special educational needs and disabilities Archives

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Today’s article is a guide explaining the support available to children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities. This is often referred to simply as ‘SEND’ or alternatively ‘SEN and disabilities’. Here, we will explore the importance of identifying SEND in children, the benefits of early intervention, and the various avenues available to help children affected. The information in this post should be useful to parents whose children may be impacted by special needs or disabilities and is one small part of our nursery’s serious commitment to supporting such children.

Why Identification Matters

Identifying Special Educational Needs & Disabilities in children is the first crucial first step in being able to help them. Only through identification can timely support and tailored interventions be put in place to help mitigate issues that may otherwise hold children back. It will empower parents, caregivers, early years practitioners and any supporting professionals to understand a child’s unique needs and thereby facilitate the provision of the right kinds of assistance.

The Benefits of Early Identification

Early identification of SEND is of crucial importance and offers numerous benefits for children affected. Put simply, it allows support measures to be put in place at the earliest opportunity, thereby minimising any delay in the child’s learning and development progress. Timely interventions can lead to enhancements like better communication skills, increased independence, and vastly improved overall development. Such help will enhance a child’s learning experiences, improve their quality of life, and also foster a sense of inclusivity. Inclusion is incredibly important to children’s mental health and well-being — and avoids them feeling isolated and ‘different’.

How Identification Works

Identifying SEND in children involves close collaboration between parents, caregivers, childcare nursery staff, the setting’s SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), healthcare professionals and, where needed, any specialists. This collaborative effort between parties emphasises the “Assess, Plan, Do, and Review” approach, which is a circular and evolving strategy to identify any areas of concern and ultimately to support the child. For children under five, the EYFS framework for early years settings also incorporates a similar, complementary approach. For children specifically aged two, the official ‘Progress Check at 2‘ will also be a key tool within the assessment and planning stages.

The Tailored Support Plan

The resulting tailored support plan is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual child. Through the ‘review’ element embedded in the approach, such plans evolve over time as their effectiveness is continuously assessed. As adjustments are deemed to be required, they are fine-tuned en route as and whenever necessary. Specialists like speech and language therapists or other professional expertise may also be brought in to provide additional support if appropriate.

Recourse to an EHC Assessment

Should, for whatever reason, the support plan be deemed ineffective, parents, health visitors, healthcare professionals or even family members are also at liberty to request an Education, Health & Care Assessment (‘EHC’). If the application for such an assessment proves successful, it will be organised by the child’s local authority. More information about EHC assessments is available here.

Special Funding from the Local Authority

Additionally, the child’s local authority may provide special funding through their own ‘Area SENCo’ (Area Special Educational Needs Coordinator). If sanctioned, this funding can be used for tailored support like additional staff, extra learning resources, specialist equipment, or bespoke activities tailored to the child’s specific needs. The Area SENCo also assists with transitioning children from early years settings to school.

The Local Offer

Local authorities publish what’s known as a ‘Local Offer’ on their online information portal. This explains what support is available for young people with special educational needs or disabilities. This resource is designed to help families understand the services and assistance potentially available, for their child, in their local area. By way of example, the local authority for Edgbaston is Birmingham City Council, whose Local Offer portal can be found here.

Childcare Funding for Children with SEND

Eligible children under five with SEND may be able to access additional funding to cover some of the costs associated with childcare. This is a significant topic in its own right and, as such, may indeed merit its own separate blog post. We may look at that in due course, so watch this space. However, to give you a flavour, a few examples of childcare funding available specifically to eligible children with SEND include:

an upgrade, potentially to £4,000 of childcare support, through the Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme for those with disabilities;
additional childcare hours for children aged 2 if they are receiving Disability Living Allowance (‘DLA’);
additional childcare hours for children aged 2 if they are the subject of an Education, Health & Care (‘EHC’) plan.

Our Commitment

At Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery in Edgbaston, we are committed to supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. Identification of issues, early intervention and collaboration between ourselves, parents, caregivers, and specialists like healthcare professionals, is essential for the well-being and development of children with SEND. Such support can make a hugely positive impact on their lives. With that in mind, we take all measures necessary to facilitate this, in a warm and nurturing environment that promotes inclusive learning for all.

