Swindon early years centre

Swindon Portage and Special Tots supports children under five with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families. Families can access group sessions, home support and advice to help their child develop.

---

What support you can get

The service offers different types of support depending on a child’s needs.

Special Tots groups

Special Tots is an Ofsted-registered early years setting for children aged two to five.

Sessions run for three hours:

• 9.00am to noon
• 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Sessions run every day except Wednesday afternoons.

Targeted support

Families can get support tailored to their child’s needs, including:

• help completing Disability Living Allowance forms
• support with Early Help and Support Records
• short-term, focused pieces of work

Advice and guidance

The service can:

• help families understand their child’s needs
• signpost families to other services
• support families to navigate the SEND system

Portage home visiting

Portage is a home visiting service for children with identified complex needs.

A trained Portage worker visits families at home and works with them to support their child’s development.

---

How the service works with families and children

The service uses the Portage approach, which focuses on:

• child-led play
• structured teaching
• working closely with families

Staff work in partnership with families, other professionals and a child’s early years setting to help the child achieve the best outcomes.

---

EarlyBird programme for autism

EarlyBird is a 10-week programme for parents of children under five who have a diagnosis of autism or have been accepted onto the neurodevelopmental conditions pathway.

The programme includes:

• eight group sessions of 2.5 hours
• two home visits of 1 hour

It helps parents:

• understand how their child experiences the world
• develop communication and interaction
• understand their child’s behaviour

The programme is run by trainers licensed by the National Autistic Society.

---

How to access the service

Referrals for Portage or Special Tots

Parents, carers or professionals supporting a child can refer to the service.

To discuss a referral or request a referral form, email SEYC@swindon.gov.uk or call 01793 465360.

Referrals for EarlyBird

Only parents and carers can refer to EarlyBird.

To request an application form, email earlybird@swindon.gov.uk or call 01793 465360.

Please note, families must provide evidence of their child’s diagnosis or acceptance onto the neurodevelopmental conditions pathway. The service may also ask for more information from other professionals involved with the child.