Graduated Response - Pre-school

Early years settings play a vital role in creating an inclusive environment and ensuring children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support. This section outlines key responsibilities for managers and leaders.

Ethos and management responsibilities

• Inclusive ethos - every child should feel valued and supported. Settings must promote equality and celebrate diversity.
• Leadership commitment - managers should lead by example, ensuring SEND is a priority in policies, practice, and staff development.
• Staff training - provide ongoing professional development, so staff understand SEND and how to implement effective strategies. They should be aware of the key content in the relevant documents, including:
  • The SEND Code of Practice (2015) - GOV.UK and Early years: guide to the 0-25 SEND code of practice (2014) - GOV.UK
  • Children and Families Act (2014) - Legislation website
  • Equality Act (2010) GOV.UK
  • Statutory Guidance for Early Years Foundation Stage (2017) - Foundation Years website
  • GDPR - RDNA website
  • EEF Early Years Toolkit - Education Endowment Foundation website
  • EEF Early Literacy Guidance - Education Endowment Foundation website
  • EEF Early Numeracy Guidance - Education Endowment Foundation website
• Communication - share information clearly with staff, parents, and external professionals to maintain consistency in support. 

Assessment, identification and monitoring

• Early identification - observe children regularly to spot emerging needs. Use developmental milestones and progress checks to guide decisions.
• Assess, plan, do, review - follow this cycle to plan interventions, monitor progress, and adapt support as needed.
• Record keeping - maintain accurate records of observations, assessments and interventions. Share updates with parents and relevant professionals.
• Use of data - analyse data to identify trends and inform whole-setting improvements. 

Audit tools

Audit tools help settings evaluate their SEND provision and identify areas for improvement. Settings may choose to use other audit materials, such as those included on the NASEN website. 

Types of audits

• Whole-setting audit - review policies, environment and resources to ensure inclusivity
• Staff skills audit - identify training needs and plan professional development
• Action plan - use audit findings to create clear, achievable improvement plans.