Navigating the world of SEND can feel really overwhelming at times; you may have received a new diagnosis or maybe facing a new challenge in your lives.
The term special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is used to describe learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child or young person to learn in comparison to those of a similar age.
Some children may have a disability which doesn’t affect their learning but could prevent them from being able to do some everyday tasks.
As such some children and young people may require additional support to help them achieve their outcomes or learning objectives depending on their individual needs.
Advice and support
This section provides a range of information, advice and guidance to support children or young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Special educational needs and disability and your child
Have a look at Leicestershire County Council’s main SEND pages, which include:
- Education and childcare
- Transport
- Preparing for adulthood
- Health
- Information and support
- Money matters
- Sharing your views
Visit: SEND | Leicestershire County Council
Visit: Where to start with SEND | Leicestershire County Council
SEND Local Offer
The Local Offer aims to bring together useful information across education, health and social care into one place.
You’ll find information, advice and guidance on a range of local service providers who support children or young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
For more information visit: SEND | Leicestershire County Council or watch the video below
Other SEND links
The Local Offer gives children and young people with special education needs or disabilities (SEND) and their families information about help and services in Leicestershire.
It aims to bring together useful information across education, health and social care into one place.
We have made a series of short videos to introduce you to some professionals that you may meet on your SEND journey.
Autism
- Autism space – A place to find Advise & support around all things relating to Autism : Autism Space | Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (leicspart.nhs.uk)
- If your child attends a Leicestershire school and has a diagnosis of Autism – All parents / Carers can access Parent workshops – More information here about the workshops & support available from the Autism Outreach team : Autism support in schools | Leicestershire County Council
- If your child is autistic & needs help with their mental health its import that you get the right support. If you live in Leicestershire, Leicester or Rutland ChatAutism, is a safe confidential space for you to seek help & advise – Scan the QR code for more information on ChatAutism

SEND support in school settings
Specialist Teaching Service
As part of the Leicestershire Graduated Offer, this service offers free support and advice to schools and families about specific areas of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
A child or young person doesn’t need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to receive their support and advice.
- Hearing support Team
- Vision support Team
- Autism Outreach Team
- Assistive Technology for Education Support Team
- Learning Support Team
Visit: Specialist Teaching Service | Leicestershire County Council
Supporting children with SEND
Finding the right support in school for your child.
Speak to us if you’re worried about your child’s progress.
Appeals and mediation
You can appeal against a decision about an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment or plan (EHCP) to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) tribunal. There are no fees for making an appeal.
Short breaks
Short breaks give children with disabilities experiences that help their personal and social development. They also give you, the parent or carer a break from caring.
Support and advice is available with short breaks
See if your child is entitled.
Short breaks for disabled children | Leicestershire County Council
Childcare
How to find childcare for your child with special educational needs or a disability, and what you should check.
Support and advice is available for childcare
How to find childcare for your child with special educational needs or a disability, and what you should check.