# data[].attributes.body
A Young Carer is somebody under 18 who helps to care for a family member who may have an illness, disability or addiction.

This includes children who have a sibling with an additional need.

Although these children may not directly care for their sibling, they are entitled to a wide range of support which can be a huge help.

# data[].attributes.body
Information on Autism specific needs

# data[].attributes.body
Keeping your child safe (First Aid)

# data[].attributes.body
See an overview of the terms Neurodivergent, Neurodiverse, Neurodiversity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ECSL3160 Kinship care in Enfield DL leaflet (004) (1)

# data[].attributes.body
Here is some information on national and local SEND services available to you.

# data[].attributes.body
Information on how to support your child with their self-help skills and independence, so they are ready for school.

# data[].attributes.body
See SEND specific information for each of our schools.

# data[].attributes.body
We all go through challenging times; see below some specific resources that can help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Trauma

Some autistic children feel traumatised by past experiences at school. This means that thoughts and memories about past, difficult school experiences can be very hard to get rid of.

The child may live in fear that the same situation will happen again and so can't face going to school and leaving the security of their home environment.

Examples of traumatic experiences could include:

being forced into intolerable sensory or social situations (e.g.noisy dinner halls, working in groups, PE classes)

being given 'consequences' for behaviour that the child displayed due to stress (e.g. isolation, detention)

being shouted at by a teacher or bullied by a peer

When a child has been traumatised by any school related experiences, to reduce their trauma and increase their chances of attending school once again, the adults supporting them (parents, carers and school staff) will need to work hard to build the child's trust back up.

Burnout

Sometimes an autistic child may reach a state of overwhelm and fatigue from the effects of everyday demands and expectations, such as:

learning and social demands that become too complicated, too much or too difficult

an unbearable sensory environment

worry that that they are not managing to do what is expected or keep up at the level they have managed previously

worry that teachers or parents will think they are lazy and not trying hard enough

hormones and puberty changes, which can make all the above challenges even more difficult to cope with

When overwhelm and fatigue take hold like this, it is often known as ''.

When burnout happens, the person can find they have no energy or motivation for carrying out demands and expectations.

They may even find getting out of bed and getting ready for school too difficult; let alone schoolwork, homework or socialising.

Returning to school after time off due to anxiety, trauma or burnout

An autistic child who is too anxious, traumatised or burnt out to go to school will need support from trusted adults to reduce anxiety, build up confidence and energy levels, before they will be able to attend school again.

This may need to happen slowly, and in stages, with the child being in control.

For example, they may need to start with a reduced timetable, or only attending certain, preferred lessons.

Autonomy, trust and taking things at the right pace

Points to consider:

When a child has been off school for a while, returning to school will be a step outside of their comfort-zone

For this return to go smoothly, it is important for them to know they have autonomy and that they have trusted adults to support them at home and school

Having autonomy means being in control. The child will need to know that they are in control of making choices - such as what they will or won't do, how they will do it, where they will do it, when they will do it

The child will need to know that they have adults who support them and will respect their autonomy

Adults must reassure the child that they understand their fears and needs - and that they will do all they can to keep them safe and comfortable

The child needs to know that they will not be pushed to be in situations outside of their comfort zone

When any plans are made to help your child return to school, make sure your child agrees with everything and make sure all your child's expectations are met

If plans agreed with your child do not happen, the chances are this will make your child anxious and destroy their trust in the adults supporting them. They may become be more determined to avoid school

Where your child does their learning may make all the difference. Your child may get on better in one school and not in another. Your child may even do better if they are home educated

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your child has individual strengths, difficulties and needs, and the key is working out what these are.
When a child is struggling to come out of their room and take part in any learning or socialising - whether at home and/or at school

Points for parents to consider:

It's hard for any parent to see their child stay in their room, stop doing the things they love, get so stressed out about things that might seem so small, and that most other children would cope with.

