The recent report by nasen, Identifying SEN in the early years: The role of the SENCO, built on the previously published National SENCO Workload Surveys (2018 and 2019). The research aimed to explore this key phase, emphasising the vital importance of early identification, as well as seeking to provide a voice for the sector.
The findings highlighted that family partnership is essential. SENCOs were emphatic that a key role of the early years practitioner is to develop secure and trusting relationships with families, noting that this was particularly important if potential SEN was being considered. SENCOs acknowledged their setting may be the parent or carer’s first experience of education for their child and therefore conversations about a child’s progress must be handled sensitively.
However, in terms of identifying SEN this could create a potential barrier; the development of family relationships takes time and training. SENCOs reported a lack of resources, including time allocated to the SENCO role, alongside delays accessing external support, as factors which impacted the timely identification of needs.
Consequently, not only did SENCOs suggest that some children may transition to primary school without the necessary support in place, but also children with more complex needs tended to be focused upon. SENCOs commented that while early years settings have the scope to be more flexible and responsive to individual needs than schools, this could present further issues during transition. This led to suggestions that children with lower levels of SEN could be considered ‘missed’ in the early years.
The report makes 13 recommendations. The sharing of good practice, specifically related to developing family partnerships and creating inclusive environments, should be facilitated across sectors and later phases. Equally, work should be undertaken across education, health and care sectors to develop understanding of the SENCO role in the early years.
Throughout the research I was struck by the commitment of SENCOs. Yet it was unequivocal that there are a number of challenges within the sector and these are particularly heightened following the Covid-19 outbreak. Despite the will and best efforts of SENCOs, until the importance of the sector is acknowledged, in terms of recognising the professionalism for the SENCO role, alongside adequate funding for SEN and training for practitioners, there will remain issues with the timely identification of needs and provision of support.
- To find out more about the report, visit www.nasen.org.uk/identifyingseninearlyyears. To join in the debate, take part in nasen’s Early Years SENCO Twitter Chats (bit.ly/2OIahk5). To access nasen’s early years resources, visit: nasen.org.uk/training-and-cpd/early-years.html.
