Early Years Inclusion Process

In Worcestershire, we have co-produced a definition of inclusion that we support all educational settings, including Early Years providers, in working with. The implementation of the Early Years Graduated response incorporates an Early Help offer, and the following link provides a helpful flow chart that demonstrates providers’ responsibilities, Early Years Inclusion flow chart (PDF).

• Early Years Inclusion Process - Information for Parents (PDF)
• Early Years Inclusion Process - Information for Health Professionals (PDF)
• Early Years Inclusion Process - Portal Guide For Health Professionals (PDF)
• Early Years Inclusion Process - Information for EY Settings (PDF)
• Early Years Inclusion Process - Parent Questionnaire (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions for the Early Years Inclusion Notification and Process (PDF)
• Guidance for completing the Child's voice section EHM 2024 (PDF)

If you are a parent or carer and have concerns about your child starting nursery or school and you think they need some extra help, please speak to your GP, Health Visitor or early education worker (e.g. nursery or childminder) about the Early Years Inclusion Process (EYIP).

You can find out more about EYIP by visiting our dedicated web page for parents and carer on our Local Offer: Early Years Inclusion Process for parents

The Inclusion Team encourages providers to take responsibility for making changes to their provision to meet the needs of the children in your care. The inclusion team can support the development of inclusive practice by advising on:

• supporting early identification and intervention
• observations and planning for children with SEND
• role of Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
• guidance on Individual Support/Educational Plans and Provision Maps
• visual aids and strategies
• strategies to support specific areas of development
• behaviour management for children with SEND
• support with liaison with parents for consistency of approach
• guidance on SEN policies required within early years settings
• support with and signposting to a range of professionals and specialist agencies
• support with transition

The Early Years Inclusion Process is designed to support settings, children, and families in implementing the graduated response. Typically, health providers will make the initial notification to the EYIP when SEND is identified. However, EY providers can also notify EYIP when the reviews of the graduated response indicate that despite high levels of support being provided and/or the use of specialised strategies and resources, a child is making limited progress in specific or across all areas of development. This is typically identified through the EYFS Early Support Levels (tracking templates can be found on the Early Years Inclusion Team Website. 

All Early Years providers and health professionals are able to notify the Local Authority of a CYP that may have SEND needs that require additional levels of support and/or provision and this is done through the new Early Years Inclusion Process. All Early Years providers should have access to the portal (if not this can be requested).

The decision to notify the Early Years Inclusion Process must be discussed with parents prior to submission and they will be requested to complete a parent questionnaire. This parent questionnaire can be completed at the time of submitting the notification, and this will lead to shorter timescales between notification and outcome. We are recommending this method.

You can find out more about funding opportunities, the support available to parents of children with additional needs and view our useful resources for inclusion booklets and leaflets.