It is important for you to reduce as many demands as possible (e.g. social, sensory, academic)

One of the best things you can do is to make it very clear to your child that, for now and the foreseeable future, you are not expecting anything at all of them - except to get themselves as comfortable as possible - and that you want to help them with this

You may be thinking that you want to get them back into school or socialising as soon as possible. However, reducing any demands and taking things in very small steps will likely have the best chance of success

For now, it will be best to focus on meeting your child's sensory and social needs for each moment of the day

For example, do they need quiet, low lighting, to be left alone, to be tucked up in bed with a favourite pillow? Do they want to move, to dance, to listen to some lively music? Are their clothes comfy? Are they happy with what's on offer to eat? Do they want to be left alone, some company or a cuddle? Do they want to talk or listen, or avoid verbal communication?

If your child is not too emotionally dysregulated, ask them what they want, in relation to all the above sensory and social needs

If they are struggling with their emotions, avoid asking questions or telling them what to do

Instead, consider communicating through text message or pen/paper.

If your child is not up for communicating at all, use your best guess to work out what they need

Remind your child that they have autonomy and control - particularly over sensory and social situations

Don't give advice and suggestions unless your child agrees. Giving unwanted advice is likely to make them feel under pressure and even more unable to do things

Your child may not want to communicate with you but may be happy to spend time with you and do something low key, with no pressure to interact. Perhaps you could watch a favourite movie together, or maybe they might look at their phone whilst you prepare dinner

Engaging in special interests can be positive for autistic people in so many ways - such as helping with their emotional regulation, building self-esteem and confidence

Your child may not feel like engaging in things they usually find interesting or absorbing - but if you make the main priority, reducing demands and increasing their comfort, in time they may feel more motivated

They may have things they have enjoyed doing in the past that they want to get back into when they feel ready. They may also want to try something new?

If your child agrees to you sharing ideas to try and help, gently suggest making a Now, Next, Later board together. This would give them the chance to make very short-term plans about what they want to do. It will also help them know what to expect.

Walk in my Shoes

A short video about an autistic teenager's school related anxiety. Based on an original narrative by Erin Davison whose wishes for this animation are:

To demonstrate to other young people who have had the same experience through school that they are not alone

To help school staff understand what an autistic young person is experiencing at school and the impact of those experiences both at school and when they get home

To raise awareness across the general public, of what a day at school can be like for an autistic young person

For the link to Walk in my Shoes please click here
For links to resources to support when children struggle to attend school, click on the link below:
For links to all our school related articles, click on the link below:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding why an autistic child may struggle to attend school | Autism Space | Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There can be many reasons why your child may not want to attend school, so this post explores the most common ones.

# data[].attributes.body
Keys Meadow Primary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Special Educational Needs/Disability Information Report See below for our SEND Information Report: SEND-info-2024-25 SEN identification flow chart Enfield’s Local Offer for SEND https://new.enfield.gov.uk/services/children-and-education/local-offer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. If you're concerned about your child's speech and language development, we can help.

We know that it can be hard to know where to start if you are worried about your child's development. If you think your child is having challenges with talking and understanding words, we are here to help you.

Our free resources and services can help with understanding what to look out for, how to get support and even some simple ways you can help your child at home.

Our progress checker will provide short questions you can answer to see how your baby or child is getting on with their talking and understanding of words.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Help for families - Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. Access our free resources and learn more about ways to encourage children's speech and language development.

# data[].attributes.body
An EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan) is for children and young people who need extra, specialist support. The EHCP will look at your child's Education, Health & Care requirements, and set out the additional support to meet those needs. See more information below.

# data[].attributes.body
See below all of the things you can access to help you support your child with various different aspects of their life.

# data[].attributes.body
We all require help sometimes. See below for services you can access.

# data[].attributes.body
See below specific resources that can support your child in areas they may be working on.

# data[].attributes.body
Support for your child at key transition points in their life

# data[].attributes.body
Enfield's Early Help Offer - focusing on Early Help, prevention and getting the right services to the family at the right time.

