Graduated Response - Pre-school

The Pre-school Graduated Response Toolkit has been produced in line with the SEND Code of Practice 2015, which provides statutory guidance on duties, policies and procedures relating to part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations.

Key Principles

• Inclusive practice – Every child should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum in a safe, supportive environment.
• Early identification – Recognising needs early ensures timely and effective support.
• Partnership with families – Parents and carers are central to planning and decision-making.
• Graduated approach – Support follows the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle.
• Collaboration – Providers work with health, education, and social care professionals.
• Evidence-based practice – Decisions are informed by observation and assessment.

Definitions

• Special Educational Needs (SEN) – A learning difficulty or disability requiring provision different from or additional to what is normally available for children of the same age.
• Disability – A physical or mental impairment with a substantial, long-term impact on daily activities.
• Mental Health – Emotional resilience and well-being that enables coping with life’s challenges.

Statutory responsibilities

Early years providers must: 

• Identify and respond to SEN quickly
• Listen to parents and carers and act on concerns
• Explain how they support children with SEND
• Regularly review the quality and range of support
• Work with the local authority to develop the Local Offer and collaborate with other settings. 

Local context and procedures

• Early Years Forum – Monitors children with SEND in Staffordshire.
• Local Offer – Information and support for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND, including education, health, social care, transport, and preparing for adulthood.

Cross-boundary guidance

• Children living near county borders may access services outside Staffordshire
• Funding - apply to the local authority where the setting is located
• EHC assessments - managed by the child's home authority
• Specialist services
  • Educational Psychologists - all Staffordshire children
  • Speech and Language Therapy - based on GP address
  • Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy - based on home address
  • Health Visitors - based on home address
  • Area SENCOs - support the setting
  • Autism Outreach and Sensory Support - available to all Staffordshire settings. 

Funding

Universal funding

• 15 hours Early Education Funding for all 3- and 4-year-olds. Information is available on the Staffordshire Early Years portal
• Additional options:
  • Think2
  • 30 hours funding
  • Universal Credit
  • Tax-Free Childcare
  • Care to Learn
  • Childcare Grant

SEND funding

Additional funding available for early years providers supporting children with SEND in Staffordshire: 

• SEND/Inclusion Funding.
• Disability Access Fund.
• EHC Plan support.

Additional funding available for available for families to support their children with SEND: 

• Disability Living Allowance
• Carer's Allowance

Other funding

• Early Years Pupil Premium - more information is available on the Early Years portal.
• Support for looked-after children.
• Charitable funds (e.g., Caudwell Trust, New Life).

Using additional funding effectively

• Focus on support, not resources - use funding for additional adult support, not equipment or training.
• Targeted intervention - address specific needs and accelerate progress.
• Build positive relationships - encourage independence, avoid dependency
• Structured sessions - short daily sessions plus group activities
• Promote independence - minimal, purposeful support
• Use learning hierarchies - teach new skills and apply them in everyday situations. More information can be found on the Intervention Central website.