Cerebral palsy and nursery

[Terribletwoss]

Anyone out there with a toddler with CP?

If they go to nursery, what help/support do they get there?

This is really going to depend on individual needs.

Some examples include:
1:1
Arriving/leaving 5/10 mins early &/or via a quieter entrance if they have one
Specialist equipment/adaptations
Input from the specialist teaching service
Interventions with things like emotional regulation, social interaction and communication, motor skills.
Support with communication
SALT
physio
OT
Some will need a specialist nursery
Hydro/aqua-therapy
Rebound therapy

Does DC have an EHCP?

I don’t know if you are anywhere near these, but Ingfield Manor School in West Sussex and Paces in Sheffield offer free sessions for preschoolers. There are other places who offer sessions as well, some free, some charge, but I can’t remember them off the top of my head.

Thanks for you response!

My twins have been in nursery since September and now their needs are a bit more clear (mild CP, development delay) the nursery wants a meeting to discuss support for when they move up to toddler room in September, so I was just wondering what things I should be expecting. Your response is v helpful!

As well as the specialist teaching service, the nursery can ask the Area SENCO for advice if they need more advice on how to support DTs.

You should think about requesting EHCNAs. This is the first step towards getting EHCPs. In the meantime, in some LAs, early years inclusion funding is available from 2 - in other LAs, it isn’t until 3.

Assuming DTs are in receipt of DLA, once they are 3, there is Disability Access Funding.

Nursery has just done the form for the specialist teaching service and I asked about ehcps and they said they would usually start that process when they go to the next room (they have very recently turned two, so would be 2.5 when the process started).

Luckily the nursery appears to be quite on it with these things as I am still learning! I haven’t heard of an ehcna, I will look into that now.

We applied for DLA a month or so ago but the waiting lists are very long for a response.

Personally, I wouldn’t wait to request EHCNAs. You can do this yourself. IPSEA is a charity and they have lots of helpful information on their website including a model letter you can use.

I will have a look, thanks!