Childcare for children with special needs (Page in progress)

Find support on childcare options for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Early years childcare

There are a range of childcare options available to parents, these include mainstream nurseries, childminders and after-school clubs that provide reasonable adjustments, as well as childcare settings that have more experience and training in supporting children with SEND.

The Early years support page provides information and guidance for families with children under five with a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It covers child health and development, including advice on seeking support from GPs, health professionals, and the Healthy Family Team.

Also information about Family Hubs and the Early Help Unit, which offer parenting support, health services, play opportunities, SEND support, and advice for families.

Find out more, go to Early years support - Nottinghamshire SEND Local Offer

Childcare for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

All nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders should welcome young children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Some services aim to offer something extra, so if your child's needs are complex or severe you may be looking for something more specialised. Providers who have specific experience have been asked to highlight the level of experience and type of support they offer.

Find childcare providers with SEND experience

Childcare funded places

Some children are entitled to funded childcare, to find out what is available go to

Help with childcare costs

To find providers that offer funded places including wraparound care, go to

Find childcare

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

If your child is receiving the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), then the setting your child attends can apply for the Disability Access Fund (DAF). This is a government-funded payment that helps early years childcare providers support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in their setting. The funding is paid directly to the child's nursery, preschool, childminder, or other early years provider to help them make reasonable adjustments and improve access and inclusion.

Find out more, go to Disability Access Fund in Nottinghamshire (DAF) (Your Notts Directory)

Early health notification

The Early Health Notification is how health professionals help identify and support pre-school children who may have a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), before they start school. If identified as needing support health professionals can speak to the local authority that a pre-school child may need SEND support, enabling early planning and intervention before the child starts school.

Find out more, go to Early health notification - Nottinghamshire SEND Local Offer