# data[].attributes.body
Carol Jones is our Pastoral Support Adviser and can support you, your child and your family in a huge range of ways. Her direct email is cjones@chaddlewoodschool.org.uk

# data[].attributes.body
In this section, you will find links to organisations that support our young carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Plymouth Online Directory, or POD, is provided by Plymouth City Council and contains information, advice, help, and support services for adults, young people, and families who live and work in Plymouth.

The majority of this website is focused on health, education, social, and wellbeing services.

# data[].attributes.body
In this section, you will find support around finances and paying for childcare.

# data[].attributes.headline
SEND support at Chaddlewood Primary School

# data[].attributes.subject
SEND support at Chaddlewood Primary School

# data[].attributes.body
Livewell Southwest’s First Response Service is a 24/7 crisis line providing advice, support and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties.

If you feel worried about your mental health or that of a loved one or a friend, you can call the crisis line on NHS 111 (select the mental health option).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Livewell Southwest's First Response Service is a 24/7 helpline providing advice, support and signposting for people experience mental health difficulties.

If you feel worried about your mental health or that of a loved one or a friend, you can call the helpline on 0800 923 9323.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Livewell Southwest's First Response Service is a 24/7 helpline providing advice, support and signposting for people experience mental health difficulties. If you feel worried about your mental health or that of a loved one or a friend, you can call the helpline on 0800 923 9323.

# data[].attributes.headline
PIAS (Plymouth Information, Advice and Support) 

# data[].attributes.subject
PIAS (Plymouth Information, Advice and Support) 

# data[].attributes.body
Plymouth Information, Advice and Support for SEND (PIAS) provides information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for parents, carers, children and young people within the Plymouth Local Authority area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Supplying you with information, advice and support

Plymouth Information, Advice and Support for SEND (PIAS) provides information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for parents, carers, children and young people within the Plymouth Local Authority area.

PIAS provides parents, carers of children and young people with SEND and also the children and young people independently with:

support at meetings

support around education and training issues.

Information provided is impartial and confidential. For more information please see our:

Introduction to PIAS

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND. - Supplying you with information, advice and support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

# data[].attributes.body
We support and empower families with children living with a disability. We do this by providing services and activities for the whole family so that everyone gets to live their best life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Friends and Families | Empowering Families with Disabled Children | Plymouth | South West

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We support and empower families with children living with a disability. We do this by providing services and activities for the whole family so that everyone gets to live their best life.

# data[].attributes.body
At PDAS, we provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse. We provide support for individuals and families in the Plymouth area, including confidential advice, one-to-one and group support sessions. You have the right to feel safe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At PDAS, we provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse.

# data[].attributes.body
Miss Ash is the SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) at Chaddlewood Primary School. Miss Ash is available on a Tuesday. Miss Ash teaches in Foundation.

# data[].attributes.body
Mrs Jones is the PSA (Pastoral Support Advisor) at Chaddlewood Primary School. Mrs Jones is available every day to offer support for parents and carers.

# data[].attributes.body
We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We rely on the support of our local community for food donations, volunteering and finances. Can you help us stop UK hunger?

Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. Find out more about how we work.

Watch a video about how our project works here

Here is the annual report

Plymouth Foodbank - Central is based at the Oasis Project which provides community education and pastoral support and here is their annual report.

Where we are
Get directions & opening times

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Plymouth Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We rely on the support of our local community for food donations, volunteering and finances. Can you help us stop UK hunger? Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. Find out more about how we work.

# data[].attributes.body
Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Is there help for those living in their own home who pay care charges?

If you pay charges for care in your own home, your council should check that you have enough money to live on.

If you think that there are costs that were not looked at when your income was checked, you can ask for your council to look again.

Can I get support to pay my bills?

The Government has made money available to local councils to support people with their bills. This is called the 'Household Support Grant'.

Contact your local council to see if there is any help for you.

What is the energy price cap?

The energy price cap is about how much energy companies can charge for gas and electricity.

It changes two times a year.

It went up in April 2022 and it will go up again in October 2022. This means that electricity and gas will be more expensive over the winter when most of us need to use more energy to keep our homes warm, or to cook hot food.

Can my council take any of this money into account for social care charges?

No. Many people with a learning disability who get social care support from their council have to pay money in charges towards their care. The government has said that people get to keep all of the cost of living payments and councils cannot take the payments into account for social care charges. The government has put this into law with new regulations,  The Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2022.

About the payments

Many people with a learning disability who receive benefits will start seeing cost of living support payments into their banks from 14 July 2022. This extra money is for people on low incomes, or who face additional costs because of a disability, to cope with the rising prices of food, energy and other essentials.

