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New to SEND

If you're new to SEND, this webpage aims to help you feel more confident and informed about the potential journey ahead for your family.

Whether your child has recently received a diagnosis, is being assessed, or you're simply noticing differences in how they learn or behave, support is available based on their needs. The Local Offer website is here to guide you with clear and up-to-date information to help you and your family find the right help at the right time.

Where do I start? Tips from other parents

"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 [Herts Parent Carer Involvement] and Carers in Herts."    
- Mum of a child with autism

We asked parents of children and young people with SEND to share their best advice for the start of the SEND journey:  

  • 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.
  • 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. Family Centres 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 support can I expect for my child with SEND?

Education support

Most children and young people with SEND have their needs met through mainstream education. Those with more complex needs may need specialist provision. 

  • Every child or young person with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities 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.
  • 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. 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 SEND. The SENCo can refer to these teams if they feel that more targeted specialist support is needed. Some of the teams offer advice lines to discuss concerns you may have about your child. You'll find details on our Contact a SEND service page. 
  • If your child has received extra SEND support at school but is still not making progress, it may be that your child will need an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) .  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 vital 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).
  • Pupils with medical conditions or physical disabilities  might need an Individual Health Care (IHC) plan which outlines what needs to be put in place at school to meet their medical needs.  Parents, school and healthcare professionals should work together to decide whether an IHC plan is appropriate for your child. 

Other organisations who can help

Support groups and networks in Hertfordshire

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

SEND Information Advice and Support Service

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

IPSEA

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

What does the law say about SEND? 

As a local authority, there are certain legal duties we have regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These include: identifying children who may have SEND, publishing a Local Offer of services, involving parents and children in decision-making, and arranging assessments for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan if necessary.   

You can find out more about our legal duties in relation to SEND on the IPSEA website