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Early years specialist development centres

Early years Specialist Development Centres provide teaching, individual assessment and personalised support to children aged 0 - 4 years with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents or carers are invited to attend a block of intervention sessions with their child. 

There are 5 specialist development centres in locations across Hertfordshire.

Who are they for?

We offer places for children up to 4 years with a range of complex special educational needs, including:

  • severe and multiple learning difficulties
  • speech, language and communication difficulties
  • physical and neurological impairments.
  • developmental delays

Early Years SEND Team staff at the centres work closely with professionals across education, health and social care sectors; we prioritise this multi-agency way of working for children and families.

What do centres offer?

  • The Specialist Development Centres provide family sessions in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum where children engage in purposeful, child-led activities that promote learning through play.  These sessions are facilitated by Early Years Specialist Advisory Teachers and Early Years Specialist SEND Practitioners.
  • The Specialist Advisory team carries out individual assessments to understand each child’s unique needs, working in partnership with parents and carers to set personalised developmental targets. Progress is reviewed throughout the block of support to inform and guide next steps.
  • Engaging and purposeful activities to support these targets, promoting the development of communication skills, enhancing social interaction, improving focus and attention, and supporting sensory and physical needs. 
  • The sessions include practical tips, specialist strategies and individualised support to help children make progress and build confidence and understanding in those caring for the child, both at home and in their Early Years settings. 
  • Input from the therapy services, including Speech and Language therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy.
  • Information, advice, guidance and signposting to relevant SEND services and resources to ensure continued support for families. 

How many sessions will I be offered?

  • Children and families will be invited to attend a termly block of intervention sessions. Progress will be reviewed on a termly basis and further sessions may be offered in some cases.
  • Sessions are 1.5 hours long and take place weekly during school terms at one of the 5 specialist development centres in Hertfordshire. 
  • The team also offer a block of home visits for families who are unable to access centre-based sessions due to the complexity of their child’s SEND needs. These visits take place in the child’s familiar environment and are designed to help parents and carers feel confident and equipped to support their child’s needs.  Parents and carers are supported to plan for their child’s next steps and prepare for any changes ahead.  
  • Once the block of sessions have ended, families will be able to book into termly multi-agency support sessions at the centres. These are delivered through a collaborative approach involving health professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists, alongside members of the Early Years SEND team who are all able to offer tailored guidance to support each child’s development.    
  • Children who go on to attend an early years setting will continue to be supported by Early Years SEND team.

Regular attendance at the sessions is important to ensure children and families benefit from the support offered. 

How do I get support from a specialist development centre?

You, or a professional working with your child, can request support from the Early Years SEND team by completing the Hertfordshire Single Service Request form.  If you feel your child would benefit from the Specialist Development Centre offer, and believe they meet the criteria, please state that in your request form. 

All requests for support are reviewed by the Early Years SEND Team.  Following a referral, an Early Years Lead Teacher will contact you to provide more information on the Specialist Development Centre offer and let you know if they feel that it is the right type of support for your child.  If they do not feel that this the right support, or if you are unable to access a Specialist Development Centre, you will be offered alternative, appropriate support.

Complete a service request form (PDF 345kb)

The completed form should be sent to the relevant email address for your area. 

North Herts and Stevenage
NHSTEV.ISLTEAM@hertfordshire.gov.uk

East Herts, Broxbourne, Welwyn & Hatfield
EHBROX.ISLTEAM@hertfordshire.gov.uk

St Albans and Dacorum
STADAC.ISLTEAM@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere
WAT3RIV.ISLTEAM@hertfordshire.gov.uk

 

Page was last updated on: 09/09/2025 15:54:24