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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Nursery arranging SEN review

6 replies

ToddlerTornado · 11/11/2025 13:42

My DS is 2 years 8 months. He does have quite challenging behaviour with lots of tantrums. For example, if a piece of Lego falls on the floor, he’ll have a full meltdown and throw himself down crying. Any small thing that doesn’t go his way can trigger the same reaction.

He tantrums on and off throughout the day, and tends to need a lot of adult attention , he prefers to play with me rather than on his own.

His speech is delayed, although he’s been gradually improving and is now starting to put words together. He used to hit a lot but that’s reduced a lot lately, so I feel we’ve made some progress.

Today the nursery called to ask for permission to do an SEN review because of his challenging behaviours and also said they think he “lacks empathy” e.g. roaring in children’s faces and continuing even if they cry. They said they’d like to find ways to better support him, and that his keyworker is currently spending a lot of 1:1 time with him.

He actually had a SEN review at his previous nursery earlier this year and they said there were no issues, and that as his speech improved, his behaviour should too (which it has to some extent).

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I just feel unsure what it might mean at this stage, especially when he’s still only 2.8 years.

OP posts:
2x4greenbrick · 11/11/2025 15:37

It is positive that the nursery is on the ball with this. DS sounds like he needs more support than is typical, so looking at what SEN support DS requires is the right way to go.

Newsenmum · 11/11/2025 21:43

This is great theyre doing this now and will really help in time for school. There are so many emptions op but fight for him and dont avoid things due to stigma. It can all be ok just get him all the support.

ToddlerTornado · 12/11/2025 19:35

@Newsenmum@2x4greenbrickthanks, I'm just wondering where this will go as I didn't think he was doing more than being a toddler.

has anyone had a child like this? He does have a low tolerance and very easily frustrated

Is he not too young to diagnose?

OP posts:
2x4greenbrick · 12/11/2025 19:40

As difficult as it is to hear, no-one can tell you where this will go, I’m afraid.

A SEN review isn’t about diagnosing. The SEN system is based on needs, not diagnosis. It might help you to read the SENCOP. Also, IPSEA and SOSSEN’s websites. Although DS isn’t too young to begin the diagnosis process.

If DS is needing a lot of 1:1 at nursery, that is beyond what is typically expected, even for toddlers.

Sunshineclouds11 · 13/11/2025 09:27

I think for them to want to do it they have their reasons from observation and how he is.
my advise is to go with it, early intervention is key.

needing 1:1 in nursery is not expected often.

LimeSqueezer · 23/11/2025 22:26

It's too young to diagnose ADHD, but not too young for certain other diagnostic pathways. But, as PP said, the key thing is identifying needs and appropriate support, and getting an ECNA and ECHP in place (no diagnosis necessary) to support successful transition to reception.

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