Early Years SEND Surgeries

Introduction

We recognise that Early Years providers value the opportunity to access general SEND advice and guidance and would benefit from regular opportunities for a professional discussion, therefore from September 2026 there will be new offer to early years providers of Early Years SEND Surgeries.

The Early Years SEND Surgeries will provide a dedicated opportunity for Early Years providers to access SEND advice and guidance and discuss concerns with Early Years SEND Professionals, further strengthening the support available to Early Years providers in Kent.

The Early Years SEND Surgeries will be facilitated by the SEND Support & Inclusion Practitioner Team and Early Years Outreach Teams.

There is an expectation that the Starting Strong document has been used to audit provision at a universal level before booking on to a Surgery.

The Early Years SEND Surgeries are not able to offer advice and support around Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments or advice around universal provision.

Advice and guidance regarding inclusive, high-quality universal practice and provision continues to be provided by the Early Years and Childcare Quality Team and the Childminding Quality and Sufficiency Team.

Early Years SEND Surgeries

  • The bookable dates for the Early Years SEND Surgeries will be released at the end of the previous term.
  • The Early Years SEND Surgeries will be held over two half days at least twice per term per district.
  • Every  Early Years SEND Surgery will be a dedicated individual meeting, held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
  • Each bookable session will be for 20 minutes and will run strictly to time.
  • You will be asked to briefly outline the focus of the discussion at the point of booking.
  • You are able to discuss individuals or groups within the time allotted.
  • All surgeries are anonymous and therefore must not include the name of any child.
  • No more than one booking per Early Years provider will be accepted per term.

How to Book

To book onto your district SEND Surgery please click on the link below:

Early Years SEND Surgery Booking Page

We recommend reading the guidance document attached below before making your booking. Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email containing the meeting joining link. Please note that this email may be delivered to your junk/spam folder.

A reminder email, including the joining link, will also be sent 24 hours before the event.

Please ensure that:

  • All required information is completed on the booking form.
  • You cancel your booking if you are no longer able to attend.

Below is further supporting information or contact eysendsurgery@kent.gov.uk

Documents