A child my be identified as having additional needs when they are very young. It may be clearly evident what the child's primary need is. However, for the majority of children identified early, it takes time for this to be recognised through ongoing observation and assessment. A child in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with additional needs becomes known to The Local Authority via the Early Help Process (EHA), initiated by their Early Years setting or a health professional.
Some children need support for SEN and disabilities at home or in informal settings before, or as well as, the support they receive from an early years provider. Provision for children who need such support should form part of the Local Joint Commissioning arrangement which can be found below.