Early Years (0–5)
They're not too young to need help. They're too young to wait.
📖 How to tell your child's story at this age
Your child may not have words yet. That doesn't mean they don't have a story. Your observations ARE the evidence. What you see at home, at bedtime, at play — that's the story professionals need to hear.
WatchWhat do they love? What do they avoid? What makes them light up? When do they struggle? Write it down.
RecordVideo them playing. Photograph what they make. Record the sounds they use. Keep a diary on your phone.
TellShare it with your health visitor, nursery SENCo, or GP. You're not 'complaining' — you're telling their story. Professionals need it.
What to expect — and when to flag
0-1 year
Smiling, babbling, reaching, sitting, responding to sounds.Flag if: No eye contact by 6m · no babbling by 12m · not sitting by 12m · no response to name.
What to do: Talk to your health visitor. Ask for a hearing test. Ask about Portage.
1-2 years
First words, walking, pointing to things they want, playing alongside other children.Flag if: No words by 18m · not walking by 18m · no pointing or gesturing · loses skills they had.
What to do: Talk to your GP. Ask for a paediatric referral. Speak to your nursery keyworker.
2-3 years
Two-word phrases, running, pretend play, starting to share, following simple instructions.Flag if: No two-word phrases · constant falling · no pretend play · extreme reactions to sounds/textures.
What to do: Ask nursery about SEN support. Ask your GP about a community paediatrician referral.
3-4 years
Short sentences, asking questions, toilet training, separating from parent, making friends.Flag if: Speech hard to understand by strangers · can't jump · no interest in other children · extreme separation anxiety.
What to do: The nursery SENCo should start a graduated response. Ask about an Early Help assessment.
4-5 years
Telling stories, counting, recognising letters, dressing themselves, taking turns.Flag if: Can't hold a conversation · no interest in mark-making · can't use scissors · extreme difficulty with transitions.
What to do: Request an EHC needs assessment. You don't need the school's permission. The LA has 6 weeks to decide.