People with a learning disability spend more than non-disabled people on essentials. As benefits are not keeping up with inflation, some people on low incomes are likely to be worse off this year. So while this additional support - up to £1200 paid between July 2022 and March 2023 - is welcome, it might not be enough to cover the rapidly rising prices.

If you, or someone you care for, is due to receive these payments, we're encouraging you to make a plan for how best to use this money.

When you are planning, remember:

The payments will start in July, but need to last for around 9 months.

Benefits payments are not expected to rise again until April 2023.

The price of essentials will probably continue to increase.

Energy costs are expected to go up again over the winter too.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Is there help for those living in their own home who pay care charges? If you pay charges for care in your own home, your council should check that you have enough money to live on. If you think that there are costs that were not looked at when your income was checked, you can ask for your council to look again.

# data[].attributes.body
The Citizens Advice service helps people to resolve their problems. As the UK’s largest advice provider we are equipped to deal with any issue, from anyone, spanning debt and employment to consumer and housing plus everything in between.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
- Free, Independent, Impartial and Confidential advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Home Our Services Volunteering Vacancies Contact Us Campaigns Household Support Fund About Us

# data[].attributes.body
Get in touch with our new Early Help and SEND advice line.

# data[].attributes.body
Time 4 U is Plymouth's young carer offer to children and young people; it is provided by Plymouth City Council, Barnardo's and Hamoaze.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is a young carer?

A young carer is an individual child or young person under the age of 18, who provides unpaid help and support on a regular basis to a family member, friend or relative. They may provide practical help, care, physical or emotional support to a person who is vulnerable for a wide variety of reasons, whether through age, physical or mental illness, disability or other issues such as substance misuse.

A young carer becomes vulnerable when the level of care giving and responsibility to the person in need of care becomes excessive or inappropriate for that child, risking impacting on his or her emotional/ physical wellbeing or educational achievement and life chances

Plymouth City Council

Plymouth Young Carers is a citywide project providing youth sessions for all young carers aged from 8 years old. The overall aim is to give young carers a break, meet up with other carers, have opportunities to engage in positive fun activities and to feel supported. The project is run by Community Connections Youth Workers and Volunteers

Barnardos

We are a dedicated team who work alongside young carers on a one to one basis focusing on a whole family approach. With the use of a young person led support plan we aim to reduce the impact of the harmful aspects of caring and ensuring each young person feels listened to.

Long term work enables us to offer significant support to young people and their parents with an emphasis on building resilience and self-esteem, exploring opportunities to get a break from caring and raising aspirations.

Similarly, we work closely with parents to ensure they have appropriate support which can ease the burden of caring.

Hamoaze House - Hidden Harm

We work with children aged 5-18 who are affected by substance misuse within their family. We do this in a variety of ways:

Support can take place at school, home or in the community. We offer one to one emotional support and coping strategies.

Support to gain an understanding of substances and their effects, and substance treatment plans.

Improving Lives Plymouth

Caring For Carers supports adult carers aged 18+ Many young carers will go on to be a carer when they reach the age of 18 and this is when we can undertake a statutory carers assessment with them to look at the support they require to assist their health and wellbeing. We can also support other adult family members who may also be caring for the same person as the young carer.

Time 4 U

The purpose of Time 4 U is to streamline existing services, reduce duplication, combine and utilise skills and experience and ensure even more children, young people and families benefit from a service.

With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn.

Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being 'different'. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood.

They are often afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.

How to request support

The request for service process for all three services will be through the Early Help Assessment Tool (EHAT) with representatives from all three organisations assessing referrals. The most appropriate service within Time 4 U will then be allocated to best meet the needs of the child, young person and/or family. For Children's Social Care, the CSC single assessment will be accepted together with the request for service email. All requests for service will need to be sent through to time4u@plymouth.gov.uk with Time4U Request for Service in the subject field of the email.

# data[].attributes.body
Plymouth's Young Carers Support Hub provides useful information and links to help our Young Carers provide amazing support to their friends, family, and relatives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Plymouth's Young Carers Support Hub provides useful information and links to help our Young Carers provide amazing support to their friends, family and relatives.

Further information

Want to create a page on the Plymouth Online Directory? Register for free and add a page - it only takes a few minutes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Plymouth Young Carers Support Hub - Plymouth Online Directory

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Plymouth's Young Carers Support Hub provides useful information and links to help our Young Carers provide amazing support to their friends, family and relatives. Want to create a page on the Plymouth Online Directory? Register for free and add a page - it only takes a few minutes.

