Qualified early years graduates support early years providers, including group settings and childminders, to develop effective inclusive practice for children aged 0 to 5. Inclusion Advisers have a high level of experience of working with young children, children with special educational needs, and their families.

We provide advice and practical support to all early years providers about early identification, and support for, young children with special educational needs and disabilities. We help facilitate their transition to a setting, and into compulsory schooling.

Through visits to settings, training, and local cluster meetings, we provide initial training and ongoing support to all staff in early years provision.

We work closely with the Area SENCO and Portage staff within the Early Years SEND Service.  We also work with specialist Early Years Educational Psychologists, and other professional colleagues from within Education, Health, and Social Care within the “Multi Agency Identification and Support in the Early Years” (MAISEY) process.

Coming soon:

We are in the process of developing more support for parents, such as regular coffee mornings, and a weekly parent advice line.

Inclusion Advisers are part of the Early Years SEND Service.

Contact

Jess Cullen, Inclusion Adviser for East Somerset, Jessica.cullen1@somerset.gov.uk

Naomi White, Inclusion Adviser for West Somerset, naomi.white@somerset.gov.uk

Type of provision

Universal - This is for everyone, including people with special educational needs and disabilities