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How must information, advice and support services be run to meet the minimum standards?

The kind of things we help with include:

Understanding legal processes, such as Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans; knowing what you need to do and critical timescales.

Practical tasks, such as dealing with paperwork, getting your child or young person referred for extra help (SEN support), asking for and EHC needs assessment, checking a draft EHC plan or contributing to reviews

Developing a good working relationship with staff at nursery, school or college, or with other professionals.

Considering your options, clarifying your priorities and making decisions.

Feeling listened to and prepared for meetings or reviews.

Understanding how to deal with exclusions, disagreements with professionals or how to move forward when things go wrong.

Signposting to additional sources of information, advice or support, groups and services.

We also provide:

Monthly drop-ins in our localities across the city

Free information events and courses which help you to find out more about SEND

Factsheets on various subjects related to SEND

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We offer: information, advice and support to children, young people and parents/carers about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes health and social care where it is linked to education. We are a free, dedicated, confidential and impartial service based in Manchester. We are a statutory service.

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Crossacres Family Hub (Wythenshawe): 

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Crossacres Family Hub (Wythenshawe): 

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SENDIASS drop-in Crossacres Family Hub Sep 26 - Feb 27

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Sacred Heart Family Hub (Gorton): 

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Sacred Heart Family Hub (Gorton): 

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SENDIASS drop-in Sacred Heart Family Hub Oct 26 - Apr 27

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Clayton Family Hub: 

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Clayton Family Hub: 

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SENDIASS drop-in Clayton Family Hub Sep 26 - March 27

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Woodville Family Hub (Cheetham Hill) :  

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Have any questions about SEND? Come and meet the SENDIASS team face-to face at: Woodville Family Hub (Cheetham Hill) :  

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SENDIASS drop-in Woodville Family Hub Sep 26 - Feb 27

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Please click on the picture for an A to Z of further resources: 

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Please click on the picture for an A to Z of further resources: 

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Aa

Accessing support in your area: Autism Central, GM Autism & GMAC

ADHD

Advice & Support Over the Holidays

Autism Central

Autism & Neurodiversity

Autistic Community

Bb

Behaviour

Cc

CAMHS Resources

Communication

Ee

Eating

Education

Extra Help: DLA & More

Hh

Housing

Ll

LQBTQ+ Resources

Mm

Manchester Local Offer

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Oo

Occupational Therapy & Sensory Support

OCD & Neurodivergence

Online Resources

Other Services and Community Based Support

Pp

Parent Carer Support

Personal Care

Ss

Safety

School SEND Reforms

Siblings

Sleep

Short Breaks

Yy

Young Person’s Padlet

Youth Justice

16-25yrs

18yrs + Services

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Manchester Local Offer latest Newsletter August 19th 2026 - Summer SEND community offer - Trips/activities/events.  Click on the picture for more information: 

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Manchester Local Offer latest Newsletter August 19th 2026 - Summer SEND community offer - Trips/activities/events.  Click on the picture for more information: 

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Trips and Activities are for City of Manchester families ONLY not Greater Manchester.

Don't forget to sign up to the monthly newsletter to stay up to date with what is happening in Manchester for young people with SEND: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/100004/the_council_and_democracy/5309/sign_up_for_our_e-bulletins

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Manchester City Council sent this bulletin at 19-08-2026 01:32 PM BST

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SEND News from Manchester Local Offer - August 19th 2026

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16th September 2026 10am-12pm, Cornerstone Church, Burnage

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SEND Local Offer Drop In is on the 15th July 2026 | Manchester Service Directory

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Our next Send Drop In is on the 15th of July at Lifestyle centre, Portway, Wythenshaw, Manchester M22 1QW, From 10am-12pm. This is for the benefit of parents and carers of children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who are looking to find information and support including about Education, Social Care, Short Breaks or any general information and advice. The following services will be available on the day: Local Offer Team SENDIASS (Information, Advice and Support) Team Manchester Parent Carer Forum Social Communication Pathway (CAMHS) The Space Group Early Help Team Short Breaks Team Educational Psychology Rodney House Outreach Service Manchester Parent Champions Our Space Youth Group M Thrive Special Needs School Nurses Manchester Community Dental Service Ghyl Head Outdoor Education and Activity Centre Hide Out Youth Zone

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We’re about all things SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) for children and young people up to the age of 25 in the Manchester City Council area and their parents/carers.

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Welcome to Manchester Local Offer | Manchester Service Directory

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Home Health and Social Care Stuff To Do Young People Education SEND Information, Advice and Support Service Travel and Transport Parents, Carers and Siblings

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At the current time there is an unprecedented demand for assessment from the Social Communication Pathway (SCP).  The number of referrals accepted is far higher than the capacity for the team which means the waiting times are increasing.  These waits are similar to the wider Greater Manchester, and national picture, for this kind of assessment. We appreciate this is frustrating for families and we sincerely apologise for any undue distress this has caused.  We are working hard to reduce waiting times and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for Greater Manchester is aware of this issue.

