# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
February 2026-  group dates (Instagram Post (45))

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For children, young people and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1. Home

2. For Parents

Navigating the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can feel overwhelming for parents and carers. This page is designed to provide you with useful information, practical advice and resources to support your child's educational journey. While we are not SEND experts, we can connect you with professionals and organisations who are.

Every child develops at their own pace, but if you have concerns about your child's learning, communication, social skills or behaviour, it may be helpful to explore whether they have additional needs. Early identification is key to getting the right support.
Signs to look out for

Difficulty with communication or understanding instructions

Challenges in making friends or struggling with social interactions

Sensory sensitivities, such as reacting strongly to noise or textures

Struggles with concentration or managing emotions

Delays in speech, movement or other developmental milestones

If you have concerns, speak to your child's teacher, GP or a specialist for advice.

Every child's journey is unique, and support is available at every step. Whether you are just starting to explore SEND needs or are navigating an EHC plan, remember that you are not alone. Reach out, ask questions and make use of the resources available.

If you suspect your child may need extra help, it's important to engage with the school early. Schools have a range of staff and resources to support children with SEND.
Who to contact

Class teacher - Your first point of contact who can share observations and discuss concerns

SEND coordinator (SENCO) - A specialist staff member responsible for SEND provision

Pastoral support or inclusion team - Some schools have additional staff who provide emotional and social support
Steps to take

Arrange a meeting with your child's teacher or SENCO

Discuss your child's strengths, challenges and any support strategies they need

Work with the school to put a plan in place, such as an Individual Support Plan (ISP) or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan

SEND Support roles in the United Kingdom
The titles for professionals who support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) vary across the four nations. We use the term SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) throughout our SEND Support Hub, but the terminology might differ in your child's school.

For children with significant needs, an EHC plan may be needed. This is a legal document outlining the child's needs and the support required.

Steps to apply for an EHC plan:

Speak to your child's school or SENCO about your concerns

Request an EHC plan assessment through your local authority

The local authority will gather evidence from parents, teachers and professionals

If approved, an EHC plan will be created detailing the support your child needs

Visit your local council's website for more information on the EHC plan process.

If your child is struggling at school, you're not alone. Many parents face similar challenges, and support is available.

Ways to get help:
Parent networks
Connecting with other parents can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Local SEND charities
Many organisations offer guidance, workshops and advocacy services.
Educational psychologists
They can assess your child's needs and recommend strategies.
Mediation services
If you disagree with the school or local authority, mediation can help resolve disputes.

Communicate with the school
Reach out to the school's SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) as soon as your child has a school place. Discuss your child's strengths, challenges and any provisions they may need. Sharing information early helps staff prepare for their arrival and ensures the right support is in place from day one.

Visit the school together
If possible, arrange visits before the term starts. This allows your child to familiarise themselves with the new environment, meet key staff and build confidence. Visual aids, such as photos of classrooms and staff, can also help with preparation at home.

Understand your child's rights
Schools in the UK are required to make reasonable adjustments to support children with SEND. If your child has an EHC plan, ensure you understand its provisions and how they will be implemented in school. If they do not have an EHC plan but require additional support, discuss available interventions with the school.

Build a relationship with staff
A positive relationship with your child's teacher and support staff can make a huge difference. Keep communication open and work collaboratively with the school to address any concerns that arise.

Prepare for change
Transitions can be challenging, so introducing a structured routine at home can help. Practising getting dressed, carrying a school bag or following a daily schedule can ease anxiety and build independence.

Transitions can be challenging for children with SEND. Our free downloadable resources are designed to make school routines easier to navigate and provide support at home and in the classroom.

Our SEND support directory is here to help parents and carers navigate available resources, services and expert guidance. From identifying your child's needs to accessing the right support in school, this directory connects you with key organisations, local services and practical tools to ensure your child thrives. Whether you're exploring EHC plans or seeking peer support, you can start your journey with the right information at your fingertips.

Our use of cookies

Like most websites, this website would like to set some non-essential cookies.

