What to expect at an initial SENCO meeting for suspected autism?

[CosmiCat500]

Hi all,

I've currently enrolled my DC in the Preschool room in a local Preschool & Day Nursery. I've disclosed that she has autistic traits (suspected autism - not confirmed but likely, as I'm also diagnosed with autism), and the Senco (a very helpful lady) has asked to arrange a meetup to discuss this with both of us next Tuesday.

She's confirmed the nursery is willing to make observations and help get all the paperwork and collect evidence to be sent off by October/November, well in time to receive an EHCP next year.

Any similar experiences of autism or other SN children in mainstream nursery/preschool settings? How was the initial meeting for you, what happened, and any tips/advice for that initial meeting? How did you find the overall nursery experience for the following year(s)?

There isn’t a set process for how meetings with SENCOs go, but they will probably want to discuss DD’s needs, your concerns, the support they are going to offer and the way forward. They may discuss making a SEN plan (they are called different things in different settings/areas, e.g. IEP, One page profile, My Plan/My Plan+). They may discuss asking outside agencies for advice &/or further referrals.

It can help to make some notes beforehand.

Follow up the meeting with an email so you have a paper trail of what was discussed.

She's confirmed the nursery is willing to make observations and help get all the paperwork and collect evidence to be sent off by October/November, well in time to receive an EHCP next year.

Just so you are aware, ‘well in time’ is not necessarily the case, unfortunately. While the EHCP process is governed by statutory timescales, many have to appeal, sometimes more than once, in order to get an EHCP. If an EHCNA is required, I would make the request ASAP rather than wait until Oct/Nov.