We are trying to be as fair and transparent as possible about our waiting times,  and the allocation of our appointments. The SCP service usually see children in date order of referral. However, as agreed with representatives of our Parent Carer Forum, the SCP does prioritise children and young people

Where there is a significant risk to self or complex mental health difficulties.

Where children and young people are looked after and there is a need for an assessment to inform placement planning

It is not possible to give individual expected wait times in an accurate way. We know that it is frustrating not to have a firm figure for how long you might have to wait, but waiting times can change. We might mislead people if we try to be too precise about future waiting times.  We are currently allocating cases to clinicians for referrals we received in February 2023.

(Reviewed August 21st 2026)

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"Cool to be You" Game Day at the North Star Centre Ardwick - 10th September 4.30-6.30pm                                 * Booking is required * Click on the picture below for further information and to book your place: 

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"Cool to be You" Game Day at the North Star Centre Ardwick - 10th September 4.30-6.30pm                                 * Booking is required * Click on the picture below for further information and to book your place: 

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Be yourself and enjoy the company of people of all neurotypes in this get-together amongst SEND families in Manchester.

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in, go to school at, or access a GP in the city of Manchester.

There will be plenty of activities to enjoy together - Lego, arts and crafts, board games. We'll also have snacks and refreshments to share!

We will also take out our Book Library so that you can explore some fantastic books about autism, neurodiversity, the SEND system, and more! (On-the-day reading only; please don't take the books home!)

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Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in, go to school at, or access a GP in the city of Manchester.

There will be plenty of activities to enjoy together - Lego, arts and crafts, board and card games. We'll also have snacks and refreshments to share!

We can also take out some items from our Book Library so that you can explore some fantastic books about autism, neurodiversity, the SEND system, and more! Please speak with someone from the team on the day of the event if you want to read a book during the session.

Booking is required. Feel free to arrive and leave any time between 4:30 to 6:30pm.

Important Notes:

Children and young people aged 17 and under, and those with complex/ high support needs, must be in the presence of an adult at all times. You are responsible for your own children's safety throughout the session.

This event is exclusively for families of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children & young people living in the city of Manchester (or if they go to a Manchester-based school or accesses a Manchester-based GP).

Siblings without SEND are also welcome to join.

The building receptionist might not be fully available during the session. If nobody's opening the sliding doors for you, please feel free to ring us on 0161 388 4500 or contact us via SMS (text message) or WhatsApp.

What makes it "SEND-Friendly"?

Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) is committed to making the event as welcoming and comfortable as possible. You can expect:

This event is exclusive to families of children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities.

No need to mask! - This is a safe space to show the real you! Whether you stim or you need movement breaks or you want to wear earphones while playing, etc, your individuality will be welcomed here. All we ask is for everyone to be respectful of everyone's individual needs.

Peace of Mind - All MPCF staff and volunteers have lived experience of SEND so you can rest assured that there will be a level of empathy and understanding with any needs, difficulties or quirks that may arise on the day. Please speak to a member of the team if you have a request to make for a better experience. We will also be supported by MFT's Autism Navigators who are experienced in supporting families of neurodivergent children.

A Quieter Experience - We can reduce the volume and/or request for some lights to be kept on/ switched off, if needed, ensuring that your visit will not be too overwhelming.

Accessibility Considerations - The room that we will be using in the centre is accessible to wheelchair and buggy users.

In Your Own Time - No need to rush and bustle. Whether you are coming late or have to leave early, it's okay with us.

Acknowledgements

In April 2026, we ran our very first Game Day to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day, which we felt was a success - thereby inspiring us to try and do more of it!

We are grateful to Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and their Neurodiversity Navigators for hosting and assisting us during these sessions as part of the Needs-Led Model of Support.

Much thanks as well to Manchester City Council's SEND Local Offer, who generously provided financial support for us to be able to continue running the Game Days for the rest of the year as part of the SEND Community Offer!

What is World Autism Acceptance Day?

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007. Since then, the UN has worked to promote the full realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals, ensuring their equal participation in society.

Here at MPCF, we prefer to say 'Acceptance' rather than just 'Awareness', as we believe that true celebration of neurodiversity requires acceptance of everyone's differences rather than just knowing about it. In the words of an I CAN Network mentee, " Awareness means you know I'm here. Acceptance means you're happy to see me. "

World Autism Acceptance Week is also celebrated in the week that includes the 2nd of April, which this year would be the week commencing the 30th of March.

The whole of April is also known as Autism Acceptance Month.