# data[].attributes.body
Guidance and E-Safety help for supporting your child to navigate the online world, including Artificial Intelligence.

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet is designed to give you as parents additional tools, resources and information to support your child on their primary school journey.

Have you across anything you think would be good to share? Or attended a great local group recently? Email your school Office and we can add it to the padlet to share with our school community.

# data[].attributes.body
Help and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Enfield's Local Offer provides help and support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their families. We offer a wide range of services for parents and carers, as well as young people who want to live as independently as possible. You can follow our Twitter page for updates on SEND events, or provide feedback on our services.

Disability family-friendly swim sessions run every week on Sundays at Edmonton Leisure Centre, from 11am to 12 noon.

The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) provides accessible support to parents and carers through their telephone support line.

The launch event for Preparing for Adulthood is on Thursday 20 October, from 10am to 1pm at Waverley School, EN3 7DL.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enfield's Local Offer provides help and support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their families. We offer a wide range of services for parents and carers, as well as young people who want to live as independently as possible.

# data[].attributes.body
Local Offer Newsletter Autumn 2024

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Centre 404 is pleased to announce that from the 1st November 2021 we will be running the Enfield SENDIAS Service. We are all working hard to ensure that the transition of this service is as smooth as possible. Although the services provided by the Enfield SENDIASS are unchanged, and some of the staff you may have worked with before (Mary and MG) will still be here to support you, please be aware that the contact details you need to use have changed – see below for more information.

# data[].attributes.body
Alma Primary School

# data[].attributes.body
Worcesters Primary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Worcesters Primary School, we believe all children have a right to fulfil their individual potential, we endeavour to provide the facilities required to achieve this. It is our aim to identify children with special educational needs as early as possible, to provide appropriate support to maximise their future success. Special Educational Needs and Disability […]

# data[].attributes.body
Houndsfield Primary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Inclusion, SEN and Mental Health - Houndsfield Primary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Houndsfield, we ensure our values are embedded in everything we do including our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. As a school, we have high expectations for all children. We ensure that all children access our curriculum. Teachers scaffold learning to support children to achieve the learning in class and use a variety […]

# data[].attributes.body
Merry Hills Primary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Additional and Special Educational Needs

Merryhills is an inclusive, community school. Our vision requires us to be proactive and persistent in ensuring that all pupils are provided with the opportunities and safeguards necessary to fulfil their potential. All pupils are entitled to a curriculum which meets their individual needs. This includes vulnerable pupils, gifted and talented, looked-after children, pupils with a disability and those learning English as an additional language.

At Merryhills we endeavour to support all pupils to overcome potential barriers to their learning. We practise the early identification of Additional and Special Needs through our monitoring and assessment procedures and by working closely with parents and external agencies. At the heart of this process is the pupil - the pupil's perspective and voice are valued, listened to and acted upon. In July 2023, we were proud to open our new outdoor inclusive play area:

Appropriate support is provided for pupils with Additional and Special Needs through a combination of intervention, additional provision and effective partnership working.

Our Inclusion Manager is Stella Ioakim and our SENCo is Michelle Harmon.

Working in Partnership

At Merryhills, we actively forge partnerships which benefit our school community and make all stakeholders feel supported and that they belong. We promote a transparent, supportive relationship with parents and encourage their active involvement in the education of their children. We recognise that some families may not feel confident enough to ask for help when it is needed or know how to best support their children. We have an open-door policy for parents and endeavour to provide them with the information they need to make informed choices and decisions about their child. The Inclusion Manager works closely with families across the school, particularly those of pupils with SEN. If you would like to arrange a meeting with the Inclusion Manager, please contact the school office to make an appointment or call the main school telephone number, then ext. 5.

We also work closely with external agencies, benefitting from the expertise of colleagues outside of the primary school setting. We are often provided with resources, advice and information to support individual pupils, staff, parents or a wider sector of the Merryhills community.

