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Guide

How do I support an autistic child in nursery or the early years (EYFS)?

Practical strategies for EYFS settings, SEN support in the early years, and working with families and referrals.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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Young children playing and exploring in a bright nursery room
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The short answer

Early years settings in England follow the EYFS statutory framework and the SEND Code of Practice, which expects SEN support through a graduated approach. For autistic children, that means predictable routines with visual supports, following the child's interests in play, supporting all communication, calm spaces, and working closely with families, including on referrals if needed.

Key takeaways
  • Follow the EYFS and the SEND Code of Practice graduated approach.
  • Use visual routines, follow interests and value all communication.
  • No diagnosis is needed for SEN support.
  • Work with families and support referrals when needed.

What does good support look like in the early years?

  • Predictable routines with a visual timetable and now-and-next board
  • Warnings before changes, with a timer or song
  • Following the child's interests and joining their play
  • Supporting all communication: gestures, pictures, signs and words
  • A calm space and fewer transitions where possible

The EYFS statutory framework sets the standards all early years providers must meet.1

How does SEN support work in the early years?

The SEND Code of Practice expects early years providers to identify needs early and use a graduated approach: assess, plan, do, review, with parents involved throughout.2 The setting's SENCO coordinates this.

How do I talk with families about concerns?

  1. Start with strengths: what the child enjoys and does well.
  2. Share specific observations from the setting.
  3. Explain what you're already doing and what's helping.
  4. Suggest next steps: the health visitor, GP, or a referral route.3

What helps during the day?

Try
  • A visual timetable at child height
  • Now-and-next boards for transitions
  • Offering a quiet spot during busy times
  • Sharing pictures with families to use at home
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  • Insisting on group time participation
  • Insisting on eye contact
  • Sudden changes without warning
Free printable: classroom packPDF · 8 pages · timetable, now and next, token board, calm corner, breaks, transitions, story and profile
Download Free printable: classroom pack

What can I try this week?

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Common questions

In many areas, nurseries can support or make a referral, often alongside the health visitor or GP. The NHS says families can ask their child's nursery about a referral.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework. gov.uk
  2. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years (chapter 5, early years). gov.uk
  3. NHS: How to get diagnosed with autism. nhs.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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