Request for paperwork Early Years Forum reviews
Email reminders have been sent out requesting information for children scheduled to be discussed at Early Years Forum in July.
The July Forum takes place after the end of the school term. Please can you ensure that if you have a child being reviewed at Forum in July that you have updated all paperwork – SSO tracking and SEN Support Plan prior to the close of term. You are welcome to send any other recent supporting paperwork.
If you have any queries please email Earlyyearsforum@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Early Years SEN inclusion funding
Early Years SENIF panel does not meet in August. Any applications for SEN Inclusion funding to start September 2026 submitted after 30th June 2026 will be considered at the September 2026 SENIF panel meeting. Autumn term dates are available on the website: SEND Inclusion Funding
Assistive technology training now available for all staff
The Department for Education (DfE) are making free online assistive technology training materials available to all staff for the first time.
When used effectively, assistive technology – tools that help children with SEND overcome barriers to learning – can make a real difference.
These optional training materials include practical examples of how to integrate assistive technology into early years practice, with examples across early years settings, schools, and colleges. They focus on harnessing the benefits of low-cost, readily available assistive technology, such as dictation or text-to-speech software, and engaging with relevant specialists, like occupational therapists.
The materials are flexible and quick to complete (around an hour or less) and they're based on content previously approved by the Education Endowment Foundation.
This is the first step, with more comprehensive assistive technology training to follow.
To access the training materials click the button below.
Specialist support: Experts at Hand
Earlier this month, the Department for Education (DfE) published guidance for local authorities and Integrated Care Boards on what the first year of Experts at Hand should look like.
£1.8 billion is being invested over the next three years through the Experts at Hand and Local Authority SEND Transformation Fund. Experts at Hand is available to all early years settings, including private, voluntary and independent providers and childminders.
It will give you easier access to specialist advice and guidance from professionals including:
- speech and language therapists and support workers or assistants
- educational psychologists and trainees
- occupational therapists and support workers or assistants
- specialist teachers, both local authority based and those based in specialist or AP settings
Experts will work alongside staff, observing children in their learning environment, coaching and modelling effective approaches, and providing practical strategies that can be embedded into everyday teaching and learning. Support is focused primarily on groups, classes or whole-setting approaches, helping more children at once while building staff confidence and skills, with one-to-one help provided occasionally where it’s most needed.
Experts at Hand is designed to strengthen, not replace, existing SEND support, including provision accessed through EHCPs. Its focus is on early intervention, inclusive practice and building long-term capacity within mainstream settings.
By bringing health and education expertise closer to where children and young people are, and by strengthening partnerships between settings, health services and families, Experts at Hand aims to improve outcomes for pupils, reduce the need for escalation to specialist services and help create a more joined-up and sustainable SEND system where every child can achieve and thrive.
For more information please click the button below.
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