Read our cookie policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Starting school with SEND: What parents need to know

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Navigating the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can feel overwhelming for parents and carers. This page is designed to provide...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sandwell Parents Voice United (SPVU) | Sandwell Family Hubs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parent forum for disabled children in Sandwell

# data[].attributes.headline
Your Right to Choose - ADHD and ASD Assessments

# data[].attributes.subject
Your Right to Choose - ADHD and ASD Assessments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Right to Choose: ASD & ADHD Assessment Pathways - Cuckfield Medical Practice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is Right to Choose? In England, under the NHS, you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider, including for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit…

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

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

Our guide to the typical stages of speech and language development in babies, children and young people.

Children develop their speech, language and communication skills at different rates. However, knowing what is typical can help you identify speech and language problems early. You can also find out how to help your child learn to talk and understand words.

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
Ages and stages - Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our guide to the typical stages of speech and language development in babies, children and young people.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How autism can affect you and your family

Having an autistic child can put a lot of strain on you and your family.

You might need to spend a lot of time helping your child get the support they need. This can be very stressful and exhausting.

It may be hard to make time for the rest of your family and can affect your relationships with each other.

If you feel you need help, you can get support from lots of places.

Things that can help you and your family

Do

ask friends and family if they can help with day-to-day things or just be there to talk to

get advice from other parents of autistic children or autistic adults - find out where to get support

listen to other parents' stories - the charity healthtalk.org has stories of parents of autistic children, or you can search online for blogs, videos and books

ask your local council for a carer's assessment - you might be able to get extra support and financial benefits

think about doing a course for parents of autistic children - such as the EarlyBird course from the National Autistic Society

Don't

do not feel guilty for taking time for yourself when you can - even just going for a walk on your own can help give you a break

If you have questions about your child or family, you can call the National Autistic Society helpline on 0808 800 4104.

Talking to your child about autism

It's your choice when you want to tell your child about their autism.

Some parents do it straight away, while others wait until their child's a bit older. There's no right or wrong time.

When you tell your child, it may help to:

do it when they're feeling calm or relaxed

talk to them in a place where they feel comfortable, with no distractions

explain they do not have an illness, but they might need extra support to help them with some things

explain they might find some things harder than other people, and some things easier

bring them to a support group to meet other autistic children

The Autism Easyread guide from the National Autistic Society might help you explain autism in a way your child will understand.

Supporting your other children

Some children can find it hard if their brother or sister is autistic.

If you have other children, there are things you can do to help them.

Do

make time for them whenever you can - try to do some activities with just them

talk to them about what's going on and ask if they have any questions or worries

let them have time on their own or with their friends - for example, sleepovers at friends' houses

check the advice from Sibs, a charity for siblings of disabled children

Don't

do not be afraid to involve them in things like meetings with health professionals - it can help them understand what's going on

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Help for parents and families of autistic children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Having an autistic child can put a lot of strain on you and your family. You might need to spend a lot of time helping your child get the support they need. This can be very stressful and exhausting. It may be hard to make time for the rest of your family and can affect your relationships with each other.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There is separate information about ADHD in adults.

Symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person's ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).

A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:

being easily distracted

finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions

forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks

They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:

having high energy levels

fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet

talking noisily

feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still

finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations

Most children and young people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type.

ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise.

Many children are easily distracted, impulsive and have high energy levels, particularly if they're under the age of 5. This does not mean they have ADHD. It could be a sign of something else, like being tired, anxious or stressed.

Getting help for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If you're worried that ADHD may be affecting your child, talk to one of their teachers. An older child or teenager may choose to speak to a teacher themselves.

The teacher will usually make a referral to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

The SENCO can discuss support in the classroom or with homework, or help with building confidence and friendships.

If you're still worried or you think your child needs additional support, you may want to make an appointment with a GP.

At the GP appointment, the doctor will ask about the child or young person's symptoms and how these affect their life. They may consider other conditions that could cause these symptoms, such as autism, Tourette's or anxiety.

People with ADHD may often have other conditions too, such as depression, anxiety or addictions, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

The GP or SENCO may recommend support groups or training for parents in your area.

Asking for an ADHD assessment

If support at home and at school is not helping your child, you may want to ask for an ADHD assessment. Speak to a GP or SENCO to request a referral for an ADHD assessment.