We do not tolerate bullying at Merryhills and we strive to make our school community a 'bully-free zone.' We endeavour to provide a caring, friendly and safe environment for all pupils, parents and staff.

Enfield Inclusion Charter

Merryhills is proud to sign up to the Enfield Inclusion Charter. The Enfield School Inclusion Charter has been developed by education settings (heads, teachers, parents and guardians, council officers and others) all working to provide high-quality education for every pupil. We believe that the most effective schools are educationally inclusive and pay attention to the different levels of support that pupils need. We all have a role to play in offering children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) access to an excellent education. By supporting and delivering this charter in your educational setting, you will join a community of equity champions and demonstrate a commitment to making schools and education more inclusive.

For more information about the SEND services that Enfield offers, please refer to Enfield's Local Offer by clicking on the link below:

SEND Services Enfield

Zones of Regulation

At Merryhills, we use the language of Zones of Regulation to help children: communicate their feelings, manage their emotions and learn how to self-regulate.

Children learn to identify emotions, recognise events that might make them move to a different zone and use the tools they have learnt to help them remain or move to a particular zone to help them regulate how they are feeling.

What are the different Zones?
Blue Zone: low level of arousal, not ready to learn, feels sad, sick, tired, bored
calm state of alertness, optimal level to learn, feels happy, calm, focused
Yellow Zone: heightened state of alertness, feels frustrated, worried, silly/wiggly, excited
heightened state of alertness and intense emotions, not an optimal level for learning, out of control, feels mad/angry, terrified, yelling/hitting, elated

We teach the children that everyone experiences all of the zones. The Red and Yellow
Zones are not 'bad' or 'naughty' zones. All of the zones are expected at one time or another. We will show them that the Blue Zone, for example, is helpful when you are trying to fall asleep.

Guides to Special Needs: Enfield's Spotlights
Dyslexia: A Guide for Parents
Autism

This is a video to explain what autism, produced by The National Autistic Society:

//www.youtube.com/embed/d4G0HTIUBlI#t=0.5
For families looking for more information about autism, the following links may be helpful: National Autistic Society
Enfield Advisory Service You do not need a diagnosis for support.
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Society
Witherslack Group Witherslack provide FREE expert advice, support.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
PDA is a profile of autism which involves the avoidance of everyday demands and the use of social strategies as part of the avoidance.
Key features of PDA profile

Resisting and avoiding ordinary demands of life

Using social strategies as part of avoidance

Appearing sociable but lacking some understanding, which may mask underlying differences and difficulties in social interactions and communication

Experiencing intense emotions and mood swings, as well as struggling to regulate feelings and emotions

Appearing comfortable in role-play, pretence and fantasy

Focus intently, often on other people, and repetitive or restrictive interests

Need for control driven by anxiety or automatic threat response in the face of demands

Tendency not to respond to conventional approaches in support, parenting or teaching

PDA Society booklet 'What is PDA?'
Useful Videos for Parents

Making Sense of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD):

//www.youtube.com/embed/hWP5YNXRCTY#t=0.5

Lets Talk About ADHD:

//www.youtube.com/embed/YeamHE6Kank#t=0.5

See Dyslexia Differently:

//www.youtube.com/embed/11r7CFlK2sc#t=0.5

Visual Support:

//www.youtube.com/embed/Xh_ooF8PDhM#t=0.5

Developing a child's communication:

//www.youtube.com/embed/2JG9AC0ZxuY#t=0.5

Merryhills' Policies and SEND Provision
SEND School Information Report 24/25
Local Authority: Good Practice Guide SEND Provision Map Additional SEND Provision information SEN Code of Practice SEN Policy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the website of Merryhills Primary School, Bincote, Enfield, Middlesex

# data[].attributes.body
Divorce & Separation

# data[].attributes.body
CAFCASS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supporting your child through divorce and separation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There is a lot happening after separating from your partner. It can often be a time of high emotion and high conflict.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We also run a regular programme of cuppa and chat drop in sessions at the Ponders End and Craig Park Family hubs. Dates for Spring 2026 are listed below and we will update this page when we have confirmed speakers for these sessions. More information is on our Family Hubs flyer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Risks and Benefits of AI Safety for Children - Digital Resistance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the risks and benefits of AI safety for children. Learn how AI impacts online security, mental well-being, and education.

