EHCPs from birth - the right you might not know about

An EHCP can be maintained from birth, not just from school age. If your young child has significant special educational needs, you can request an EHC needs assessment at any age. This is powerful because early intervention has been shown to make enormous differences to children's development and outcomes. In East Riding of Yorkshire, you can request an early years EHCP for a baby, toddler, or preschooler - you don't have to wait until they're of compulsory school age. Under the Children and Families Act 2014, any parent can request an assessment, and the local authority must consider whether early intervention is needed.

Portage and early years support

If your child has an early years EHCP, the provision might include: portage (home-visiting support from a specialist), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or specialist nursery provision. Portage is particularly valuable for young children - a trained portage worker visits your home and works with you and your child to support development. This is far more accessible than waiting for clinic-based services. East Riding of Yorkshire Council should offer portage for children with significant needs - insist on it.

Specialist nurseries and early years settings

Some specialist nurseries have SEND expertise and can provide a more appropriate environment for children with complex needs. Your EHCP can name a specialist nursery and fund additional support. If your child has sensory needs, communication difficulties, physical disabilities, or complex medical needs, a specialist setting may be more appropriate than a mainstream nursery. You have the right to express a preference for which nursery your child attends, just as you do for school.

Transition to school

The transition from early years to primary school is a critical moment. Ensure the transition is planned well in advance, that the primary school understands your child's needs, and that the EHCP is updated to reflect their new environment and needs. Some children benefit from a longer pre-school year or a gradual transition. Early years EHCPs should include transition planning - East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the preschool should be planning this from age 3.

Why early identification matters

Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes. Children who receive appropriate support from an early age develop better foundations for learning, language, independence, and social skills. Don't wait for your child to fall behind at school if you can see developmental concerns now. An early EHCP is an investment in your child's future - it levels the playing field and gives your child the best possible start.