# data[].attributes.body
If you're under 18 and looking after a family member or friend who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol, get in touch to find out what kind of help you and your family can get.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're under 18 and looking after a family member or friend who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol, get in touch to find out what kind of help you and your family can get.

To find out what help you can get, email gateway@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.

A trained person from the council or an organisation they work with will chat to you and your parents about whether you want to carry on being a carer and how caring affects things like:

your life and wellbeing

your education, training or work

activities you take part in or want to take part in

your physical, mental and emotional health

If you're eligible for their help they will agree with you what support you need and how your needs will be met.

The person you're caring for might be able to get help from Plymouth City Council instead of relying on you to care for them.
Local support for young carers
In Plymouth there are three services providing direct support to Young Carers and their families. These are provided by Plymouth City Council, Barnardo's and Hamoaze and are collectively known as Time 4U. The purpose of this is to streamline existing services, reduce duplication, combine and utilise skills and experience and ensure even more children, young people and families benefit from a service.

With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being 'different'. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood. They are often afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.

The referral process for all three services will be through the Early Help Assessment Tool (EHAT) with representatives from all three organisations assessing referrals.

The most appropriate service within Time 4U will then be allocated to best meet the needs of the child, young person and/or family.
Fun and freedom club
Make friends with other young carers at the fun and freedom club. The club meets one Saturday a month during term time and once a week during school holidays. They also organise trips and activity weekends. Joining the club is free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CFC - Young Carers Services - Improving Lives Plymouth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're under 18 and looking after a family member or friend who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol, get in touch to find out what kind of help you and your family can get. To find out what help you can get, email gateway@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.

# data[].attributes.body
Since 1996 Honeypot has been working to enhance the lives of young carers aged 5-12 years by providing respite breaks and on-going outreach support. In the UK nationwide, we give young carers a break from demanding and stressful responsibilities at home and provide a safe, nurturing environment where children at risk can develop their full potential.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Since 1996 Honeypot has been working to enhance the lives of young carers aged 5-12 years by providing respite breaks and on-going outreach support. In the UK nationwide, we give young carers a break from demanding and stressful responsibilities at home and provide a safe, nurturing environment where children at risk can develop their full potential.

We believe in providing early intervention support to children at a young age in order to prevent issues and challenges that arise in a young person's life becoming deep rooted.

To achieve the most for young carers, we work in partnership with a wide spectrum of organisations that provide complementary skills. We know that to be most effective, Honeypot must sit within the child's welfare network and respect each child's individual situation. Over many years, we have successfully built a network of working relationships with over 130 referring organisations, including social workers and GPs, local authorities, head teachers and school welfare officers to ensure that young carers who need our support are referred to us.

We know that there are no easy solutions or quick fixes for addressing the needs of young carers. Depending on the age a child is first referred to Honeypot, we are able to provide ongoing, recurring support for them for up to 8 years.

"We believe that every child has the right to make the most of their one chance at childhood, regardless of the circumstances they experience at home. This is why we exist."

- Simmi Woodwall, CEO Honeypot

Very few services exist for young carers. Of the few organisations that do support young carers in the UK, we are the only service that offers consistent outreach support and respite breaks, between the ages of 5 and 12. Without Honeypot, many of these children would have nowhere else to turn: Since 2010, government funding to children's services has fallen by a third. Currently, the support we give young carers has never been more vital.

While our track record extends back nearly 25 years, our mission has remained the same: We want to build brighter futures for young carers, and create happy childhood memories that they can cherish for a lifetime.
Download our About Us leaflet.

Official figures suggest there are 195,000 young carers in the UK, but it is more than likely there are many more from families that do not come forward or others being misrepresented - a BBC survey in 2018 estimated the number could be as high as 800,000. Young carers can find it hard to relate to their peers, struggle to concentrate in school and have little time to play with friends and take part in after-school activities. A survey in 2013 found young carers at GCSE level attain nine grades lower than average (the difference between 9Bs and 9Cs).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
About Us | The Honeypot Children's Charity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since 1996 Honeypot has been working to enhance the lives of young carers aged 5-12 years by providing respite breaks and on-going outreach support. In the UK nationwide, we give young carers a break from demanding and stressful responsibilities at home and provide a safe, nurturing environment where children at risk can develop their full potential.

# data[].attributes.body
A young carer is someone aged 25 and under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Older young carers are also known as young adult carers and they may have different support needs to younger carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A young carer is someone aged 25 and under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Older young carers are also known as young adult carers and they may have different support needs to younger carers.

What might a young carer do?

