For nurseries and schools

Practical, sourced guides for early years and school staff supporting autistic children: everyday adjustments, SEN support, talking with parents and the law.

Written for key persons, childminders, SENCOs, teachers and teaching assistants who support autistic children aged about 2 to 8 in nurseries, pre-schools and the first years of primary school.

Every guide links each fact to its source, dates anything that changes and says how strong the evidence is.

Parents and carers: you can share any of these guides with your child's nursery or school.

How to support an autistic child in nursery: a guide for early years staffFor key persons, room leaders, SENCOs and childminders in England: everyday support for autistic 2 to 4 year olds, SEN support with parents, funding and Ofsted.17 minute read Talking to parents when you think a child might be autisticWhen and how to raise a concern with a family, what to say and avoid, how families may react, records and consent, and what happens next. For nursery and school staff.14 minute read Visual supports, communication and sensory adjustments in the nursery and classroomPractical changes for early years and school staff: visual structure, easier transitions, communication that includes every child, sensory adjustments, a calm space and honest evidence.13 minute read Meltdowns and distress at nursery or school: what staff can do, and what the law expectsWhat helps before, during and after a meltdown in a nursery or classroom, what to avoid, and England's rules on sanctions, restraint, seclusion and sending a child home.13 minute read An autistic child in your reception or Key Stage 1 class: SEN support and your roleWho is responsible, how SEN support works with parents, everyday adjustments, starting reception, specialists, EHC needs assessments and the 2026 changes.17 minute read Can a nursery or school refuse, exclude or send home an autistic child?For nursery and school staff in England: Equality Act duties, the 2026 rules on sending children home and part-time timetables, and what to do instead.13 minute read Teaching assistants and autistic children: making one-to-one support workYour role, the research on how assistants are used, and practical habits for lessons, playtime and lunchtime that help an autistic child learn with the teacher and classmates.13 minute read Toileting and intimate care in nursery and reception: what settings need to knowFor early years and reception staff in England: the rules on children in nappies, intimate care policies, day-to-day toileting support, working with families and funding.13 minute read

Guides in this topic