Early Notification - Information for Parents and Carers

What is an early notification?

Health professionals must tell Wirral Council if a child has, or may have, Special Educational Needs or a Disability (SEND). This is called the early notification process. It helps the council plan support as early as possible.

Why health professionals share this information?

Early notification helps the Local Authority (LA) know which children may need extra support.
It helps families get the right help at the right time. It also helps make sure children can take part in education.

Early notification supports safe information sharing between services. It helps health, education and care professionals plan early support so a child can thrive and reach their potential when they start learning.

What information is included in the form?

The form includes:

  • the child’s name and date of birth

  • contact details

  • whether the child attends an early years setting

  • whether the child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

  • the health professional’s contact details

  • a short summary of the child’s needs

  • details of any services already helping the child

  • consent from the parent or carer

Here is a link to the form: Early Notification Form

What happens after the Local Authority receive the form?

The Local Authority looks at the notification at the SEND Early Years Panel.
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disability.

The panel decides which service, or services, can best support the child.
If the child attends an early years setting, a worker may contact the parent or carer and the setting.

After the panel meets, the parent or carer is contacted and asked if they still agree to the support suggested.

The panel includes Local Authority and health professionals, such as:

  • Early Years Area Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) manager

  • Educational Psychologist

  • Specialist Portex manager (a service that supports children with complex needs)

  • Early Years Intervention manager

  • Family Hub representative

  • 0–19 Service (health visiting and school nursing)

  • Speech and Language Service

  • Health professionals fill in an early notification form and email it to eysend@wirral.gov.uk.
    They will also give parents and carers a copy of the form.

  • Only the professionals on the SEND Early Years Panel and the services chosen to support the child will see the notification.

  • Health professionals must tell the Local Authority if a child may need extra support when they start school.
    They will talk to you about any worries you have and help you feel comfortable sharing the information needed.

  • You will be contacted and told:

    • that the Local Authority has received the notification

    • the date when the panel will meet to talk about support

  • No. Health professionals are responsible for sending early notifications.

  • No. An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a separate process.
    Early notification helps make sure the right support is in place early for children and families.

    You can find more information about EHCPs on SENDLO here.

How can I support the process?

If you are talking with a health professional about your child’s needs, ask if the Local Authority should be notified.
You can also remind them about the early notification process.

Updated March 2026

Contact Us

If you have any more questions you can speak to your health visitor.

Email: wchc.wirralhub@nhs.net

Telephone: 0151 514 0219

You can also contact   fis@wirral.gov.uk