Contact Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Please don’t hesitate to contact us about nursery places for babies, toddlers and preschoolers under five, or to discuss how we can assist your child. With Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery, your child will be in good hands. Ofsted rates us as a Good Provider of childcare and early years education and we also support the various Government-funded childcare schemes, making childcare more affordable for eligible families.

To enquire about a nursery/preschool place for your child, arrange a free guided tour, or ask any questions, please contact us through one of the options below.

Leaps and Bounds is a good nursery and preschool in Edgbaston, near Birmingham. For those requiring high-quality childcare for under-fives near Ladywood, Bearwood, Harborne or Smethwick, we are also conveniently close, so do consider us for your childcare needs if you live or work in any of those nearby locations.

15 September 2023/by Mark

1 year olds, 2 year olds, 3 & 4 year olds, 5 year olds, Childcare, Dyspraxia, Early years, Early Years Development, Edgbaston, Learning & Development, Nurseries, Nursery, Preschool, Preschoolers, SEND, Special Educational Needs & Disabilities, Toddlers, Under-5s

Dyspraxia in Early Childhood: Signs, Support & Solutions

As parents and caregivers, we all want the best for our children’s development and well-being. While every child is unique and may have their own set of challenges, it’s important to be aware of conditions that might affect their growth and learning. One such condition is dyspraxia, a developmental* disorder that can impact a child’s motor skills, coordination, and overall daily functioning. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of dyspraxia, explain how to recognise its signs, and suggest what can be done to support children who have been diagnosed with the condition.

What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a neurological condition that affects a child’s ability to plan and coordinate movements. Children with dyspraxia may seem clumsy and may struggle with certain tasks that involve physical coordination (we’ll give some examples later in this article). It’s important to note that dyspraxia is not related to muscle weakness, intelligence or cognitive impairment. In contrast, it’s a disorder caused through the brain’s inability to send accurate signals to the body’s muscles.

Points to Note

The prevalence of dyspraxia is generally estimated to be around 5-6% of the UK population. However, estimates vary because symptoms manifest differently in different individuals and so may not always be recognised or diagnosed. This can therefore impact the accuracy of prevalence estimates.
A definitive diagnosis is not possible before the age of 4 to 5.
More boys than girls are affected by dyspraxia.
Children affected by dyspraxia may sometimes also be affected by other conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and speech issues.
Dyspraxia is a lifelong condition that currently has no known cure. However, there are various interventions, therapies, and strategies that can help individuals with dyspraxia manage their challenges and improve their quality of life.

Recognising the Signs

While signs of dyspraxia may start to emerge during the early years of a child’s life, official diagnosis is a complex process and may not be fully possible before the age of 4 to 5. Diagnosis also typically becomes more accurate as a child gets older, as developmental milestones become more apparent.

For parents and caregivers, recognising the signs of possible dyspraxia in young children is crucial for timely intervention and support. Bear in mind, though, that children develop at different rates, so some variations in motor skills are normal. That said, some possible signs follow below.

• Signs in Infancy

In infancy and when children are toddlers, it might be challenging to differentiate between typical developmental variations and early signs of dyspraxia. Some children may exhibit mild motor delays, such as late rolling over, crawling, or walking, without necessarily having dyspraxia — so it’s tricky! If you have concerns, it’s a good idea to monitor your child’s progress and discuss any observations with your paediatrician or health visitor. They can provide guidance and monitor your child’s development over time.

• Signs in Preschool Years

During the preschool years (around ages 3 to 5), certain signs of dyspraxia may become more noticeable. Children with dyspraxia might struggle with activities that require fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil, using scissors, zipping jackets, or buttoning clothes. They may also have challenges with gross motor skills like jumping, hopping, and running. Some may regularly bump into things, have frequent falls and have poor balance. At this stage, if you observe persistent difficulties that seem beyond typical developmental variations, consider consulting an occupational therapist or a developmental specialist for a comprehensive assessment.

