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Northumberland Portage Service Workshop 2/3rd October 2025

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Northumberland Portage Service Workshop 2/3rd October 2025

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For further information, please contact our Portage Administrator at Sarah.Bott01@northumberland.gov.uk

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Once we are involved with a family, The Portage Team will visit nursery once each term to share our Portage Support Plan and Strategies. Further visits can be requested by completing this form.

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A video which outlines what an EHCP is.

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Find useful links and helpful tips from the National Portage Association website.

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Welcome

The NPA provides a quality framework and training for portage across England and Wales; supporting Portage services, Portage Practitioners and parents.

Check for details of Registered Services and contact them directly about referals or appointments.

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The NPA provides a quality framework and training for portage across England and Wales; supporting Portage services, Portage Practitioners and parents. Check for details of Registered Services and contact them directly about referals or appointments.

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A flow chart to help explain the process.

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Northumberland information, advice & support service

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Northumberland information, advice & support service

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This service provides help and support to parents & carers throughout the EHCP process if needed. They can also offer support and advice around your child's educational options.

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We are continuing to provide a service during Covid-19. If you have any queries, please contact the service at iass@northumberland.gov.uk or 01670 623555 / 01670 620350.
Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service
Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service is a free, confidential and impartial service for children and young people (up to 25 years) with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers.

The information, advice and support provided by the service covers the full range of education, health and social care as defined in the SEND Code of Practice 2015. The service is run at 'arm's length' from the Local Authority.

The support the service can offer includes:

Providing a listening ear and practical advice and support with understanding the SEND 'system'.

Information on a range of SEND topics.

Support with preparing for meetings.

Help with exploring the options for a child/young person's SEND provision.

Signposting to other services and groups, including parents group, youth forums and national helplines.

Support for individual children, young people and their parents that empowers them to express their views and wishes and helps them to understand and exercise their rights in matters including SEN processes, exclusion, complaints and SEND appeals.

Training for parents, children and young people, and professionals to increase their knowledge of SEND law, guidance, local policy, issues and participation.

Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service
We are a self-referral service. Feel free to contact us:

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We are continuing to provide a service during Covid-19. If you have any queries, please contact the service at iass@northumberland.gov.uk or 01670 623555 / 01670 620350. Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service is a free, confidential and impartial service for children and young people (up to 25 years) with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers.

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If you would like to refer a child to our service please use this form.

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We work hard to ensure all of the Portage Principles are at the core of our service.

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Using the portage model we are able to ensure there is an holistic approach to learning.

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Have a look at this short presentation and see how our service could help your family.

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Welcome to Northumberland Portage Service

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Welcome to Northumberland Portage Service

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Meet the team and see what we can offer.

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Information and opening times for The Tim Lamb Centre, specialist play and leisure provision.

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Tim Lamb Centre The Tim Lamb Centre offers specialist activity and leisure facilities for disabled children/ young people and their families. Our Centre is open to families with a child/ young person at any stage of their diagnostic journey

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Find out a little more about Portage.

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Northumberland Portage Service 'Welcome to Portage'

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Coronavirus: Supporting Children and Young People

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Information for parents, carers and those working with children and young people to understand the current situation.


Please have a look in all the sections. Lots of the information will be useful for more than one group of readers!

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We are now able to take bookings for our beautiful gardens and adapted outdoor play equipment, luxury hydrotherapy pool and amazing lilac sensory room.

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Working for the common good by enabling people to develop to their personal potential. Welcome The Alan Shearer Centre is a highly specialist, respite, residential and social facility for people with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments. Situated in its own grounds on the outskirts of Newcastle, the Alan Shearer Centre comprises three specialist facilities...

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A flow chart to help explain the process

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Northumberland County Council - Portage service

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This page provides information about Northumberland's Portage service for school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

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Disability Access Funding - How to Claim

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The Alnwick Garden is a world of adventure in the heart of Northumberland. The perfect family day out, you’re more than welcome to explore!

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The children and young people we work with have learning and physical disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, challenging behaviour and other complex needs. We also support children and young people with health care needs such as: specialist feeding requirements, epilepsy, medication needs and personal care.

We hope that you find our website informative and easy to navigate. It is designed to give you an insight into the outstanding quality of care and support that we strive to deliver. If you would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact us or better still arrange to come and visit us during one of our activity sessions.

