We all know that Early Years practitioners have a critical role in supporting young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where all children can thrive. This work is guided by frameworks like the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Equality Act 2010, and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). But we also know that it takes more than just legislative policy. Effective support for SEND children requires continuous training, early interventions, and a commitment to inclusive practices. Recent increases in SEND diagnoses present both challenges and an opportunity for practitioners like you to make a significant impact.

SEND encompasses a range of challenges affecting children’s learning and interactions, from communication and social difficulties to sensory or physical impairments. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen SEND cases in early years rise, with 12.6% of children aged 0-5 in England identified as having SEND in 2022, compared to 11.6% in 2021. Particularly among Reception-aged children, the percentage diagnosed with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) increased from 7.6% pre-pandemic to 10.4% post-pandemic. These figures tell us that there has never been a greater need for early intervention in addressing developmental gaps.

Evidence shows that early intervention is essential for long-term success. Research by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) links early development to future academic and social outcomes, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Without timely support, gaps in language and social skills can widen, affecting children’s educational performance and lifelong well-being.

Apprenticeships are a valuable pathway for training new Early Years practitioners, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to provide meaningful support for children with SEND. Programmes like those offered by Realise combine hands-on learning, one-on-one mentoring, and coaching, preparing apprentices to deliver high-quality care from the start. For early years settings, investing in apprentices helps build a dedicated, skilled workforce that can support SEND needs effectively.

Apprenticeships not only fill staffing needs but also strengthen retention rates, as many apprentices continue in the field long-term, fostering continuity and a strong understanding of the needs of the children and families they serve. Apprentices trained with real-world SEND experience bring valuable energy, insight, and up-to-date practices, contributing to sustainable, high-quality support for SEND provision.

Despite the benefits of early intervention and apprenticeships, funding limitations hinder SEND support. The National Audit Office recently reported that SEND services in England are financially unsustainable, with many Early Years providers struggling to meet the costs of necessary resources, specialised staff, and inclusive infrastructure. This financial strain is also felt by families of children with SEND, who often bear high costs for specialised care and resources.

Funding constraints impact training as well. Only 52% of early years staff feel confident in supporting SEND children, according to a Dingley’s Promise survey, pointing to a need for ongoing professional development. Apprenticeships provide a solution to this challenge, offering affordable, practical training that empowers new practitioners to confidently support SEND needs from the beginning of their careers.

Supporting SEND children relies on environments where every child feels valued. The EYFS framework calls for accessible, inclusive learning spaces, which apprentices help foster through multi-sensory teaching approaches, such as sensory play, visual schedules, and quiet zones. These adjustments support not only children with sensory needs but also benefit all children by creating engaging, calm learning environments that promote development.

Additionally, effective SEND support requires collaboration with families and external professionals. Through apprenticeships, practitioners gain experience working closely with families, therapists, and other specialists, building a network of support for each child. This collaborative approach prepares apprentices to build trust with parents, enhancing consistency in strategies between home and early years settings.

Our recommendations for SEND best practice:

1. Invest in Apprenticeships and Staff Development: Apprenticeships are a powerful way to cultivate skilled, confident practitioners ready to support SEND children. Programmes like those offered by Realise provide mentorship and practical training that empower apprentices to make an impact from day one. Investing in apprenticeships benefits early years settings by building a dedicated, capable team.
2. Implement Early Interventions: Early interventions close developmental gaps and build confidence for children with SEND. Practitioners, especially apprentices, can implement effective strategies like structured play and language enrichment activities, helping children meet developmental milestones. Research from Save the Children UK places emphasis on the importance of such approaches in SEND settings.
3. Strengthen Community and Family Partnerships: Apprenticeships encourage practitioners to engage with families and local organisations, creating a network of support for children with SEND. Working closely with families reinforces learning strategies across home and school, ensuring consistency and improving outcomes.
4. Adopt Inclusive, Multi-Sensory Teaching Approaches: Adapting activities with sensory-rich elements enhances learning for all children. Apprentices learn how to incorporate sensory materials, interactive displays, and auditory supports to make classrooms accessible and engaging, which aligns with EYFS guidelines for inclusive environments.

Sustainable funding and policy reform are critical to building an inclusive early years sector. Organisations like PACEY and the Early Years Alliance advocate for funding structures that reflect the real costs of quality, inclusive care. Alongside financial support, policies need to address the unique demands of SEND provision, ensuring children receive the assistance they need.

To wrap up, apprenticeships are an essential pathway for creating skilled, compassionate professionals who can make a difference in SEND provision. Through apprenticeships, early years settings gain dedicated staff ready to build inclusive environments, collaborate with families, and implement early interventions. These efforts, combined with continued support from policy and funding bodies, can create an early years sector where every child, regardless of their needs, receives the opportunity to thrive.