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If you're new to SEND then knowing where to start finding support can be overwhelming. Your child may have just been diagnosed with SEND, or may be in the process of being assessed. Or perhaps you've just started to notice that your child or young person is developing, behaving, or learning differently to their peers. The Local Offer website gives you the right information at the right time to support you and your family.

"Sometimes in the beginning, when you are realising that the future you thought your child was going have, is going to be very different, it is easy to be overwhelmed. You must take heart from the fact you are not alone, there are people and organisations out there who can help or just be there to chat with. I have especially found support on Facebook and with various groups like HPCI and Carers in Herts."

Mum of a child with autism

Where do I start?

We asked parents of children and young people with SEND to share their advice on how to get organised and start finding the right support. Here's what they suggest:

  • Do some research around your child's area of need, what you are concerned about, or the disability you think they may have.
  • Look into joining some local support groups. You will find there's a lot of information, guidance and resources from fellow parents/carers in the online support groups such as those available on Facebook. Many charities have closed Facebook groups just for parents or carers which you can ask to become a part of. The benefit of looking online is that you can access support from the comfort of your own home.
  • Think about how you can stay organised - it's likely you'll receive lots of paperwork, so you'll need a place to keep it tidy and safe.
  • Keep to your appointments and record all communications if you can. If you speak to someone on the phone for example, make a note of what was discussed or agreed.
  • Try making a file of your child or young person's symptoms and needs. It can be frustrating to keep repeating this information with different professionals, so having a place where everything is written down can help you cope with this.
  • Visit your local Family Centre (if you have a 0 - 11 year old). You could take your child to a baby and toddler clinic, or attend an event for older children. Share any concerns you have about your child, they are not just for weighing babies.
  • Remember that you are not alone and there is support available. If you're struggling to access support, you can contact SENDIASS on 01992 555847, or info@hertssendiass.org.uk

What kind of support can I expect for my child with SEND?

Education support

Every child or young person with Special Educational Needs should have SEN support. This means help that is additional or different from the support generally given to other children or young people of the same age.

Most children and young people with SEND have their needs met through mainstream education. Those with more complex needs may need specialist provision.  Every nursery, school or college should have a member of staff called a SENCo/InCo.  Their role is to ensure children with additional needs get the appropriate support to access education. If your child is in nursery or school (or about to start), one of the first things you can do when you have concerns about your child's learning is to talk to the SENCo.

There is help and support available to you and your child even if they're not currently in school, or if you're in the process of choosing the right school for them. You can find out everything you need to know about educating a child or young person with SEND on our Education Support pages

The Specialist Advisory Service teams work in mainstream schools to support children with different special educational needs and disabilities.  You can contact a member of the specialist advisory services to discuss concerns you may have about your child by phoning the Advice Lines which operate in term time. The SENCo can refer to these teams with the parent or carer's consent if they feel that more targeted specialist support is needed. Health professionals can also make a referral to these teams, and families can self-refer if the child is not in a setting.

If your child has received extra SEN support at school but is still not making progress, it may be that your child will need an Education Health Care Plan.  An EHCP is for children with more complex needs, and will set out the extra help and support they will need to overcome barriers to learning.

Support for you as a parent carer

It's easy to forget that you need looking after, too. In fact, looking after your own physical and mental health is important for both you and your family. Many parents and carers find that the best source of support comes from other parents of children with SEND. There are many organisations who can support you and your child.

Support from health professionals

If you are concerned about your child's development, or their mental or physical health, talk to your GP. If needed, they will put you in touch with a paediatrician for assessment.

Our services for children and young people area has information about health services you might come across for your child.

Family Centres and Health Visitors (for children under 5)  offer advice and support to parents and carers. Find your local Family Centre. Or, you can phone 0300 123 7572, choose your local area and then option 2, to speak to an advisor. You can ask them to put you in touch with your Family Centre SEND Champion who will be able to tell you about support in your area. 

The Children and Young People's Therapy Service provides Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy for children and young people in Hertfordshire. If you have questions, you can phone them on 01923 470680 (option 3).

Other organisations who can help

Find support from other families and parents like you. That includes, emotional support, learning opportunities, and activities for the kids.

Impartial and confidential information, advice and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities, and young people and children with SEND.

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a charity offering free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with SEND

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