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WECAN - We Enable Children with Additional Needs | Hexham, Northumberland

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The children and young people we work with have learning and physical disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, challenging behaviour and other complex needs. We also support children and young people with health care needs such as: specialist feeding requirements, epilepsy, medication needs and personal care. We hope that you find our website informative and easy to navigate.

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Request for Early Years Inclusion Support can be made here:

https://forms.office.com/e/te7P2zjPwa

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We support schools, settings, childminders and out of school provisions in Northumberland to meet the statutory requirements of the EYFS, including safeguarding and welfare, learning and development and accessing funding for eligible children. If you're looking to set up a nursery or become a childminder, we can help.

Contact EarlyYearsTeam@northumberland.gov.uk

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We support schools, settings, childminders and out of school provisions in Northumberland to meet the statutory requirements of the EYFS, including safeguarding and welfare, learning and development and accessing funding for eligible children. If you're looking to set up a nursery or become a childminder, we can help. Contact EarlyYearsTeam@northumberland.gov.uk

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Hydrotherapy Pool available for families to hire.

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About Pine House Hydrotherapy Pool

Pine House Hydrotherapy Pool is a purpose built indoor heated pool attached to Pine House at Hepscott Park near Morpeth, Northumberland and has been designed to be used by disabled adults or youngsters with their carers.

The pool is 7 metres long by 2.5 metres wide. It has a three wide-stepped entrance at one end and then is a constant depth of 1.2 metres. It also has a hoist for wheelchair users and is kept at a constant recommended temperature of 33°c.

If required, it also features a Jacuzzi facility and, for the more able, a powerful jet stream for non-stop swimming.

The pool room has a changing room, an accessible toilet, and an accessible shower. There is also an adult changing table and further discreet changing facilities.

Whilst the pool facility is attached to the main building it will usually remain locked to the house. Separate accessible access is from the rear of the building via a keycoded door. There is plenty of space for parking - including minibuses.

Who for

We would recommend an initial visit to check that the pool can meet your needs. Ideally it is available each session for 1-2 adults (or youngsters) with needs that would benefit from hydrotherapy. We would anticipate at least two carers/adults per client being present and from an insurance point of view, they would take full responsibility for themselves and those they were supporting.

Insurance

As a business we carry general liability insurance but we will also ask to see your public liability insurance, as appropriate. Pool users should conduct their own risk assessment and have in place necessary procedures which meet the needs of their individual clients. We have a maintenance agreement with the company who installed the pool who visit 4 times a year to check all aspects of the facility. There are daily checks of the levels of chlorine, pH etc.

When

Pine House Hydrotherapy Pool is available for six daily sessions Monday to Friday, as follows.

Similar timed sessions are also available on Saturdays but finish at 5:00pm.

Prices

Physio

We would recommend that you make your first swimming appointment with a physiotherapist who could outline the most suitable programme for you. We can recommend several independent physiotherapy practices keen to be involved with us.

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The pool is 7 metres long by 2.5 metres wide. It has a three wide-stepped entrance at one end and then is a constant depth of 1.2 metres. It also has a hoist for wheelchair users and is kept at a constant recommended temperature of 33°c.

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Hydrotherapy Pool available for families to hire.

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Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust

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We are incredibly fortunate to have our own private hydrotherapy pool on-site at our Josephine Butler Campus in Ashington. Using physical water properties such as pressure and temperature to deliver therapies in a relaxed and safe environment, hydropools differ from regular swimming pools in that they are a lot warmer, mostly shallow and often incorporate [...]

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Information regarding the origin of Portage.

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Max card will get you discounts on fun days out and about.

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If there is something you know would help support your child or family, you can apply for this through family fund.

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Family Fund deliver grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young people on a low income across the UK

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You may be eligible for DLA if your child has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.

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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.

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

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Help for children under 16 with disabilities - DLA rate, eligibility, how to apply, claim form.

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Boparen Trust can help to fund specialist items, sensory toys and can support with money towards therapies.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

During the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the team are working non-stop to make sure all applications are being processed. In order to keep up with our normal processing times, we would ask that all applications be completed online or sent via email: applications@boparan.com

Please be aware we cannot guarantee that any applications sent via the post will be processed within our normal 2-4 weeks turnaround time.

For those who do not have access to a scanner, we will accept photos of an application. If you have any questions during this time, please call: 0121 214 9364.