# data[].attributes.headline
Enfield National Autistic Society Play Sessions

# data[].attributes.subject
Enfield National Autistic Society Play Sessions

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The group was created and is run by Neurodivergent adults who also have neurodivergent children and have already been on the journey of getting SEND support for their children in schools. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Supporting Enfield Parents of Neurodivergent Children 

# data[].attributes.subject
Supporting Enfield Parents of Neurodivergent Children 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supporting Enfield Parents of Neurodivergent Children | Facebook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Supporting Enfield Parents of Autistic Children is a support group for parents who need advice and support with their neurodivergent children. The group promotes sharing of ideas and advice regarding…

# data[].attributes.body
Activities to support Fine Motor Skills

# data[].attributes.headline
Starting Secondary School - Parent Guide 

# data[].attributes.subject
Starting Secondary School - Parent Guide 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents and carers transitions booklet_June25

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A child can't be forced to see the non-resident parent but if there's a court order in place, the resident parent must follow the agreed arrangements.

It's really important that you ask your child and explore what's bothering them before you think about stopping contact with a parent or another family member.

Both parents should work towards helping the child feel safe and happy in their care. A child's feelings are important but contact should be encouraged as long as it does not place them at harm.

If a young person doesn't feel their voice is being heard, they can contact an advocacy service such as NYAS, which helps young people in England and Wales express their wishes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Divorce and separation can be hard, but it's important that your child gets the right support. Know your rights and get advice on helping your child.

# data[].attributes.headline
Starting Secondary School - Pupil Guide 

# data[].attributes.subject
Starting Secondary School - Pupil Guide 

# data[].attributes.body
An overview of the EHCP process in Enfield

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) describes the additional specialist support your child requires in order to meet their outcomes

# data[].attributes.body
Specialist Provision

# data[].attributes.body
Example EHCP by Enfield Council

# data[].attributes.body
Enfield has some amazing things on offer for our children and adults. Look below to see a range of activities you or your child may be able to access. Many may be free or at a low cost.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Activities and things to do in Enfield, including playschemes and after school activities, and home care and home sitting services.

# data[].attributes.body
You or your child may be entitled to financial support. See below for support available.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

Disability Living Allowance ( DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:

is under 16

has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability

They will need to meet all the eligibility requirements.

The is between £26.90 and £172.50 a week and depends on the level of help the child needs.

If your child lives in Scotland

You need to apply for Child Disability Payment instead of DLA for children.

If your child is getting DLA for children but they have moved to Scotland, you'll need to report this change so they can get Child Disability Payment instead.

If your child moves from Scotland to England or Wales

If your child gets Child Disability Payment, you must:

Your Child Disability Payment will stop 13 weeks after your child moves - apply for DLA as soon as possible after moving or your payments could be affected.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help for children under 16 with disabilities - DLA rate, eligibility, how to apply, claim form.

# data[].attributes.body
Enfield Financial Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help for people who are struggling to pay your rent and their bills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's okay to reach out for help. Your situation is unique and no parent has all the answers. We all need a little extra support sometimes, and we hear from parents and carers just like you all the time.

So, if you're worried about the mental health and wellbeing of a child or young person up to the age of 25, you can chat to us by phone, email or webchat.

Our Parents Helpline is also accessible for those who are hard of hearing or speak English as an additional language. If English is not your first or preferred language, we can arrange for a language translator to support you on a call with one of our helpline advisers. Or if you would like to use our webchat or email service, we offer a digital translation service.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents Mental Health Support | Advice for Your Child

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Practical tips, advice and where you can get help if your child or teenager is struggling with their mood, feelings, or their behaviour seems different.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We support main carers of children and young people, as well as parents. You might be a kinship carer, legal guardian, foster carer, grandparent or sibling. If you are the child or young person's main carer, we want to support you. Our advisers are trained and experienced in supporting carers as well as parents.

