The early years (from birth to age 5) are a very important time in your child’s life. It’s when they start to explore the world, develop relationships, learn to communicate, and build the foundations for future learning.

In Croydon, there are a range of services to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families during these early stages. Whether your child is just starting nursery or you're concerned about their development, help is available to make sure they get the best possible start.

Early learning and development includes all the things that help your child grow and learn, such as:

• Playing, exploring and being curious
  
• Learning to speak, listen, and understand others
  
• Developing physical skills like crawling, walking, or using their hands
  
• Making friends and learning how to express feelings
  
• Becoming more independent and ready for school
  

For children with SEND, this might look different - and they may need some extra help along the way.

Croydon offers a range of support for young children with SEND, including:

• Free early education and childcare places (from age 2 or 3 depending on eligibility).
• Support in nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to meet individual needs.
• Specialist early years settings like the nursery at St Giles School.
• The Early Years SEND Support Team, who help settings create the right environment for learning.
• Portage Home Visiting Service - for children with significant developmental delay.
• Access to Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and other health services.
• Help from Specialist Health Visitors trained to support families of children with SEND.
• Early Help services for emotional, practical and family support.
• Support through Childcare Inclusion Funding and the Disability Access Fund (DAF).

Families in Croydon may be entitled to help with childcare costs, including:

• 15 hours free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds.
• 15 or 30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds.
• Extra support through the Disability Access Fund (DAF) for children with SEND.
• Inclusion Funding to help early years settings support your child’s needs.

To check what you may be eligible for and how to apply, please click here. 

This site has an easy-to-use eligibility checker and helpful information on funded hours and additional support for families of children with SEND.

You know your child best.

Services in Croydon will work with you to:

• Understand your child’s needs
  
• Set goals together
  
• Create personalised support plans
  
• Get the right help in place early
  

You’ll also be supported to access funding, benefits and other services to help your family.

You can find helpful information and support by visiting:

• Childcare | Croydon Council – for local nursery and childcare options.
• Childcare Funding Information – for details about funded hours and SEND support.
• Speak to your health visitor, nursery SENCo, or family support worker for help and advice.