Spotting SEND Early with CURA

Why Early Recognition Matters

• Earlier interventions = better lifelong outcomes
  Research shows that identifying needs sooner can significantly improve learning, confidence and development—especially in communication, social skills or fine motor abilities.
• Empowering key adults
  Pre-diagnostic challenges can often be subtle—or vary day to day. With trusted documentation and prompts, Cura helps staff notice what might otherwise go unnoticed.

How Cura Makes Differentiation Seamless

Here’s what Cura’s Learning Support Module offers to support early years settings:

1. Intuitive logging of concerns
   Staff can quickly record observations using pre-set categories (communication, attention, sensory responses, social interaction) and attach notes or evidence. No technical skills required—just honest reflections.
2. Patterns over time—automatically highlighted
   While single observations are useful, trends matter more. Cura analyses entries to highlight recurring concerns—prompting further attention when a particular area shows consistent difference.
3. Built-in developmental check prompts
   Concerned a child isn’t meeting a milestone? Cura includes reference milestones and gentle reminders, so staff can notice delays relative to typical development.
4. Collaborative logs for key adults
   Notes from parents, SENDCos, therapists or childminders can be linked to a child’s file, building a holistic view. Shared access ensures everyone stays informed.
5. Smart signposting and resources
   When patterns emerge (delayed speech, sensory differences, social withdrawal), Cura suggests evidence-based early support strategies or when a referral to a specialist might be appropriate.
6. Simplicity-first design
   Because time is tight in early years settings, all features are streamlined: prompted questions, quick selection options, mobile-friendly input—no extra admin burden.

A Day in Action: Niamh’s Story

Meet Niamh, aged 3, usually upbeat and curious—but recently she’s been quieter during group time, avoids eye contact, and sometimes flaps her hands. Here’s how Cura helps her preschool:

1. Discarding the “one-off day” mindset
   A single flap isn’t a trend—but Cura nudges staff to log details in a couple of clicks.
2. Noticing emerging patterns
   Over two weeks, her teachers log increased sensory withdrawal and reduced play interaction. Cura flags “sensory & social interaction concerns—2+ logs in 10 days.”
3. Immediate next steps
   The module prompts the SENDCo to check relevant milestones (e.g., joint attention, imaginative play) and suggests simple classroom adjustments plus a gentle catch-up with her parents.
4. Empowering family conversations
   Together, staff and Niamh’s parents see the pattern. Armed with concise notes and links to supported strategies, they begin gentle language and play-based interventions—even before a formal referral.

Why Settings Love It

1. Protection from implicit bias: Standard check prompts reduce subjective bias.
2. Ready-to-share summaries: When it’s time to involve experts or parents, Cura’s reporting features summarise observations clearly and accurately.
3. More confident, proactive staff: No one feels they’re “overreacting”.

Ready to Make a Difference?

With Cura’s Learning Support Module, early years settings can:

1. Turn one-off observations into meaningful insight
2. Act on early trends before waiting for a “diagnosis moment”
3. Support families from a place of informed care, backed by data

Let’s partner to help every child be seen, supported, and thrive—right from the start. For more information please look at www.tascsoftware.co.uk/cura.