The SEN Advisory Service (SENAS) Early Years Team supports nursery-aged children at SEN Support who need additional advice to help them take part in their early education setting. Referrals can also be made for children who may need enhanced transition support when they start school.
Referrals are usually for children aged around 30 months. The SENCo at the setting makes the referral.
You can find out more about the SENAS team on the Trafford Directory.
What the SEN Advisory Service provides
The SENAS Early Years Team can offer:
- advice on inclusion and strategies
- support for children who need additional help in nursery
- guidance on enhanced transitions into school
- monthly online surgeries and drop in sessions through the Area SENCo team
What you need before making a referral
All referrals must include:
- a SEN Support Plan showing Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycles
- the child’s Pupil Voice or All About Me one page profile
- a learning plan with outcomes or targets
- evidence of parental involvement
- Wellcomm scores
- Early Years Developmental Journal steps
- confirmation that the child’s health visitor is aware of the referral
How to make a referral
Trafford school nurseries
School nurseries must submit Early Years referrals through Trafford’s Liquid Logic system.
Trafford PVI settings
Private, voluntary and independent settings must submit their referral using the Early Years Referral form.
Make sure that:
- the referral form is fully completed
- the parent or carer has given consent
- all supporting evidence is attached
- the email address entered on the form is correct, as a full copy of your submission will be sent to it
Referral dates
Referrals are reviewed monthly on the dates listed:
- Friday 12 September
- Friday 3 October
- Friday 31 October
- Friday 21 November
- Friday 12 December
- Friday 23 January 2026
- Friday 27 February 2026
- Friday 27 March 2026
- Friday 24 April 2026
- Friday 15 May 2026
- Friday 12 June 2026
- Friday 10 July 2026
Incomplete or late referrals are considered at the next monthly meeting.
Urgent referrals
If you have an urgent referral, submit the form and then email SENASenquiries@trafford.gov.uk to notify the team.