SEND
Special educational needs and disabilities: when a child needs support that is additional to or different from what most children their age need
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
In the early years, SEND can include speech and language delay, autism, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and medical conditions that affect learning or care. Nurseries must make reasonable adjustments and use their best endeavours to meet children’s needs, working with parents and the setting’s SENCO. Councils have extra funding for early years SEND support, such as the Disability Access Fund for children who get Disability Living Allowance, and inclusion funding. A child with more complex needs may have an education, health and care plan.