SEND: Information for Parents

Welcome to your dedicated space. As a parent or carer, you are the absolute expert on your child. You know their strengths, their quirks, their worries, and what makes them smile. That is why we want to make sure you have everything you need - right at your fingertips -to feel confident, informed, and supported.

Navigating the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or lonely. Whether your child has a newly diagnosed need, has been supported by us for some time, or you have a small gut feeling that they may need a little extra help, this page is built entirely for you.

What you will find in this space

We have gathered resources, guides, and links to help you feel completely supported at every stage.

A Quick Message from our SENDCO:

"Please remember that you never have to walk this path alone. No question is silly, no worry is too minor, and our door is always open. Grab a cup of tea, explore the resources below, and please get in touch if you need us."

General Support -Local Authority

Please use the following link to access support and services available through the local offer at Cheshire West and Chester Local Authority: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Cheshire West and Chester Parent Carer Forum: https://www.pcfcheshirewest.org/

Carer's assessment: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

To access support from the local offer (Cheshire West and Chester) including Short Breaks (For more information visit https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Disability Positive: The new name for Cheshire Centre for Independent Living. They can offer advice, help with practical tasks and advocate for people in lots of situations. They listen and share people’s experiences to influence positive change in government policy. https://disabilitypositive.org/

Help/advice EHCP

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice): https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

The leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) :

Official Website:

https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Contact Number: 0300 123 7001
Email Address: iasservice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Main Office Address: The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0B

Autism - ASC

National Autistic Society website: https://www.autism.org.uk

Autism Practical Support (formally known as CHAPS): https://www.autismpracticalsupport.org.uk

Autism: A Pack for Parents and Carers:

Autism: A Pack for Parents and Carers

Autism Central is the National Peer Education Programme for families and support networks of autistic people of all ages in England. https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/

Autism Hub Cheshire West Cheshire - mental health and wellbeing: https://westcheshireautismhub.org.uk

Access the 6-week training course aimed at parents whose children are on the pathway to diagnosis, or who have a child who has recently received an autism diagnosis. On completion of the 6-week course, parents are also able to attend any number of 6 specialist courses on subjects such as PDA, sensory processing and masking. https://www.autismpracticalsupport.org.uk

The West Cheshire Autism Hub: https://westcheshireautismhub.org.uk/

CWP Adult Autism Hub Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are delivering monthly sessions which alternate between face to face and virtually, to allow more people to access the sessions. There will also be 1:1 support appointments and various different presentations available to access. To book a space, you can email: cwp.adultautismhubworkshops@nhs.net

SPACE: Providing accessible play and support to children with additional needs and their families. For more information of services and sessions available visit the website

SPACE - Sensory Room

Greater Manchester Autism Consortium / NAS Project: https://autismgm.org.uk/

'My Health Passport' is a resource for autistic people who might need hospital treatment. The passport is designed to help autistic people to communicate their needs to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/physical-health/my-health-passport

A website about autism, for autistic young people:

https://autismunderstood.co.uk/

Ambitious about autism - from early years and education to preparing for work. https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

Autistic Girls Network https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org

ADHD

ADHD: A Guide for parents: https://adhdandyou.co.uk

A Young person's guide to thriving with ADHD:

https://e-wellbeing.co.uk

ADHD and you: Stories that never stand still. A resource to help young people understand ADHD:

https://adhdandyou.co.uk

ADHD UK:

https://adhduk.co.uk/adhd-useful-resources/

Resources and additional links to further support ADHD: https://www.youngminds.org.uk

Sleep Support

Koala North West: Supporting children & their families:

https://koalanw.co.uk

West Cheshire Sleep Services: https://www.mymind.org.uk

Cognition and Learning

General information about Cognition and Learning:

https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk

General resources for cognition and learning:

https://www.durham.gov.ukBritish Dyslexia Association:

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Dyspraxia Foundation: https://dyspraxiafoundation.co.uk/

A series of podcasts/talks on: Dyscalculia, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia: https://www.youtube.com/user/dystalk/videos

Working memory difficulties - guidance for parents: https://www.devon.gov.uk

Ideas for support for cognition and learning: https://torbayfamilyhub.org.uk

Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH)

My Mind website: https://www.mymind.org.uk/

Childline : ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine about anything – no problem is too big or too small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine.

https://www.childline.org.uk/

Every Mind Matters-NHS: Find your little big thing for your mental health. There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety – we need to find what works for us. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

Family Lives: Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling. The issues we support families with include family breakdown, challenging relationships and behaviour, debt, and emotional and mental wellbeing. Family Lives: confidential helpline

Happy Maps: Happy Maps was created to save parents time and effort by providing a single platform to quickly find the help they need for their child. https://happymaps.co.uk/

Mind: We’re Mind. We understand mental health and wellbeing. We’re here for you if you’re finding things hard. We help everyone understand mental health problems, so no one has to feel alone. https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/

No Panic: No Panic is a registered charity that helps and supports those living with Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders. https://nopanic.org.uk/youth-hub/

Sensory

OT - Ready to learn - Information Pack for Schools: Ready to Learn - OT resource pack

Sensory Processing Occupational Therapy Support Service (SPOTSS): SPOTSS

More information about sensory processing: SPOTSS - Mid Cheshire

‘Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour’ is another useful tool which can be found via this website:

Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour Pdf