If you are a family member or friend, but you are not the child or young person's main carer, see our online information for advice around how you can support them. You can also encourage their parent or main carer to contact us.

If you are a professional looking for information about supporting the young people you work with, see our resources for professionals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The YoungMinds Parents Helpline, Webchat and Email provide support and help for parents and carers worried about their child's mental health and wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Youth Enfield & Free Activity Portal for Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home - Youth Enfield & Free Activity Portal for Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free activities for young people in Enfield

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An organisation supporting adults living in Enfield & Barnet through wellbeing, advocacy, therapy, training, & advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Working for women and girls and their families in the community

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cheviots help families with disabled children under 17 get the support they need to live ordinary family lives.

# data[].attributes.body
Activities you can complete at home to support your child with their fine motor skills.

# data[].attributes.body
Support your child with their letter formation

# data[].attributes.body
Playdoh can help your child's fine motor skills. Try these activities at home - see below for a playdoh recipe too!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

Guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, from 1 September 2014.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This statutory code contains:

details of legal requirements that you must follow without exception

statutory guidance that you must follow by law unless there's a good reason not to

It explains the duties of local authorities, health bodies, schools and colleges to provide for those with special educational needs under part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

The code, which applies to England, is for:

headteachers and principals

governing bodies

school and college staff

special educational needs (SEN) co-ordinators

early years providers

other education settings

local authorities

health and social services staff

Other SEND guides are also available.

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, from 1 September 2014.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to the website of Our Voice. We are a parent-led organisation working with parents and carers, as well as the statutory and voluntary sectors, to improve services for children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs in the borough of Enfield.

Join Us

Sign-up for news and notifications

Donate

Newsletter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the website of Our Voice. We are a parent-led organisation working with parents and carers, as well as the statutory and voluntary sectors, to improve services for children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs in the borough of Enfield. Sign-up for news and notifications

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) - helping children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
inourplace | Solihull Approach - Online courses for emotional health and wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
inourplace | Solihull Approach | Online courses for parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
inourplace | Solihull Approach : Online courses dedicated to improving emotional health and wellbeing in parents, children, teenagers, adults and grandparents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Each school publishes an SEN information report on their website, which explains how they meet the needs of children with SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Artificial intelligence safety tips for parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn more about artificial intelligence (AI) content and tools, and discover ways to help your children stay safe. Written by Kate Edwards, Associate Head of Child Safety Online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Youth and family hubs bring together different services for children and families, making it easier for them to get the help they need at the right time.

# data[].attributes.body
Enfield Guide for Parents and Carers to keep your child safe online.

# data[].attributes.body
Guide for parents on online scams

# data[].attributes.body
List of services to support children, families and communities in Enfield

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to ‘Enfield’s Early Help Directory 4 All’ This directory brings together local and national services to support children, families, community members and practitioners.

# data[].attributes.body
Enfield Children's Centres - you are able to self refer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enfield Children’s Centre provides opportunities for families with children under 5, to learn, develop and have fun.

# data[].attributes.body
Charity for Single Parent Families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How to not need a holiday after the holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time for single parents, Natalie is a volunteer in our Wellbeing Digital Group and recently held an online workshop where she shared her 'go to' tools for managing the...

Read more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are Gingerbread, the charity for single parent families. We provide expert advice and practical support for single mums and dads in England and Wales.

# data[].attributes.body
You are able to self refer

# data[].attributes.headline
Curriculum for all children in terrific two's, nursery & reception 

# data[].attributes.subject
Curriculum for all children in terrific two's, nursery & reception 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5.

# data[].attributes.body
Instagram: @attigomat

instagram.com/attigomat

Facebook: facebook.com/AttigoMat

Twitter: twitter.com/attigomat

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Support for families

To help adoptive families, Adopt London provide advice, guidance and counselling.