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Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in, go to school

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Manchester Local Offer latest Newsletter August 19th  2026 - SEND News from Manchester Local Offer: Summer SEND Activities/Events/Trips - click on the picture for booking information: 

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Manchester Local Offer latest Newsletter August 19th  2026 - SEND News from Manchester Local Offer: Summer SEND Activities/Events/Trips - click on the picture for booking information: 

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Trips and Activities are for City of Manchester families ONLY not Greater Manchester.

Don't forget to sign up to the monthly newsletter to stay up to date with what is happening in Manchester for young people with SEND: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/100004/the_council_and_democracy/5309/sign_up_for_our_e-bulletins

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Manchester City Council sent this bulletin at 19-08-2026 01:32 PM BST

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SEND News from Manchester Local Offer - August 19th 2026

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Book a place on any of the upcoming Mcr ND Needs led offer Workshops. Click on the picture to open resources: 

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Book a place on any of the upcoming Mcr ND Needs led offer Workshops. Click on the picture to open resources: 

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These workshops are for Parents and Carers of young people aed between 5-18yrs old.

The workshops are for City Manchester residents ONLY or who have young people registered with a Manchester GP.

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Changes to how children and young people are reviewed and assessed for autism and ADHD in Greater Manchester.  Please click on the picture for more information: 

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Changes to how children and young people are reviewed and assessed for autism and ADHD in Greater Manchester.  Please click on the picture for more information: 

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NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) is making changes to the way children and young people aged 0 to 18 are reviewed and assessed for suspected autism and ADHD. This is to make sure support is offered earlier based on a child or young person’s individual need. It also means that those with highest need can be seen sooner. These changes are an important step to help manage unsustainable demand for autism and ADHD assessments.

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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ADHD and Autism Assessments for children and young people

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NHS Greater Manchester will introduce a new needs-led autism and ADHD assessment process, prioritising children with the highest needs.

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If you need support accessing the information contained on this Padlet please contact the Navigators and we can support you: MCR.AutismNavigator@mft.nhs.uk 

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If you need support accessing the information contained on this Padlet please contact the Navigators and we can support you: MCR.AutismNavigator@mft.nhs.uk 

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Parent Carer Warm Welcome Wednesday 9th September 12-2pm. Come and meet with the Navigators and Manchester Parent Carer Forum.                                                                                 *Booking is required*          Click on the link below to book your place: 

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Parent Carer Warm Welcome Wednesday 9th September 12-2pm. Come and meet with the Navigators and Manchester Parent Carer Forum.                                                                                 *Booking is required*          Click on the link below to book your place: 

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This month clinicians will be available during the event to answer your questions about your child or young person.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Senior Mental Health Practitioner

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Click on the link for more information and to book your free ticket: https://manchesterparentcarerforum.org.uk/event/social-communication-pathway-warm-welcome-sep2026/

Visitor parking available onsite.

Please contact the Navigators if you require any further information/assistance:

MCR.AutismNavigator@mft.nhs.uk

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To change the language of the Padlet please click on the 3 dots (...) 

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To change the language of the Padlet please click on the 3 dots (...) 

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If using a mobile phone, the 3 dots can be found at the bottom right of the screen (...)

If using a larger device such as a laptop, the 3 dots can be found at the top right of the screen (...)

See the guidance below for support:

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Padlet languages for large screens - laptop etc

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Early Years (EY) 3-5yr olds.  Click on the picture to open resources: 

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Early Years (EY) 3-5yr olds.  Click on the picture to open resources: 

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Early Years: Mcr ND Needs led offer Parent Carer Online Workshops

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Early Years: Mcr ND Needs led offer Parent Carer Online Workshops

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are for parents and carers of children aged 3-5 yrs and either: currently waiting for an assessment, has received a diagnosis, or would like to learn more about neurodiversity and how to support neurodiverse children.

The workshops are for City Manchester residents ONLY or who have young people registered with a Manchester GP.

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EY (online) workshops.  Please click on this picture to book your place on the upcoming workshops: 

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EY (online) workshops.  Please click on this picture to book your place on the upcoming workshops: 

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Need an interpreter? Or further support with your booking, please email: ManchesterSCP.Workshops@mft.nhs.uk

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© 2025 Bitly - Handmade in New York City, Denver, Berlin, Bielefeld, and all over the world.

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Mcr ND Needs led offer: Early Years (online) Workshops

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Mcr ND Needs led offer: Early Years (online) Workshops

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Early Years - Mcr ND Needs led offer Parent Carer Online Workshops – are for parents and carers of children aged 3-5 yrs and either: currently waiting for an assessment, has received a diagnosis, or would like to learn more about neurodiversity and how to support neurodiverse children.

