E

Early education refers to education before statutory school age. In early education settings such as playgroups or nurseries, where a child has already been identified and assessed as having a disability/disorder, members of staff will need to know the particular educational and care requirements that arise and receive training and support as necessary to provide it. Where a child has not been identified as having a disability/disorder but where staff members have concerns, a procedure for identification, assessment and provision is needed. A key member of staff may be identified and trained to coordinate a graduated response, which may include seeking the advice of specialists such as a psychologist as necessary. In England, a special educational needs coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the setting’s special educational needs policy and for coordinating provision for children with special educational needs (Department for Education and Skills, 2001, chapter 1, section 39).