Identifying Special Needs in the Early Years

Kay Mathieson is Inclusion and SEN Team Manager for an EYDCP (Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership).

• Early IdentificationEarly identificationChild DevelopmentSharing The Learning Journey With Parents Language DevelopmentBehaviourSocial CommunicationAble and TalentedMedical DiagnosisUseful websites

′Mathieson′s book provides a very useful and practical resource for early years practitioners and can also be used effectively by individuals to support them to reflect on their own practice′ - REACH`This book stresses the importance of working with parents, building upon achievement made and promotes a can-do approach to working with children with SEN′ - SNIP`This book provides clearly set out, step-by-step instructions to identify and support children′s additional needs and is a valuable guide for all early years settings′ - Special `I really enjoyed this informative book. It provides sound advice on building good relationships with parents and practical strategies to identify and meet individual children′s needs...The book emphasises the fact that ′′good practice for children with additional needs is good practice for all children′′, and there are some useful scenarios to explore and an observation framework′ - Nursery World `A particularly useful ′core text′ for SENCOs who are supporting the professional development of colleagues working in a range of early years settings.′ - SENCO Update`A very useful and easy-to-follow guide to identifying and supporting children who have additional needs in relation to their learning′ - Early Years Update′Early years practitioners will feel more confident in identifying special needs, knowing what to do in a practical way to help and be reassured by the clear links to existing guidance and current legislation. All early years settings would benefit by having, using and reflecting upon this guide.′ Martine Horvath, Early Years Educator