Finding a nursery, pre-school or childminder
Finding a suitable nursery, pre-school or other early education setting including childminders for a child with special education needs may seem daunting, but help is available.
Who can help?
- Knowsley Childcare Brokerage Service for parents/carers with a Disabled Child or requiring bespoke childcare
- Professionals involved with your family may have experience of local early years provision and know which settings have a good track record with disabled children. If you have a key worker, they may be able to help with arranging visits.
- Parents that you meet through support groups or web forums can be a valuable source of information. Just bear in mind that children's needs differ and what suits one may not suit another.
- Knowsley’s Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (formally Parent Partnership) will have information about early education for children with special educational needs.
- Find a list of early education and childcare providers by visiting our Parent Portal.
What sort of provision is there?
Almost all young children with disabilities or special educational needs are included in mainstream settings, though there are a few specialist nurseries and assessment centres for children with particularly severe or complex needs.
Nursery schools and classes
These generally cater for children aged 3 - 5 and open term-time during school hours. They may be state-run or private, and children may attend full or part time. A place in a nursery class attached to a state school does not guarantee a place in the reception class at the school. Information on Nursery Class Admissions can be found on the Knowsley.gov website
Childminders
Ofsted Registered Childminders. A childminder is somebody who provides childcare for children in the childminder's own home for more than two hours a day. In England Childminders must be registered with Ofsted. Childminders can also offer 2, 3 and 4 year old funded places for Early Education.
Pre-schools and playgroups
These run part-time play-based sessions for children normally aged 2 - 5. Parents may be involved in running the group. You can find out more from the Pre-school Learning Alliance.
Day nurseries
These cater for children aged 0 - 5 and are open to cover the working day. They include council nurseries, community nurseries and workplace nurseries. You can find out more about types of early education from the Coram Family & Chldcare Trust.
What to look for
Aim to visit several early years settings so you can get a feel for what is available. You could prepare a list of questions in advance, based on what you think your child may need, on topics such as:
- layout - Are there quiet areas? Outside space? Is the space cluttered?
- facilities and equipment - could your child use the equipment?
- ratio of staff to children
- size of groups - are they split by age?
- training and experience of staff
- how do staff manage difficult behaviour?
- do staff seem genuinely interested in your child and willing to learn?
- is there an inclusive atmosphere
- how are parents involved?
- is there a relationship with any outside support services?
It may also be useful to look at Ofsted inspection reports, and the parents' section of the Coram Family & Chldcare Trust website.