On behalf of everyone here at the Trust, we would like to thank you for your understanding and we wish you and your family well during this time.

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Home Page - The Boparan Charitable Trust

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During the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the team are working non-stop to make sure all applications are being processed. In order to keep up with our normal processing times, we would ask that all applications be completed online or sent via email: applications@boparan.com Please be aware we cannot guarantee that any applications sent via the post will be processed within our normal 2-4 weeks turnaround time.

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The Toby Henderson Trust (TTHT) is an independently funded charity supporting children and young adults with autism, their families and carers in the North East of England.

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The Toby Henderson Trust | Autism charity providing advice & support in Northumberland

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The Toby Henderson Trust is an independently funded charity supporting children and young adults with autism, their families, and carers in the North East.

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National Autistic Society - North Northumberland branch

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National Autistic Society - North Northumberland branch

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NAS North Northumberland branch hold regular support groups for parents and carers who have a family member with Autism.

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Your Internet Explorer 11 browser is not supported by this site. Please upgrade to a recent browser for the best experience.

Autism Service Directory

The National Autistic Society

Main information

Type of service: Local groups

We hold a monthly support group for parents/carers of family members with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 9.30am-11.30am at Bell View, 33 West Street, Belford, NE70 7QB. We occasionally involve outside speakers. We also offer voicemail telephone and email support.

Eligibility

Age: For people of any age

Aimed at: Adult sibling, Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Parent/carer of an adult, Partner

Registrations & Approaches

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific

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Your Internet Explorer 11 browser is not supported by this site. Please upgrade to a recent browser for the best experience. Autism Service Directory Type of service: Local groups We hold a monthly support group for parents/carers of family members with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 9.30am-11.30am at Bell View, 33 West Street, Belford, NE70 7QB.

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Apply to this charity to help support your child

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Please click the link to request to join our Portage Facebook page.

It’s important you answer the joining questions.

Please note the Facebook page is for families currently accessing Northumberland Portage Service.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Two, Three and Four year old children who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and are receiving the free entitlement, are eligible for Disability Accessing Funding (DAF). DAF is paid to the child's early years setting as a fixed annual rate of £938 per eligible child.

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A Northumberland community group for children with additional needs or disabilities.

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Recommended by families of Portage.

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Why choose Clart About Ltd?

Clart About Ltd is an award winning not for profit organisation that reinvests all profits back into our fantastic Sensory Cafe to help support perinatal mental health whilst also bringing the whole family the very best in sensory experiences. Each area within our facilities have been designed by an Early Years Professional to offer a stimulating environment where children can learn through play.

We offer a supportive network for new parents to come together and support each other at our Clart About Cares classes. We give parents the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about their feelings and experiences, without fear of judgement. Secondly, to give parents the chance to celebrate and embrace their parenting journey so far.

Clart About Sensory Cafe opened in March 2018, as WINNERS of the ITV/ National Lottery People’s Projects we WON a huge grant of £48,175 to enable us to create a fantastic state of the art sensory experience for all, including those with additional needs and disabilities.

Our Mission

Clart About believes families matter. Our mission is to support new mothers and their families through the transition of early parenthood in a non-judgemental, caring and shared environment. We are on a mission aiming to reduce social isolation and working to erase the stigma attached to perinatal mental health.

Clart About promotes the physical, emotional and social development of children. We focus our work with parents by offering a simulative play environment to enhance and promote positive bonding experiences between children and parents.

Parents are a primary part of our play sessions. When parents enter into their child’s world of play, the child grows with more confidence to explore and learn thus creating a lasting bond between them which helps the overall well-being of mother and child.

Happy Babies… Happy Parents… Happy Parents… Happy Babies.

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Why choose Clart About Ltd? Clart About Ltd is an award winning not for profit organisation that reinvests all profits back into our fantastic Sensory Cafe to help support perinatal mental health whilst also bringing the whole family the very best in sensory experiences.

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There are a range of family hubs across Northumberland who offer a variety of support and groups.

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Family Hubs in Northumberland, previously Sure Start Children’s Centres

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Family Hubs Northumberland, previously known as Sure Start Children’s Centres, are spaces to meet, learn, take part in FREE activities and access help and information. We’re here to support parents and carers of children or young people between 0-19 years, or 25 with additional needs.

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Every day, Newlife is changing the lives of disabled and terminally ill children across the UK.