The agency can also complete an assessment of support needs and offer workshops, training and support groups for adoptive parents, with opportunities to meet other adoptive families.

Support for adopted children

If you have just discovered you are adopted, or already know and have just turned 18, it is completely natural to want to know about your origins. This does not always mean you are unhappy with your adoptive family. Whatever your reasons, it is always helpful to talk about your feelings with a trusted friend or relative.

If you know your birth name, you can get a copy of your original birth certificate from the general register office. This will have the name of your birth mother and possibly your birth father. You can then contact our post adoption worker or begin the search yourself.

For every adoption, there is a file that contains interviews from your birth family, social workers and your adoptive parents. It should also have information on your birth and adoption, including what decisions were made and by who.

You should find out if your birth parents or family have registered on the adoption contact register and entered their details in the hope that you will make contact. The service will let them know you are trying to reach them. For a fee, you can also register your wish for contact.

The search for your birth family can be emotional and you will need to be prepared for all possibilities. You may feel apprehensive, scared of rejection, angry, or you may just want to confront your birth parents on the decision.

Adoption support workers are trained social workers who can provide counselling and give advice on who can help you further. They will help you to prepare for when you do meet your birth family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Adoption support for families and children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To help adoptive families, Adopt London provide advice, guidance and counselling.

# data[].attributes.body
Support for adoptive parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Support for adopters with Sanam Harrinanan

Sanam speaks to Emma, who adopted two children with her husband, their son has required some additional support along the way due to his attachment issues. Working with their adoption agency and local authority, they have been able to access a variety of different post adoption support services for themselves and their children, including education, financial and therapeutic help.

Listen to the podcast here

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Adoptive Parents - Support | Adoption England

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sanam speaks to Emma, who adopted two children with her husband, their son has required some additional support along the way due to his attachment issues. Working with their adoption agency and local authority, they have been able to access a variety of different post adoption support services for themselves and their children, including education, financial and therapeutic help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How much financial assistant when fostering if offered.

# data[].attributes.body
Key Contacts for Foster Families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Meet the Enfield Fostering team. From fostering to special guardianship and SSW’s.

# data[].attributes.body
Therapeutic approaches and support for children who may have experienced trauma

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Adoptive parents - therapeutic support | Adoption England

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For children to develop and build secure attachments they need to feel safe and loved and a therapeutic approach to parenting can really help children in the first instance. Therapeutic (also known as reflective) parenting requires putting in place clear boundaries and routines to help children feel safe and to support them manage even minor changes. Dealing with challenging behaviour requires a different approach than we would use for children who have not experienced past trauma.

# data[].attributes.body
Families in Enfield are able to access free first aid training provided by ABC Parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Healthwatch Enfield - Young People's Mental Health Guide.pdf

# data[].attributes.headline
Talking to your child about Mental Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Talking to your child about Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Giving our children and young people opportunities to open up is one of the biggest things we can do as parents and carers to support their wellbeing. It can be easy to forget the simple power of sharing what we're going through and feeling heard. But even though you can't fix everything when your child is struggling, you can make them feel seen and understood - and this in itself can make them feel more able to cope.

Talking about how they are, how their day has been and what's on their mind as part of everyday family life shows your child that you're interested in them and want to listen. It also supports them to practise thinking and talking about their feelings, helping them to get to know themselves and what they need.

But talking isn't always easy. You might feel like you don't know where to start, when a 'good time' is, or how your young person will react. Or, you might be worried about making things worse or saying the wrong thing. If this is the case, try to remember that your child doesn't need you to always get it right - they just need to know you're there.

Here, you can find lots of ideas, conversation starters and advice for making talking easier.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Talk to Your Child about Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read our advice on how you can talk to your child about mental health and encourage them to talk about their feelings.

# data[].attributes.body
List of books to support children in developing their understanding of mental health and wellbeing

# data[].attributes.body
Support for children who may be experiencing mental health difficulties