Taking children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into account

The expanded entitlement childcare programme is for all children. The programme guidance states that:

The programme should deliver provision that is child-centred, easily accessible, and responds to the needs of the families, including those of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It further states that:

All providers are expected to make reasonable adjustments for children with disabilities, in accordance with their duties under the Equality Act 2010, whether or not they have SEND. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) are clear that if a reasonable adjustment is needed to enable children with disabilities to attend childcare, providers must pay for it, not parents.

So, any business plan must include how provision is going to be inclusive and accessible now and in the future.

We are looking at how we can work in partnership with others to offer training and guidance for schools and providers to ensure that they can offer inclusive, accessible childcare for all children and families.

If you have any queries or need further help, then please email EYExpansionCapitalFundingApplications@gloucestershire.gov.uk  📧