Children with physical disabilities (0 - 4 years old)

In the majority of cases, childcare providers and early years settings are able to support children with physical disabilities effectively. Support and training is available for the provider from Herefordshire Council's early years advisory team.

Specialist equipment for children with physical difficulties

All childcare providers are expected to make reasonable adjustments to include children with physical disabilities and medical needs in their setting. They should provide low cost aids, such as resources to develop gross motor skills/balance, low sand and water trays, and toileting equipment such as steps, seats, hand rails or similar, up to the value of £300. For more specialist equipment such as standing frames, hoists or specialist seats, the childcare setting can contact the council's early years advisory team for support and advice.

Occupational Therapists (OT) will make an assessment of the child's equipment needs in the childcare setting and make a recommendation to the council. Once the council agrees to the recommendations it is the council's responsibility to ensure that the equipment is provided.

For advice and support with early years issues contact Herefordshire Council's early years improvement advisors at earlyyears@herefordshire.gov.uk