West Sussex SEND Under 5s is a local support process for children under five who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Its aim is to identify children’s needs as early as possible and provide practical support to children, families and early years settings. The service works alongside professionals such as Early Years and Childcare Advisors, Portage, Speech and Language Therapy, health professionals and early years practitioners to understand a child’s needs, put appropriate support in place and review their progress. Support can include advice for families, help accessing early years provision, support for the setting and transition support when a child moves on to school. 

For families: The process is designed to work in partnership with parents/carers, ensuring their views are included when decisions and support are planned.