Graduated Response | EYFS

EYFS definition

A graduated response is a continuing process of understanding a child’s needs, putting support in place and checking how it helps. In EYFS SEND practice, it is often called the graduated approach and follows assess, plan, do and review.

What do the four stages mean?

  • Assess: understand strengths, needs and barriers, drawing on the child, family and practitioners.
  • Plan: agree the intended outcomes, support, responsibilities and review date.
  • Do: put the agreed support into everyday practice.
  • Review: consider its impact together and decide what to continue or change.

What might it look like in practice?

A child finds group story time difficult to access. Adults and their family explore possible barriers, then agree to try familiar objects and a smaller group. They notice whether these changes help the child participate and use that information when reviewing the plan.

How flexible is the process?

The cycle develops as understanding grows, usually with the SENCO supporting coordination where relevant. Review timing reflects the child and support, rather than a fixed number of weeks for everyone.

Specialist advice can inform the process when needed. The cycle is a way to refine support, not a requirement to wait for repeated difficulty before seeking appropriate help.

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