• Signs in School-Age Children

As children enter school and face more structured activities that involve motor coordination, the challenges associated with dyspraxia may become even more apparent. Difficulties with handwriting, tying shoelaces, participating in sports, ball games, and other motor-based tasks may lead to increased concerns. If these challenges continue and impact your child’s daily functioning, seeking a professional evaluation becomes even more important. Occupational therapists, paediatric neurologists, and developmental paediatricians are skilled in assessing and diagnosing conditions like dyspraxia.

• Other Potential Signs of Dyspraxia

There are also a few additional possible signs to look out for, although not all children affected by dyspraxia will exhibit them:

Possible delayed speech and language development;
A possible lack of spatial awareness including difficulty understanding personal space and boundaries;
Possible difficulty following directions (left/right/etc.);
Occasionally, a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, like touch, texture, or noise.

As we said before, however, having any of the above symptoms does not necessarily mean the child has dyspraxia, but it is a possibility.

Supporting Children with Dyspraxia

Early intervention and tailored support can make a significant difference in the lives of children with dyspraxia. The following are some strategies that parents and caregivers can implement to help children with dyspraxia thrive.

Professional Assessment — If you suspect your child might have dyspraxia, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician or occupational therapist. A thorough evaluation can provide a clear diagnosis and guide appropriate interventions.

Motor Skill Development — Occupational therapy can be highly beneficial for improving motor skills and coordination. Occupational therapists use specialised activities and exercises to target specific areas of difficulty.

Physical Activities — Engage your child in activities that promote movement and coordination. Choose activities that can help improve motor skills in an enjoyable and engaging way.

Speech and Language Therapy — For children with dyspraxia who also have speech and language difficulties, speech therapy can help improve such skills.

Sensory Integration Therapy — Some children with dyspraxia also experience sensory sensitivities. Sensory integration therapy aims to help individuals process sensory information more effectively, which can have a positive impact on their overall functioning.

Structured Routines — Establishing structured daily routines can provide a sense of predictability and help children with dyspraxia manage their tasks more effectively.

Supportive Learning Environments — Collaboration with teachers and childcare providers will create a supportive learning environment that accommodates the child’s needs. This might include modified activities, extra time for tasks, assistive technology, modified tools, and providing visual cues.

Communication and Patience — Open communication with the child and patience are key. Encourage your child to express their feelings and frustrations, and provide reassurance and understanding in return.

Self-Advocacy and Coping Strategies — As individuals with dyspraxia grow older, they can develop their own self-awareness and advocacy skills. Learning coping strategies, time management techniques, and self-advocacy can help them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Summing Up

Dyspraxia is a complex condition that can present challenges, but with early recognition and appropriate support, children with dyspraxia can lead fulfilling and successful lives. By seeking professional guidance, implementing targeted interventions, and creating a supportive environment, parents and caregivers can play a vital role in helping children navigate the world with confidence and resilience.

Leaps & Bounds Nursery, Edgbaston, Birmingham

At Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery in Edgbaston, we will offer all possible support for children who are potentially affected by dyspraxia. This includes watching out for the signs and putting in place tailored support programmes wherever appropriate. With the right support and resources in place, dyspraxic children can overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Leaps & Bounds is officially a Good Provider of childcare and early years education — and that’s according to Ofsted, who are totally independent. We are perfect if you are looking for a good nursery or preschool in Edgbaston, or near Birmingham, also being convenient to those looking for high-quality childcare for under-fives near Ladywood, Bearwood, Harborne and Smethwick. We support all Government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families too. So, if you would like to give your baby, toddler or under-five child a wonderful start in life, consider Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery for their childcare and early years education. We’ll bring out the very best in them to ensure they’re school-ready and primed to thrive by the time they leave us to start school. Book a tour, register your child for a nursery place or get in touch with any queries below — we’ll be delighted to help.

^{* This article relates to the developmental version of dyspraxia, not the type caused through physical trauma or brain injury. Medical professionals may also refer to developmental dyspraxia as Developmental Coordination Disorder (‘DCD’) or Specific Developmental Disorder of Motor Function (‘SDDMF’). In this, for simplicity and brevity, we refer to the condition simply as dyspraxia.}

17 August 2023/by Mark