Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Accepted
Paragraph: 179
Government demonstrates renewed focus on early years SEND training and cross-departmental working.
Conclusion
It is widely recognised that effective early intervention and support is vital for improving outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are glad to see the Government’s renewed focus on early years training for SEND through SENCOs and its proposals to include SEND in the Early Years Educator Level 3 qualification. The Government’s focus on cross-departmental working in the 2023 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Improvement plan is also welcome, as this will be vital for effective implementation.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the vital role of early SEND identification and intervention, confirming that the newly revised Level 3 early years educator qualification criteria from September 2024 and existing Level 2 Practitioner criteria include dedicated sections on SEND identification and practice.
Paragraph Reference:
179
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Committee can be assured that DfE recognises the important role the early years sector plays in the early identification of needs and in building up effective working relationships with parents about their children’s needs. Government understands that it is fundamentally important that SEND is identified early to enable the right support to be put in place. We know that effective early identification and intervention can reduce the impact that a special educational need or disability may have in the long term. The newly revised Level 3 early years educator (EYE) qualification criteria, for Level 3 qualifications from September 2024, now includes stand-alone criteria on SEND identification and practice. There are also dedicated criteria on SEND in the Teacher Standards (Early Years), which an individual is required to meet to gain Early Years Teacher Status. The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Criteria also has a stand-alone section on SEND, including on support, which details the knowledge and skills we could expect of a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner. An individual must meet all these criteria when completing their qualification. They would be expected to provide reasonable support to a level 3 or above qualified member of staff to make assessments regarding children in their care. There are no further plans to update the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner criteria currently.