Working with your SENCO in the early years can make all the difference for children with SEND. Learn how to build a strong, supportive partnership from the start 💬👶
Working with your SENCO from the start
Working with your SENCO can feel like opening the door to understanding and support in your child’s early years. When your child has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), it’s natural to have questions, emotions, and uncertainties. One of the most important people you’ll come across in nursery or preschool is the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, or SENCO. This person plays a key role in making sure your child is supported in ways that work for them, not just for the setting.
Let’s look at how to build a strong and effective partnership with your SENCO, right from the start 💪💬
🤔 What does a SENCO do and why is it important?
A SENCO is the staff member responsible for coordinating the support for children with SEND in early years settings. They work with your child’s key worker and other professionals to make sure your child’s needs are understood and met.
You can think of them as your main contact in the nursery or preschool when it comes to SEND. They help plan the right support, keep track of progress, and connect you with extra help if needed.
📞 When should you speak to your SENCO?
As early as possible. Even if you are only just starting to notice something or have a gut feeling that something is not quite right, it is worth a conversation. You do not need a diagnosis to get help. Your SENCO is there to listen and work alongside you.
🤝 Tips for working with your SENCO in early years
📣 Keep the communication flowing
Regular conversations make all the difference. You can ask for informal chats, send emails, or use a communication book that travels between home and nursery. These notes help highlight changes in behaviour, sensory responses, or what strategies are working at home.
📂 Share everything that matters
If you have any professional reports – from paediatricians, speech and language therapists, or others – give copies to the SENCO. It helps paint a fuller picture. When describing your child, include the difficult days too. This helps ensure support reflects the reality, not just the best-case scenario.
💡 You are the expert on your child
You know your child better than anyone else. Do not be afraid to share what you see and feel. If the SENCO’s understanding of your child feels off, say so. Working with your SENCO is about collaboration – not just being told what’s available.
📘 Learn the basics of the system
You do not need to become a specialist, but understanding a few key ideas helps. Your SENCO can explain what support is possible without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and what might be needed to apply for one. They can also guide you through Early Intervention Funding (SENIF), which can bring in extra support earlier.
🗂️ Keep good records
Make notes after meetings, save emails, and write down anything agreed. If things change, or challenges come up later, you will have a clear history of what was discussed and when.
🧩 What kind of support can a SENCO arrange?
Your SENCO might write an Individual Support Plan (ISP) which outlines strategies, goals, and actions. While this is not legally binding like an EHCP, it is still an important document. It shows what is in place to support your child and how progress will be tracked.
Nurseries and preschools have their own budget for what is called “Ordinarily Available Provision.” But there may be times when you need to apply for an EHCP to access more structured, long-term support. Your SENCO can help with this process, although you can also apply as a parent.
They can also refer your child to professionals such as:
- Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs)
- Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- Physiotherapists
These referrals are usually through the NHS, and waiting lists can be long. Some families choose private assessments to move more quickly, and these reports can also support an EHCP application.
🏫 Support during the move to primary school
Working with your SENCO becomes even more important during transitions. They are responsible for sharing important information with your child's new school and helping make the move smoother. They might help set up visits, plan extra transition sessions, or pass on relevant documents and strategies that work for your child.
💬 You are not doing this alone
At Fun and Play, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel at times. That is why we are here to help you feel informed, supported, and connected. Working with your SENCO is not always easy, but it can be one of the most valuable parts of your journey in the early years.
You are doing the hard work every single day, and your voice matters. Keep showing up, keep asking questions, and keep going 💛👣
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
What does a SENCO do in a preschool?
A SENCO coordinates SEND support, makes referrals, and works with families and key workers to create plans for children who need additional help.
Do I need a diagnosis to get help from the SENCO?
No, you do not need a diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child’s development or behaviour, you can speak to the SENCO at any time.
Can I apply for an EHCP without the SENCO?
Yes, you can apply directly as a parent, but the SENCO can help by providing important evidence and observations from the setting.
What is the difference between an ISP and an EHCP?
An ISP is a support plan used within the setting. It is not legally binding. An EHCP is a legal document that outlines all the support a child needs across education, health, and care.
What if I disagree with the SENCO?
It is okay to speak up and ask for further discussion or input from others. You know your child best. Staying polite but clear is often the best way to keep the partnership strong.