The cost is highlighted in research by early years equipment supplierThe Consortium, which carried out a survey of 500 settings for NurseryWorld. One nursery manager said, 'Although we feel well equipped toprovide an inclusive environment, SEN equipment can be very expensive ona small budget and that can be an obstacle.'
Around 20 per cent of nurseries reported that at least 10 per cent ofthe children they cared for had SEN, most commonly speech, language orcommunication difficulties, followed by behavioural or emotionalproblems.
A significant minority, 15 per cent, said they did not receive enoughSEN training. Concerns included the inability to provide activities tohelp specific needs.
Brian Potter, marketing and sales director at The Consortium, said, 'Thecost of catering for some specific special needs is a serious problemfor some settings. Against the background of the EYFS, we must ensurethis does not deprive children of the support they need at such acrucial stage in their development.'
