A qualitative investigation of factors preventing parents of typically developed and SEN/D children from taking advantage of the two-year-old funding offer

ABSTRACT

Using a qualitative approach including an online survey and a focus group, the study sought to examine the factors that prevented ‘hard to engage’ families from taking advantage of the two-year-old funding for free early education and care within one United Kingdom-based context. In particular, the study sought to identify any barriers that parents with children with SEN/D faced and how these could be rectified. Thematic analysis revealed three themes; a fear of stigmatization, a lack of awareness in regards to eligibility, and concerns over the ability of staff to deal with a child’s additional needs. Findings are discussed with a consideration of whether it is the families that are ‘hard to engage’ or alternatively, whether service providers are themselves ‘hard to engage.

KEYWORDS:

• Two-year-old offer
• SEN
• funding
• barriers
• inclusion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gareth Newman

Gareth Newman completed his Masters of Arts in Early Childhood and Special Educational Needs in October 2017.

Alex Owen

Dr Alex Owen is the Head of Department of Early Childhood at Liverpool Hope University.