SEND information report

The SEND information report is a report early years and childcare providers must publish. It provides parents and carers with information on the support available at your setting.

The Local Offer was introduced in 2014 in the Children and Families Act to provide parents and young people with the information they need to make meaningful choices of the provision available to them. Early years and childcare settings in England have a duty to set up a Local Offer. All settings have a statutory responsibility to meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND, which is outlined in the Equality Act (2010) and the SEND Code of Practice (2014).

All early years and childcare settings should have a document which outlines the support offered to children with SEND who attend their setting. This has previously been referred to as a Local Offer document but is now called a SEND information report. Your setting’s SEND information report will help parents and carers understand the support you offer and what to expect when their child attends your setting.

Publishing information on the support your setting offers for children with SEND is a requirement of the:

  • SEND Code of Practice 2014
  • Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework (section 3.82 for group based providers and 3.81 for childminders)
  • Early Years Funded Entitlement (EYFE)

A SEND information report is an important document for parents and carers who attend your setting, but it can also provide useful evidence during an Ofsted or Childminder Agency inspection. As it demonstrates that you have regularly reflected on the support you provide children with SEND in your setting. It also clearly outlines the support staff in your setting must provide to children with SEND.

If you are a provider who offers you are required to have an up to date SEND information report. If you do not have an up to date report you are not meeting the requirements of the EYFE provider declaration you have signed.

Provider declaration for West Sussex

A SEND information report is an important document for parents and carers who attend your setting, but it can also provide useful evidence during an Ofsted or Childminder Agency inspection. As it demonstrates that you have regularly reflected on the support you provide children with SEND in your setting. It also clearly outlines the support staff in your setting must provide to children with SEND.

If you are a provider who offers EYFE, you are required to have an up to date SEND information report. If you do not have an up to date report, you are not meeting the requirements of the EYFE provider declaration you have signed.

Writing and reviewing your SEND information report

Your SEND information report can be presented in any format you see fit, such as an individual web page or document. You can use our ‘WSCC EYC SEND information report template’ to help you develop your report content.

When completing your SEND information report you should involve as many of your staff team as possible. This could include:

  • volunteers
  • assistants
  • practitioners
  • Special education needs co-ordinators and inclusion co-ordinators (SENCO/INCO)
  • Managers

Having as many of your staff team as possible involved in writing your SEND information report ensures it covers all aspects of the provision in your setting.

If you are a committee-run provision then the report should also be written with the committee member(s) responsible for SEND and the final document should be ratified by the committee.

You should also include the views of parents and carers when writing and reviewing your SEND information report. This could be through:

  • sharing surveys or questionnaires with them which can provide input and feedback on your SEND offer
  • holding focus groups with parents who have children with SEND or emerging needs so they can give feedback or be involved in the writing of the report
  • sharing a draft copy of the report and asking for feedback

It is important to include the voice of the children in your setting when completing this report. The term "voice of the child" means involving children in decisions and allowing them to express their views, opinions, and experiences. It includes both verbal and nonverbal communication and goes beyond simply seeking their views, but to actively include them in decision-making processes.

The voice of the child can also be understood by observing how children react when you make changes to your provision. It can also be assessed through the impact interventions have on their wellbeing and development. These are valid contributions to the SEND information report.

Your report should reflect your SEND policies and procedures to ensure consistency across your setting.

The SEND information report should be reviewed at least every year. However, this does not mean you cannot make amendments if there are any changes before this review date. The report is a working document that should reflect your daily practice.

Publishing and sharing your report

It is best practice to publicise your SEND information report on your website. If your business does not have a website, it should be made available to all prospective and current families. A SEND information report being made available prior to a family signing up to your setting, will allow them to make the right choice for their child. It also reduces any barriers to a child with SEND accessing childcare that suits their individual needs.

When your SEND information report is updated you should update it on your website. If you do not have a website when your report is updated, you should share it directly with parents and carers, this could be via email or printed copies.

A copy of your most up to date SEND information report should always be available upon request.

The benefits for your setting

Publishing and regularly updating a SEND information report can bring significant advantages to your early years and childcare setting, including:

  • an enhanced reputation - showing your commitment to inclusivity and high-quality SEND provision, may make your setting more attractive to families and positively benefit your business
  • stronger staff confidence - the report can provide clear guidance for staff on SEND policies and practices. This will ensure they feel well-equipped to support all children effectively
  • increased efficiency - a well-structured report streamlines communication by providing key information in one place, reducing time spent answering frequently asked questions
  • compliance and best practice - regularly reviewing and updating your report means you can stay up to date with legal requirements. This demonstrates that your setting has good governance and accountability for the processes, policies and procedures that are in place
  • better outcomes for children - a clear, evolving report helps ensure all children receive the right support, contributing to their overall development and success

Regularly reviewing and updating the report strengthens your setting’s approach to inclusion and continuous improvement overall.