Pre-school children with additional support needs

3 to 5 year-old children with ASN - Our approach

South Lanarkshire Council works on the principle that all children can attend a mainstream early learning and childcare (ELC) setting. All funded ELC providers are expected to offer a high-quality experience and meet the individual needs of each child. This approach reflects Scottish Government policy, including:

• Blueprint for 2020: Funding Follows the Child
• The National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare Providers: Principles and Practice

Changing needs - Specialist ASN ELC provisions in South Lanarkshire

Some parents may initially choose a mainstream ELC setting. As a child grows and their needs become clearer, families may later consider transferring to a specialist ASN provision.

South Lanarkshire Council currently operates three specialist ASN nurseries:

• Early Learning Unit ASN, Hamilton for children aged 0 to 5 years
• Kirkstyle ELC ASN, Carluke for children aged 2 to 5 years
• Hamilton School for the Deaf Nursery, Burnbank for children aged 3 to 5 years

There is high demand for places in all specialist ASN provisions.

How places are allocated

Applications for ASN places must be supported by a robust multi agency wellbeing assessment.

Applications are considered by a panel that includes:

• ELC Locality Managers
• Heads of Early Learning Unit ASN and Kirkstyle ELC
• a representative from the Inclusive Education Team
• a representative from Psychological Services

At allocation meetings:

• available ASN places are offered to children with the most significant needs at that time
• decisions are based on multi agency evidence

If your child is unable to secure an ASN place:

• your child will remain in their current ELC setting
• your child will be automatically considered when a place becomes available, you do not need to re-apply during the same admissions year

Getting advice

Parents and carers can choose where their child attends for their funded ELC place, depending on availability. Parents and carers should contact the relevant establishment directly for advice on applying for a place in a specialist ASN setting.

Under 3-year-old children with ASN 

The Early Years Multi‑Agency Team (EYMAT) primarily supports children not yet attending early learning and childcare (ELC) and helps ensure a smooth transition when they move into provision. The group meets regularly to discuss and review the needs of children under 3 years old who have complex needs and brings together Education, Health, and Social Work services to:

• understand what your child needs
• coordinate support and services
• offer guidance on benefits, services, and health‑related information
• explore the best nursery and school options for your child

The group chaired by a representative from the Psychological Service may include professionals from:

• Health Visiting
• Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
• Community Paediatrics
• Early Years Specialist Support Teaching
• Early Years Inclusion
• Early Years Education

Children under three with an identified additional support need receive priority access to a nursery place, and a home‑visiting specialist support teacher will be provided.

Referrals to EYMAT

Anyone with a genuine interest in the child’s wellbeing can make a referral. However, referrals are usually made by your Health Visitor or another professional working closely with your family, as they are often the first point of contact for families.

Local EYMAT contacts

• EYMAT East Kilbride: 01355 574121   
• EYMAT Lanark: 01555 673249
• EYMAT Hamilton: 01698 455800                              
• ASN nurseries (as listed above)