Use this page to find out how the Early Years Area SENCo team supports children aged 0 to 5 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and what to expect if we visit your child’s setting.
About the team
We are a small team of experienced educators who support children aged 0 to 5 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
We work with early years settings to help them meet their legal responsibilities by:
- identifying children’s needs early
- supporting inclusive practice
- creating nurturing environments that support wellbeing and development
We support over 180 early years providers across Bath and North East Somerset, including nurseries, pre-schools and childminders.
Meet the team
Bobbie Rogers, Advisory Teacher
Verrity Simons, Lead Advisory Practitioner
Rebecca Wren, Advisory Practitioner
Alyce Day-Cook, Advisory Practitioner
Lizzie Young, Advisory Practitioner
Samantha Hawkesford, Advisory Practitioner
Why we may visit your child
If your child attends an early years setting, the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) may ask us to provide additional support.
We work collaboratively with the SENCo to build a shared understanding of your child’s needs and support their learning and development.
How we support your child
We may support your child and their setting in the following ways:
Environment adjustments
We observe your child in their setting and suggest changes that support how they learn and engage.
Strength-based strategies
We recommend strategies based on your child’s strengths and interests to support their development.
Personalised, child centred planning
We help create plans that are aspirational, personalised, and meaningful for your child and family.
Empowering transitions
We work with settings to plan ahead for changes, helping your child feel confident and supported.
Supporting staff
We provide tailored training for SENCos and run network events for other early years professionals.
What to expect
If we are involved in supporting your child, you can expect:
- a plan before the visit, which may include speaking with other professionals supporting your child
- time spent observing your child playing in their early years setting
- discussion with your child’s key person or SENCo
- a written summary of the visit, including, your child’s strengths and suggested strategies to support development and inclusion
- a follow-up session with the SENCo or key person to explain the recommendations and how these might be delivered
- attendance at a team around the child meeting to share feedback with you
- a review visit, where we look at progress and decide on any ongoing support needed
Referrals
A referral to the Area SENCo Team must come from your child’s early years setting.
If you think your child may need support, speak to:
• your nursery SENCo
• your childminder
• your health visitor
They can contact us through our weekly advice line which runs all year round:
• Wednesdays 9am to 11.30am
• Thursday 2pm to 4pm
Last updated: 14 May 2026