Early years inclusive learning service - information for parents and carers

The Early Years Forum is the way that services from education, health and social care work together to identify and support pre-school children with additional needs in Stoke-on-Trent.

It is a way for health and other services such as nurseries to let the Local Authority know about any young children who may need extra support when they go to school. This helps to ensure that every child with SEND in Stoke-on-Trent has the best possible start to learning.

Children might be referred to the Early Years Forum by health professionals or their pre-school setting/nursery.

Children can be referred to the Early Years Forum if they:

• Live in Stoke-on-Trent.
• Aged 2 – 5.
• Have delays in 2 or more areas of their development.
• Have not yet started school or are not attending a pre-school setting that is part of a school.

How does the forum work?

The Early Years Forum is a monthly meeting of professionals.  The Forum will look at the needs of your child. It will request reports from anyone involved in supporting your child, including you as Parents. This helps to track your child’s development and progress and make sure everything that they need is in place. Based on the information that they receive, the Forum might recommend extra ways that your child’s development can be supported.

How will I be involved as the child's parent?

• If a professional thinks your child needs to be referred to the Forum, they should discuss this with you. The Forum needs Parental consent before working with a child.
• You will receive a letter explaining what the Forum is and when your child will first be discussed. You will also be given the contact details for your child’s Lead Person.
• You will be asked to fill in a Parent Comment form so that the Forum has your views on your child’s needs and development. If your child attends a pre-school setting, they will give you a copy of the form to complete. If your child does not attend a setting you can download a form here Parent comment form. You can request a paper copy by contacting 01782 231285
• After your child has been discussed at the Forum, you will be sent copies of all the reports that have been collected, along with a record of the main points that were discussed by the forum and any recommendations that have been made. If you wish to discuss these recommendations you can contact your Lead Person from the Forum.
• Unfortunately Parents cannot attend the forum meetings as lots of children will be discussed.