We offer a lifeline for families, providing life-changing and life-saving specialist equipment when and where it's needed. Childhood cancers, birth defects, accidents, diseases and infections can all cause disability. They are affecting children and their families every day.

With your support, we can ensure more children get the best possible start in life and fulfil their potential.

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Newlife the Charity - Changing the lives of disabled children

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Every day, Newlife is changing the lives of disabled and terminally ill children across the UK. We provide thousands of items of equipment.

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Northumberland sensory processing service 

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Northumberland sensory processing service 

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Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Sensory Processing Service

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Skip to content

Children's Occupational Therapy Sensory Processing Service for children and young people living in Northumberland.

This service is delivered by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and is based at Wansbeck General Hospital.

Our overall aim is to support parents, carers, education staff and other professional groups to understand how sensory processing can impact on daily life.

The service will provide information on how to modify activities and the environment to support participation in activities of daily life for children and young people with sensory processing challenges.

Our amazing senses

Our senses help us to perceive the world and to interact with other people. We have five external senses; these are known as vision, taste, touch, smell and hearing. We have a further three internal senses which are less well known. These internal senses are vestibular, proprioception and interoception.

Tap or hover over the icons to reveal the pop up.

What is Sensory Processing?

For most children the development of their sensory processing occurs as part of our typical development and they learn to respond appropriately to sounds, smells, movement etc.

We all have some sensory processing differences. For example, some of us like very strong tastes and smells and others avoid them. As long as we can manage to take part in the things we want and need to do these sensory processing differences don't matter.

For some children their sensory development is delayed or disordered, and they struggle to take part in everyday childhood activities. For example, they are so distressed by noise they can't go to a friend's party or they hit out when someone brushes up against them as they experience it as painful.

Meet the team

The team consists of a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Senior Occupational Therapist, and an Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor.

Sandra

Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist

Sandra graduated from Northumbria University as an Occupational Therapist in 2002. She has experience of working in acute physical and mental health settings before going on to specialise in Paediatrics in 2008.

She has completed further post graduate training in sensory processing and achieved a Master's degree in Developmental Disorders in 2018. Sandra has extensive experience of working with children and young people who have complex health and sensory needs and enjoys supporting individuals to achieve their full potential.

Karen

Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor

Karen started working for Northumbria Health Care in 2004. She has a wealth of experience in working in health care and recently transferred to Paediatrics as an Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor.

Her goal each day is to ensure she delivers high quality care to all the children and families with whom she works. Working in the Sensory Processing Service allows the opportunity to help children and families in the local area. She finds working in the sensory processing team very interesting and rewarding.

Who is this service for?

Children and young people who are experiencing day-to-day difficulties with processing sensory information can access Northumberland's Sensory Processing website for support, strategies, and information.

If additional support is required a referral can be made to the Occupational Therapy service where parents / carers will be offered an initial telephone consultation. Referrals to the service must be completed by an approved professional and meet the following service criteria:

The Service for any child or young person aged 0-18 years, or up to 19 years if still in full time education and living in Northumberland.

Registered with a Northumberland General Practitioner.

Parent/Carer consent has been obtained for the Referral.

Sensory Processing strategies have been trialled to help improve engagement in daily living activities but have not been fully successful and further support is required.

Sensory Processing challenges continue to have a significant and ongoing impact on mental health and/or physical wellbeing in relation to participating in daily living activities.

Children / young people who are receiving support from the Children and Young People's service (CYPS) who require sensory support may be redirected to CYPS to receive support around their sensory processing needs.

How to access?

Children, Young People and Parent/Carers can access sensory processing resource information and online workshops.

Northumberland Children's Occupational Therapy Service

Child Health Centre, Woodhorn Lane, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9JJ

01670 564050

Referral Form

To access a parent/carer telephone triage consultation a referral will need to be completed by an approved referrer into the service, such as:

Medical Staff - Paediatric Consultant or General Practitioner.

Health Professionals such as Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Community Nurse, Health Visitor or School Nurse.

Social Worker

High Incidence Needs Team (HINT)

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the department on 01670 564050.

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About us - Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Sensory Processing Service

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Support and information for parents and carers of children and young people who experience difficulties with processing sensory information.

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A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition or misuses drugs or alcohol. They might help with practical tasks at home, physical care, emotional support, look after siblings, run errands, go shopping or remind the person they look after to take their medication.

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Little Miracles is a parent led support group for families of children with life limiting conditions.

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