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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
Somerset Graduated Response Framework
A guide to make sure every child and young person in a Somerset education setting gets the support they need
Sensory processing
Information and advice available in Somerset to identify sensory processing difficulties, and find strategies to help.

Supporting parents

Parenting support in Somerset
Parenting programmes can give you time to learn new ideas, try different approaches, and get support to help you and your child.
Working flexibly and taking time off – your rights
How you can adjust your working hours or take time off if your child has extra support needs.
Food support for families in Somerset
Find food support for families, including holiday food programmes and other help with essential costs.
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
Trusted support, advice and advocacy to help you make choices and have your voice heard.

Services to help in the early years

Professionals in SEND and their roles
An introduction to the different professionals who support children and young people with SEND, and how their roles work together.
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
Health professionals must tell the council about children who may need extra support when they start school
Bladder and bowel support for children
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
Early Years Support – Young Somerset
At Young Somerset, our Early Years practitioners can offer a wide-range of free support to both parents of 0-5 year olds and Early Years settings.

Preparing for school

Primary Admissions Guide
Useful information about choosing a school and applying for a school, all in one place
Planning to start school
Starting school can be an exciting time. It can also cause some concern for some families. Planning ahead can help support all children
Delayed or accelerated school admission
How to ask for your child to start school a year early or a year late

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Early years 0 to 5