Peterborough City Council
29 September 2026
Guidelines on Early Years and Childcare (Local Offer)
“Early Help” is the term used to describe the process of taking action early and as soon as possible to tackle problems and issues emerging for children, young people and their families.
“Early Years” refers to children from birth to the age of five. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning development and care of children from birth to five years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
“Early Support” in Peterborough is a pathway for children in their pre-school years with complex health, education, or care needs.
https://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/kb5/peterborough/directory/family.page?familychannel=8-1
Peterborough Child Development Unit
The Unit assesses and manages children (0-5 years) who live in Peterborough city or north Cambridgeshire who have significant problems with development.
They are a team of specialist paediatric health and social care professionals including:
- Specialist paediatrician
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational therapist
- Speech and language therapist
- Psychologist
- Dietician
- Pre-school learning support teachers (Early Years Inclusion Service)
- Secretary
They have close links with many other professionals who work with children including hearing and vision team, children’s social care and portage.
What they do?
- Assessment and investigation of children with significant developmental difficulties
- A detailed profile of a child’s strengths and weaknesses, and where possible, a diagnosis.
- A tailored therapeutic programme to meet the needs of the child.
- Work individually or in groups.
- Support and information for children and their families.
Help families plan for their child’s future needs.
https://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/kb5/peterborough/directory/service.page?id=J45qzDswNZI
Early Support Pathway
Early support in Peterborough is based on a national programme following SEND reforms. It aims to support pre-school children and families in a more holistic approach.
Early Help and Targeted Support for children, young people and families
Early Years (0-5 years)
Early Years refers to children from birth to the age of five. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
Early Support Pathway (0-5 years)
Early Support in Peterborough is a pathway for children in their pre-school years with complex health, education, or care needs. These children will require considerable ongoing support from across education, health and care.
Early Help (0-19 years)
The term Early Help is used to describe the process of taking action early and as soon as possible to tackle problems and issues emerging for children, young people and their families.
https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/early-help
SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)
Peterborough’s SEND Information Hub (which is also called the Local Offer) is a digital website and is intended to provide better support and services for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities and their families.
In this one place, you can find information about providers of the following services:
- Special educational provision
- Health services
- Social care services
- Other educational provision
- Preparing for adulthood, including housing and employment
- Leisure and social opportunities
https://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/kb5/peterborough/directory/localoffer.page?familychannel=8
