Specialist Early Years Support Team
This preschool service has four components:
Early Support Keyworker Coordinator (ESKWC)
Early Support is a programme designed to deliver better coordinated services for parents of disabled children aged 0-5 years as soon as the child is identified as needing additional help. Each family can chose who they would like to designate as their key worker who would then offer support and advise about information and services available and to help coordinate services for their child. The key workers are drawn from many different agencies and are coordinated by the Early Support Keyworker Coordinator. The ESKWC is a member of the Child Development Centre Team at York Hospital and works closely with the Children’s Centres in York.
Please download a leaflet for more information.
City of York Portage Service
Portage is a home visiting education service for pre-school children (birth-5 years) with a disability and/or additional needs. It helps parents and carers to support their child’s learning by breaking skills down into small steps. They design activities to help encourage and promote learning, communication and independence through play.
The service is available to families who have a child under five years old with difficulties or delays in more than one area of development. The service was expanded in 2004 to also include children at risk of developmental difficulties through low birth weight and/or premature birth or those who are ‘looked after’ by the local authority.
Please download a leaflet for more information.
Specialist Early Years Teachers (SEN)
The specialist early years teachers (SEN) provide support and advice for children from 2-5 years of age with additional needs. They have expertise and training in child development, early learning and teaching children with additional needs.
They work directly with pre-school children and in close partnership with parents and carers, staff in early years settings, health professionals and any other professionals who may be involved with a child to provide information and practical advice related to children’s learning and development. They are also involved in a variety of training initiatives.
Please download a leaflet for more information.
Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist (Early Years and Portage)
The Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist (Early Years and Portage) manages the Portage and Preschool Support Service and also provides advice to parents, early years practitioners and others related to children’s development. This is provided through direct casework, training and consultation. The post holder is also involved in various strategy groups relating to Early Years, Diversity, SEN and Inclusion.
Please download a leaflet for more information.
