All Ofsted registered childcare settings, such as nurseries, pre-schools and nursery classes, must make arrangements to support children with SEND and make information about this available to parents.
For more information go to the guide to childcare for children with SEND in England – Family and Childcare Trust.
Questions to ask a childcare provider
When looking for childcare, there are various questions you could ask:
- how long have you been working with children?
- what experience do you have in supporting children with additional needs?
- what qualifications or training do staff have, and are they relevant to my child?
- are you trained to give medication or use specific equipment?
- can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play areas?
- where will my child rest?
- what kind of food and drink will you give?
- can you support my child’s dietary needs?
- what will my child be doing throughout day?
- how would you approach my child’s disability with other children or parents?
- will my child be with a regular group of children and how old are they?
- how will you communicate with me about my child’s progress and needs?
- how do you manage during an emergency?