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 website with advice and information about autism related topics, plus a directory of local support services for autistic people, their families, carers and allies: Autism Space | Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (leicspart.nhs.uk) or use the QR code below
- 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 from a qualified health care professional.
You can ask questions about:
- Understanding Autism
- Assessments and diagnosis
- Emotional wellbeing
- Education
- Employment
- Signposting to other advice and support services
The service is available 9-5pm every weekday apart from bank holidays. The text line stays open during school holidays. The service can answer questions from autistic people, their families, carers and allies.
TEXT 07312 277097 or scan the QR code for more information on ChatAutism
Would you like to know more about Autism ?
Did you know that NHS England commissioned 9 charities to provide high quality and accessible autism information, education and coaching for families and carers caring for autistic people? In the Midlands, charities Contact and Ambitious Autism run these support, advice and guidance sessions.
Together with Autism Central, they also run FREE welcoming individual and group sessions on topics about autism like
- Understanding Behaviour
- Education
- Benefits and finance
- Helping an anxious child
- Navigating support available
To book a session or find out more please visit Autism Central or email autismhubmidlands@contact.org.uk
Webinar - Supporting your child's sleep
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Video file
Webinar - Supporting your child's emotional regulation in school settings - Specialist Teaching Service
please note :we are aware the embedded videos are not playing and are working hard to rectify this. in the mean time please find them here:
First video: Still face experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Jw0-LExyc Second video: Inside out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flMJHyrUI4M
Are you concerned about your childs wellbeing?
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Reliable information for parents and carers about common mental health and behaviour concerns in children and young people aged 0-25 is available on the YoungMinds website.
If you are worried about your child’s behaviour or mental health you can call the YoungMinds Parents’ Helpline for free on 0808 802 5544.
The National Autistic Society has a useful guide to mental health and autism.
The National Autistic Society’s Autism Helpline can be contacted for information about counselling and other therapies/interventions.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) helps children and young people who have been referred by another healthcare professional. Referrals are made if it’s thought the child or young person has emotional and/or behavioural difficulties at a level which requires specialist support.
CAMHS provide a range of services including initial assessments, therapy, group work, emergency assessments and in-patient care.
To access the CAMHS service you can:
- Speak to your GP or Paediatrician
- Speak to your Educational Psychologist - if you have one
- Speak to a Social Worker - if you have one
Further information can be found here
Information provided by Aspire:Lifeskills (independant autism specialist school - Loughborough)
Inclusive Activities Sports Clubs and Events
You can access the Local Offer to find out what's on in your local area and what support services are available.
But here's a leaflet with some other sports, clubs and events
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.
