Starting the journey to find the right early years setting with SEND support can feel overwhelming. As parents and carers ourselves, we get it. It is not just about finding a nursery or preschool, it is about finding somewhere that understands and supports your child from the very beginning. You want a setting where your little one will be seen, supported, and given space to thrive 🌱
This guide is packed with what we at Fun and Play have learned, from years of navigating SEND in the early years. We are not professionals, just fellow carers and parents, sharing experience and helpful steps. Here's what to look for when you're choosing an early years setting with SEND support in Surrey, especially around Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames.
Why early years support is so important 💡
Those early years matter more than many realise. The right support at the right time can have a huge impact on your child’s development. A setting that understands SEND can help flag needs early and make referrals where needed. Some nurseries are fantastic at spotting what your child might need and offering gentle early support before any formal diagnosis is in place.
Good early years settings will know how to work closely with your local authority’s SEND team. They may even help you secure extra support like an EHCP down the line. But support can and should begin before that.
Understanding what early support can look like 🧸
Not all support needs to wait for an EHCP. Here are a few types of early help that can make a real difference:
- Surrey Support Plan or Early Intervention Funding (SENIF): These allow settings to apply for extra help tailored to your child’s needs, even without an EHCP in place.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA): If your child has additional care needs, you may be eligible. Many families use this to cover therapies, sensory equipment, or extra support. It is flexible and based on your child’s care needs, not a diagnosis.
- 1 to 1 support and funded hours: There are challenges around how many hours of one to one support a child might receive before starting school, especially if you get the full 30 funded hours. Some families find this capped at 15. If that happens, it is worth asking questions and being clear about what your child is entitled to.
What to look for in an early years setting with SEND support 🔍
When you are visiting nurseries or preschools, take your time and keep these in mind:
🌈 Environment and atmosphere
Does it feel inclusive and welcoming? Look out for quiet corners and sensory-friendly spaces. A smaller, calmer setting might suit some children better.
👩🏫 Staff experience and attitude
The staff should show genuine understanding and warmth. You want a team that welcomes all children, not one that only adapts when needed. Ask how they support children with SEND as part of everyday practice.
📒 Communication with families
Daily updates, visual charts, communication books: these are all signs of a setting that keeps you in the loop. Being able to track tricky days and work together really helps.
🧩 The SENCO
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is your key contact. They should be proactive, organised, and confident in SEND processes. Ask if they are familiar with local referrals, EHCPs, and what early support they can offer.
🧠 Tailored learning and therapy input
Some nurseries have access to Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy, and a few even have sensory rooms. Play-based, hands-on learning is especially helpful for young children with additional needs.
Asking the right questions on your visit ❓
Here are a few helpful questions to prepare:
- How does your setting support children with SEND?
- Can you apply for SENIF or other early intervention funding?
- Do you adapt your routines or curriculum for individual children?
- What experience does your SENCO have?
- Do you run SEND-specific sessions or support groups?
Local inclusive activities to look out for in Surrey 🧃
Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames have a growing number of inclusive sessions. Here are just a few examples:
- SEND soft play sessions at places like Woking Leisure Centre, with quiet lighting, enclosed spaces and fewer participants.
- Short Breaks sessions funded by Surrey County Council: free activities at Heathside and Manby Lodge, especially for children with SEND.
- SEN sessions at Meadow Bank: gentle, inclusive soft play with trained staff on hand.
These are all brilliant ways to get your child involved in safe, supported play while giving you a bit of a breather too.
Staying strong and pushing forward 💪
Finding the right early years setting with SEND support can feel like a long process. Sometimes it is hard to even know what you are entitled to, let alone how to get it. But persistence pays off. Be confident asking questions. Know that you deserve clear answers. And above all, remember your child deserves to feel safe, welcome, and supported right from the start.
You are not alone in this journey. We are right here with you ❤️
FAQs about choosing an early years setting with SEND support
What is a SENCO and why is it important?
A SENCO is the person responsible for coordinating SEND support within a nursery or preschool. They help identify needs, liaise with external services, and ensure that the right support is in place.
Can I get support without an EHCP?
Yes. Many nurseries can access early intervention funding or apply for Surrey Support Plans. You can also claim Disability Living Allowance to help with the costs of care and support.
How do I know if a setting is truly inclusive?
Look for calm spaces, adapted activities, and staff who welcome questions about SEND. Ask if the setting already supports children with additional needs and how they do it.
What should I do if a setting seems unsure about supporting SEND?
Trust your instincts. Keep looking. You need a setting that is confident and capable of meeting your child’s needs, not one that makes you feel like a burden.
Can I get financial help for my child’s care needs?
Yes. You can apply for DLA regardless of diagnosis, based on your child’s care needs. You might also be eligible for funded hours or direct payments.