While waiting for a referral or assessment, the child or young person should continue to get support at home and in school. You can also contact your local council for advice, and to ask if there's a family hub in your area.

Family hubs support children and young people aged 0 to 19 (and up to 25 for people with special educational needs or a disability).

What happens at an ADHD assessment

The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

The specialist will talk with you and your child to find out more about any symptoms, and about family life. They'll also ask about your child's development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading.

There may be some forms to fill in before the appointment or as part of the assessment.

The ADHD specialist will usually contact a SENCO or teacher, or both, to see how your child is doing at school.

They may also ask your child to do a computer-based test to help assess their symptoms.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available.

Waiting times for ADHD assessments

Waiting times vary and your child may have to wait several months or years for an ADHD assessment.

You may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using the Right to Choose scheme. Read about Right to Choose and your choices in the NHS.

You can ask for an NHS appointment at any clinic, including a private clinic, if it provides ADHD services for the NHS in England.

Find out more about diagnosis pathways for children on the ADHD UK website.

How to manage ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

There are different ways to support a child or young person with ADHD, including lifestyle changes, changes at school and at home, or medicines.

It depends on their symptoms, and not every child needs help or support from a health professional.

Talk to a SENCO (special educational needs coordinator), or a school nurse where available, about changes that could help a child or young person.

Finding out more about ADHD can also help parents, children and young people better understand the condition.

If your child or teenager has been referred to an ADHD service, a specialist will be able to give you more information and advice about how to help them.

Lifestyle

There are things you can do to help support a child or young person with their ADHD symptoms.

Support at school and at home

Discuss with a SENCO what adjustments or support may help at home and school.

This may include:

splitting up tasks, like doing homework or sitting down to eat, into 15 to 20 minute slots with a break in between each slot

giving clear and simple instructions one at a time in a calm voice

writing a to-do list and putting it somewhere easy to see

giving praise when a child or young person does well, or making a reward chart

Medicine

ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. This includes:

medicine to help with ADHD symptoms, such as methylphenidate

melatonin for problems sleeping, when other methods for improving sleep have not worked

Children and teenagers may need to try more than one medicine to find out what works for them.

A GP may be able to take over prescribing ADHD medicines, but only if there is a "shared care agreement" between the GP and the ADHD specialist. To find out more, talk to your ADHD specialist or GP. Not everyone with ADHD needs to or wants to take medicine.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be recommended to help a child or young person with ADHD with problem solving and expressing their feelings.

ADHD and mental health

People with ADHD may be more likely to have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

They are also at higher risk of suicide.

If you're concerned about a child or young person, help and support is available right now if they need it. They do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
Find out about mental health support for children and young people

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The cause of ADHD is not always known. ADHD may be caused by genetic differences and often runs in families.

There are several other things linked to ADHD, including being born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), having epilepsy, a brain injury or being autistic.

Some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent. Neurodiversity describes the range of different ways our brains work.

Help and support for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If your child or teenager has ADHD, there are ways you can help them manage their symptoms with support from their school or a doctor.

There are ADHD support groups locally and online.

There are also a number of organisations and charities that offer information and support about ADHD.

ADHD UK

Information and support for anyone affected by ADHD.

ADHD Foundation

Information for anyone affected by a neurodivergent condition, including ADHD.

ADHD Adult UK

Information and peer support for parents of children with ADHD, and for adults with ADHD.

Young Minds

Mental health support for young people.

AADD-UK

Charity which lists support groups across the UK, including groups for adults, parents and carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and teenagers, the symptoms of ADHD, how to get a diagnosis and how to manage it.

# data[].attributes.headline
Neurodivergence, profound disability and Autism specialist

# data[].attributes.subject
Neurodivergence, profound disability and Autism specialist

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Sandwell Council sent this bulletin at 16-02-2026 09:47 PM GMT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sandwell SEND Bulletin - February 2026 (Issue 1)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Sandwell Council sent this bulletin at 17-03-2026 11:17 AM GMT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sandwell SEND Bulletin - March 2026 (Issue 2)