Join an early years consultation forum

If you are an early years practitioner, you can join a regular support group to: 

  • share advice and information on SEND-related issues you may have
  • develop reflective thinking
  • help with professional development 

These groups are especially useful for early years practitioners who have daily contact and first-hand knowledge of the children they’re working with.  

You’ll also find it helpful to attend multiple sessions to build your knowledge, skills and trust within the group.

How the forums work

An Early Years Area Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) and Educational Psychologist will run the group. We hold these sessions once every half-term for 1 to 2 hours.

Once everyone has been introduced, the session will begin with a summary of any developments from the previous consultation forum. During the forum, you’ll: 

  1. choose an issue to discuss – each group member gives a summary of an issue they want to discuss, and the group decides which issue to explore further. These could be questions about raising concerns with a parent, prioritising responsibilities, time management and more.
  2. present the issue in detail – the person who raised the issue presents it in detail to the group. The rest of the members focus on active listening, only asking questions to clarify the issue.
  3. ask open-ended questions – the group can ask open questions that encourage reflective thinking. The group does not offer advice or solutions at this stage.
  4. discuss ideas – everyone can come up with ideas or theories about what is contributing to the problem. The focus is on discussing and reflecting on the issue.
  5. give solutions – group members can give potential solutions to the issue. The facilitators record suggested strategies but group members are welcome to take their own notes 

Upcoming consultation forums

Autumn term 2025
Spring term 2026
Summer term 2026