Extra help at nursery for child with mobility difficulties?

[wishIwasonholiday10]

Does anyone know if any extra help is available for children at nursery with mobility difficulties and how would be go about accessing it? Would it be dependent on qualifying for DLA (not sure if my DD will qualifiy for this)?

My child has been at nursery since 12 months and has done OK in the younger rooms where the staff ratio is higher. She is now 2.5 and being kept back in a room for 'pre-toddlers' (from walking until 2) as she is still not confidently walking and usually needs someone to hold her hand. The staff there have been great with helping her to to walk but I'm worried she will miss out on opportunities for social development if she is kept with the younger kids. The activities are also aimed at the younger kids. However she might also struggle in the toddler and pre-school rooms with the lower staff ratio if she is not able to get around independently. She has low muscle tone resulting in a gross motor delay but no other developmental delays as yet.

There is early years inclusion funding. In some areas, this is available for 2 year olds. In others, it isn’t available until 3. This isn’t related to DLA. The nursery can apply for it. This funding can then be used by the nursery to provide more support.

You can request an EHCNA too. You can do this now. It is not related to DLA. IPSEA and SOSSEN have lots of helpful information on their websites about EHCPs, including model letters for requesting an EHCNA. An EHCP is a document setting out a child’s needs and the support they need to meet those needs. It can include therapies such as OT and physio too.

There is also Disability Access Funding (DAF). This is for 3 and 4 year olds in receipt of DLA. It is only a small amount of funding.

Do apply for DLA. The Cerebra guide is helpful for completing the forms. The care part can be payable now if eligible. The mobility part can’t be paid until 3 (for high rate) or 5 (for low rate).

In some areas, there is a specialist teaching service the nursery can ask advice from. And they can ask the Area SENCO for advice if they need to, too.

The above applies in England. The system is different in other countries.

There was lots of support available when we were at that stage some years ago (dd is a teen now). In our case we were given lots of guidance from the consultant and the senco at the nursery. We opted for a “younger” room though as dd got quite easily overwhelmed. I would raise your concerns at nursery and definitely think about an ehcp as pp suggests. They should be helping you understand what is available for her.