Early Years Links
See also:
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DSPL2's Early Years Noticeboard
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Early Years Cluster Meetings & Early Years Network
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DfE Early Years links
Early years (ages 0 - 5) (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
Early years SEND team (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
DSPL2 website links
HCC Early Years Advice Line


My Baby's Brain - courses
Free My Baby’s Brain Targeted Training
Wednesday 12 November 2025 from 09:30-15:00
Help build strong foundations for babies’ development by exploring how early relationships and everyday interactions shape the brain. This free online training is for professionals working with vulnerable families and children aged 0–3. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on practitioner vulnerability when working with traumatised individuals.
Book your place now via the KCA registration form: Reg form. For any questions, please contact CSStrategic.Partnerships@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Play Skill
Playskill supports children with physical disabilities and delays, and their families in Hertfordshire.
We support children from birth to five years where there are concerns over their physical development*. This could be due to a medical diagnosis, e.g. physical disability, cerebral palsy/birth injury, Down Syndrome, genetic condition, global development delay, visual impairment, Spina Bifida or a delay with any of the physical milestones* for an undiagnosed/unknown reason.
*Physical milestones:
This could be rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, feeding themselves, holding on to objects, using both hands together.

STEP 2 - Under 5's Offer
0-5's offer
Information on the 0-5's offer is attached below.
Step 2 referrals and queries
- Step 2 are very willing to speak to schools, and want to do more to actively encourage referrers to email in or call to arrange duty calls to discuss cases they have questions about.
- Step 2 welcome ‘pre conversations’ about potential referral is made, ensuring that the right children get support at the right time.
Next steps
If you have any queries about referrals which are not accepted, please email hct.step2@nhs.net or call 01438 730570 to arrange a duty call. They run duty calls on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You may need to wait a week for a slot, but they will definitely book you in.
In the meantime, Step 2 will be providing information/presenting at the summer/autumn DSPL meetings so that we can share this information with as many schools as possible. We’ll also be sharing guidance in the EMWiE newsletter.
e r i c: The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity - Resources for early years settings
Find a selection of resources on children’s bowels and bladders – including on potty training – that may be helpful for early years settings. There are more helpful resources available across our website.
Free helpline: 0808 801 0343 Mon to Thur, 10am - 2pm

REACHout
Webinar recordings of high quality material from our REACHout East of England Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.
Children & Young Peoples Speech & Language Therapy Service

FOLLOW - a set of simple ideas to help support your child’s speech and language
FOLLOW: An easy-to-use set of simple ideas to help support your child's speech and language at home. You'll find top tips on using the key strategies in everyday activities, such as going for a walk, getting ready to go out and feeding the ducks!
https://www.stevenagedspl.org.uk/page/?title=Support+Links+for+Families&pid=36

TRACKS Autism
TRACKS is a specialist early years provider for autistic children and those showing neurodiversity.
Hertfordshire SEND Service Directories (support on a page)

Services for children and young people
Service Directories can be found on the Hertfordshire Services for Children and Young People page on Hertfordshire's Local Offer website.
Service Directories can be downloaded and have information on all the different organisations and services that can support your child:-
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Speech, Language & Communication directory
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Neurodiversity directory
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CYP Mental Health Directory
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Learning Difficulties Directory
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Deafness & Sight Loss Directory
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Physical Needs Directory
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Behaviours that Challenge Directory
