Early years 0 to 5

Help and advice for children aged 0 to 5, including staying healthy, support for parents and getting ready for school

Identifying needs and responding to concerns

Early Years advice sheets

Practical advice and ideas to help support the physical, occupational and communication development of a child in their early years

Children’s hearing concerns

Signs of hearing loss and what to do if your child is struggling

Children’s vision concerns

Signs of vision problems and what to do if your child is struggling

Child growth and development

The early years of a child’s life are very important for their health and development

Early Years Graduated Response

Setting out the provision that is ordinarily available in Somerset early years settings at both Universal and SEN Support Levels

Sensory processing

Information and advice available in Somerset to identify sensory processing difficulties, and find strategies to help.

Supporting parents

Parenting programmes in Somerset

In some cases parents may find it helpful to attend a parenting course to help them work through particular issues they may be experiencing

Flexible working and parental rights

Information about flexible working or time off if your child has additional needs

Food support for families in Somerset

Support is available for families who may be struggling to find food

Childcare and short breaks

Find information about childcare options including early years, wraparound and short breaks

Children with Disabilities Service

Support, equipment, short breaks and care for disabled children and those caring for them

SEND advice and advocacy

Support to make choices and get your voice heard

Services to help in the early years

What SEND professionals do

These are some of the people who may be working with you

The role of a health visitor

Getting to know your Health Visiting Service

Children’s Occupational Therapy

Helping children and young people join in activities as much as they can in their daily lives

Children’s Speech and Language Therapy

Helping children and young people who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing

Children’s Physiotherapy

Helping children and young people develop their physical skills

Section 23 of the Children and Families Act 2014

Our responsibility under Section 23 of the Children and Families Act 2014

Paediatric Continence

Support for children and young people's bladder and bowel care

Somerset Portage Service

Portage Workers support families and their young children individually in their homes, or in small groups, to promote the child’s development through play

Preparing for school

Apply to start school for the first time

If your child is due to start school for the first time you can apply for a place

Primary Admissions Guide

Useful information about choosing a school and applying for a a school, all in one place

Delayed or accelerated school admission

How to ask for your child to start school a year early or a year late