These workshops are for Manchester residents ONLY

Toilet training workshop: A 1-hour online workshop which considers the particular challenges parents/carers can face when toilet training a child with social communication differences. The workshop will be focused on children who are right at the start of toilet training, but you are welcome to attend if your child has started toilet training and you are experiencing some difficulties.

Eating challenges workshop: A 1 ½ hour online workshop for parents/carers of children with social communication differences who eat a limited range of foods (there does not need to be any concern about their weight). The workshop looks at the reasons behind a limited diet, nutritional needs, the impact of sensory differences and ideas to try and increase the range of foods your child will try.

Parent carer sensory workshop: A 3-hour online workshop.

The workshop is for parents and carers of children and young people from pre-school years, up to 18yrs of age.

This workshop is led by a Specialist Occupational Therapist in the Social Communication Pathway and will provide the opportunity to:

·         Develop your understanding of sensory systems. E.g., Touch, smell, taste, movement and introduce less familiar systems such as proprioception and interception.

·         Consider how neurodivergent individuals may experience sensory differences.

·         Think about how sensory differences can affect everyday activities.

·         Explore strategies that may be considered when supporting a neurodivergent individual.

Play workshop: A 2-hour online workshop co-delivered with Manchester - SEND, EARLY DEVELOPMENT INCLUSION TEAM (SEDIT - formally RHOSEY). This workshop shares practical ideas you can try at home to support sensory regulation for children with social communication differences. It aims to improve parental and child wellbeing through play. We will explore ways to develop shared interests and joint attention so you can enjoy ‘play’ together.

Please click on the picture above (hands) to book your place on the upcoming workshops.

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Under 5s SCP Workshop flyer updated 2026

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Mcr Neurodiversity (ND) Navigator: Signposting Support

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Mcr Neurodiversity (ND) Navigator: Signposting Support

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Karen Woodhouse, our Autism Navigator can help signpost you to support services available in Manchester.

Please email your enquires to: MCR.AutismNavigator@mft.nhs.uk

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In most cases the SCP will require a child or young person has had TWO cycles/terms of asses, plan do, review in school. This is known as a ‘graduated approach’ – in identifying a child as having special educational needs (SEN), supporting those needs and then reviewing plans.

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In most cases the SCP will require a child or young person has had TWO cycles/terms of asses, plan do, review in school. This is known as a ‘graduated approach’ – in identifying a child as having special educational needs (SEN), supporting those needs and then reviewing plans.

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Click on the picture above to look at Manchester City Council’s page about SEN Support in Mainstream Schools for further information about the ‘graduated response’ and the ‘asses, plan, do , review cycles’'.

Please see the Education Section of the Padlet for Education Information, Advice and Support.

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What is SEN support? Every child with special educational needs should have SEN support. This means help that is additional to or different from the support generally given to other children of the same age. The purpose of SEN support is to help children achieve the outcomes or learning objectives set for them by the school.

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You can access the referral forms using the website link by clicking on the picture.

Please note there are links to:

parent referral form

school referral form

Both are required for a referral to be considered.

Once completed the forms and any supporting evidence, reports etc need to be sent to the appropriate team: North, Central, South (email addresses can be found on the referrals web page).

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Social Communication Pathway Autism Assessment - Royal Manchester Children's Hospital

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There are other reasons that children and young people can present with social differences, communication differences and behaviour that challenges. For example, if the child has specific learning or language difficulties; or behaviour may be a reaction to significant life experiences. We may feel an autism assessment is not appropriate in this case.

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Speech and Language interventions whilst you wait.  Click on the picture to open resources: 

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Speech and Language interventions whilst you wait.  Click on the picture to open resources: 

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Post Diagnosis Support Only. Click on the picture to open resources: 

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Post Diagnosis Support Only. Click on the picture to open resources: 

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The following sections focus on the Mcr ND needs-led offers and support available    >>>>>>> 

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The following sections focus on the Mcr ND needs-led offers and support available    >>>>>>> 

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Scroll UP & DOWN on Each Section to Access Information, Resources and Support ↑↓

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Scroll UP & DOWN on Each Section to Access Information, Resources and Support ↑↓

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Changes to ADHD and Autism (ASD) Assessments in Greater Manchester - Right to Choose update: 

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Changes to ADHD and Autism (ASD) Assessments in Greater Manchester - Right to Choose update: 

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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From 1st September 2025, the way ADHD and autism (ASD) assessments are managed in Greater Manchester has changed.

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North:  mft.northmanchesterscp@nhs.net

Central:  mft.centralmanchesterscp@nhs.net

South: mft.south.scp@nhs.net

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The Padlet contains some resources which are available to you - or services in and around Greater Manchester.

These are not linked or affiliated with our service, but are local activities or resources which we are aware of.

If you think there is anything unhelpful on this padlet, please email: mft.centralmanchesterscp@nhs.net to let us know.