Early Years SEND Advocacy Training: A research-informed perspective

Issue 27 (May 2026) of Impact Magazine features a perspective article on the main findings from an evaluative stakeholder study of SIL's new Early Years SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) advocacy training programme. 

“The programme is fostering inclusive cultures where every child can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging.”

Key takeaways highlight the value of engaging in a sustained professional learning programme, with the six full training days providing essential time for deep reflection on existing practice, alongside thoughtful consideration of how new learning can be effectively implemented to support children with SEND.

Stakeholders appreciated opportunities for rich professional dialogue, sharing good practice and collaboratively exploring strategies that could be taken back into their own settings to enhance provision and staff confidence.

This training also offered important insights into locally available services and support pathways, enabling better signposting and advocacy for families, while strengthening connections between settings and wider community support networks.

Settings can begin to adopt SEND advocacy core principles by:

▪️prioritising strong, compassionate relationships with families
▪️focusing on a moral and rights-based stance on inclusion
▪️creating regular opportunities for staff reflection
▪️making flexible curriculum adaptations
▪️strengthening inclusive transition processes
▪️developing clear, accessible communication about children’s needs
▪️building links with local services to share strategies
▪️emulating the key elements of advocacy to strengthen inclusive support in settings.

While challenges persist – such as limited staffing capacity, variable SENDCo availability and the need for accessible, culturally responsive communication with families – these issues do not diminish the programme’s clear positive impact.

How families are supported, given the 2026 reforms to a family-first SEND system focused on early community-based support (DfE, 2026), is paramount within advocacy.

SIL are delighted by the positive impact of the training on delegates, which is now evident within schools, families and individual children.

You can read the full article on The My Chartered College website.