEND support should be practical, collaborative and tailored to the individual setting. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child, every family and every setting is different, and the support I provide reflects that.
My background as a teacher, Early Years practitioner, SENCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead and SEND specialist allows me to understand SEND from multiple perspectives. More importantly, it means I understand the pressures that professionals face every day and can offer support that is both knowledgeable and realistic.
If you're looking for a trusted professional to work alongside your team, provide fresh insight, strengthen your SEND provision or simply offer reassurance when you need it, I'd love to hear from you.
Together, we can create inclusive environments where children feel understood, families feel supported, and practitioners feel confident in making a difference.
SENCO Support
Expert guidance to help you manage your SENCO duties effectively, ensuring high standards of inclusion.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Action planning and target setting
- Mentoring new Early Years SENCOs
- Advice on SEN local offers
SEND Audits
A comprehensive review of your setting's current SEND provision to identify strengths and areas for growth.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Environmental audits for accessibility
- Policy and procedure reviews
- Ofsted readiness for SEND
Staff Training
Bespoke training sessions designed to build confidence in your team when supporting diverse learning needs.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Autism and ADHD awareness
- Effective inclusive communication
- Meeting sensory needs in the EYFS
EHCP & SEND Advice
Expert support navigating the Education, Health and Care Plan process for both settings and families.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Guidance on EHCP applications
- Reviewing draft plans
- Support during annual reviews
Parent Support
Compassionate consultations for families to understand their child's needs and access the right support networks.
HOW I CAN HELP
- One-to-one parent consultations
- Navigation of the SEND system
- Signposting to specialist services
Inclusion & Support Planning
Practical frameworks tailored to your unique environment to ensure every child can thrive in your care.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Personalised learning programmes
- Developing SEND Support Plans
- Nursery to school transition support
Alternative Provision & EOTAS Support
Specialist support for children accessing non-traditional education packages outside of a mainstream setting.
HOW I CAN HELP
- EOTAS package implementation
- Support for home-based learners
- Bespoke curriculum planning
Behaviour & Emotional Regulation
Positive Behaviour Support strategies that focus on communication and emotional well-being.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans
- SEMH strategy development
- Communication-focused interventions
Risk Assessment & Complex Needs
Ensuring safety and inclusion for children with significant barriers to learning through dynamic risk assessments.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Ongoing dynamic risk assessments
- PMVA-informed safety planning
- Safe access to education strategies
Transition Support
I support smooth transitions between early years settings and schools for children with SEND, ensuring a positive experience for both the child and their family.
HOW I CAN HELP
- Starting nursery
- Nursery to school transitions
- School-to-school transitions
- Year group changes
- Alternative provision transitions
- Transition plans for children with EHCPs
- Visual transition resources
- Parent and setting support during transitions
Early Steps SEND Consultancy • SEND Support • Early Years Inclusion • SENCO Support • EHCP Advice • SEND Consultancy • Inclusion Reviews • SEND Audits • Parent Support • Qualified SENCO • EYFS Support • Early Intervention • Inclusive Practice • Supporting the North East • Professional SEND Advice • Best Outcomes for Children • Nursery & School Support • Observation & Reports • Child-centred Support • SEND Code of Practice • Independent Consultant • Supporting Little Learners • EOTAS • Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) • Alternative Education • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)