Practical tasks, like cooking, housework and shopping.

Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.

Emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed.

Personal care, such as helping someone dress.

Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions.

Helping to give medicine.

Helping someone communicate.

Looking after brothers and sisters.

How many young carers are there?

The 2011 Census identified 177,918 young carers in England and Wales. One in eight of those were aged under eight.

Scottish Government recognises that there are at least 29,000 young carers in Scotland.

This is widely believed to be the tip of the iceberg, with some estimates suggesting that as many as one in five schoolchildren are young carers (University of Nottingham 2018), with this number increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being a young carer can have a big impact on the things that are important to growing up

Young carers are already likely to have significantly lower educational attainment than their peers.

With the added complications of COVID-19, young carers have missed out on even more school than before and urgent support is needed if they are not to be left behind their peers.

Caring can also be an isolating experience but having the right support in place can give young carers a better chance of succeeding in all parts of their lives.

How we support young carers

Young Carers Action Day

Young Carers Action Day is an annual event led by Carers Trust. It raises awareness and calls for action to increase support for young people with caring responsibilities. On Young Carers Action Day 2022, we are calling on all governments across the UK to commit to taking action to reduce isolation for young and young adult carers including access to short breaks, These are important in providing much-needed freedom from caring responsibilities, as well as reducing isolation and promoting wellbeing.

Specialist services for young carers

Carers Trust helps young carers to cope with their caring role through specialised services delivered by its network of local carer organisations across the UK. They are independent charities. Activities offered include:

Activities and breaks.

Peer and community support, including young carer groups and peer mentoring schemes.

Information, advice and guidance, including one-to-one support and age appropriate information.

Emotional support.

Advocacy.

Brokerage and support planning.

Training in subjects such as health and safety, wellbeing and life skills.

Supporting families and young carers to apply for appropriate benefits.

Emergency planning support.

Whole family support.

Engaging young carers in informing service development.

I think I might be a young or young adult carer, where can I go for support?

The responsibilities of young and young adult carers vary greatly, so you may be eligible for support, even if you don't feel like you do a lot of caring. If you think that you might be a young or young adult carer, get in touch with your local carer service. Support workers will be able to ensure that you receive the support you need.

Find your local carer service

There are also lots of organisation that can support young carers with a range of issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A young carer is someone aged 25 & under who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support.

# data[].attributes.body
We are a national charity working to transform the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are a national charity working to transform the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. We support them through their most serious life challenges and we campaign tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most. We've been doing this for 140 years and we won't stop until we've built a society where hope is alive in every child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are a national charity, working with young people to counsel and support them through their most serious life challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
In this section, you will find links to organisations that support our service families.

# data[].attributes.body
Our bereavement support charity aims to ensure that children, young people and their parents/carers in Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area have support at a sad and difficult time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our bereavement charity aims to ensure that children, young people, and their parents/carers in Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area have support at a sad and difficult time.

This may be because a loved one has died or a significant person has a terminal illness. Our work is centered around grieving children, young people and their families and we always aim to do our best to help them through a difficult and uncertain time.

Families need support at different times and may be facing lots of challenges. We are respectful of each child and their family's individual experiences and circumstances. We will be creative in our work and strive for excellence in all areas of the charity.

Copyright © 2023 Jeremiahs Journey. All rights reserved. Registered Charity in England & Wales. Registered charity number: 1144431 and company no. 07517748. Web design by Matrix

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. We use cookies. Accept Find out more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children's Bereavement Charity | Jeremiah's Journey, Plymouth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We support grieving children & their families to help them through difficult times. Our bereavement charity is based in Plymouth, Devon.

# data[].attributes.body
We help people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're here to help you no matter how long you've been grieving. Learn more about our different bereavement support services here.

# data[].attributes.body
We work closely with individuals, families, schools and professionals to offer a way through the anxiety, fear and isolation so often caused by grief.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A world where no child is left to grieve alone

We care passionately about helping bereaved children, young people and their families find hope and healing after the death of someone close.

Crises in the news

If you have been affected by the recent devastating events in the news, please read our useful guides or don't hesitate to reach out and call our helpline on 0808 802 0111 from 9am - 9pm weekdays.

This year, our theme is 'The Shape of Your Support'. We are focusing on the people around a bereaved child or young person, beyond their friends or family, that can be there to support them through their grief. At Grief Encounter, we help build compassionate communities that can provide the right support from the right people, at the right time. Find out more about how this special week supports bereaved children.

We use some necessary cookies which are essential for certain basic functionalities on our website. We would also like to set Google analytics cookies to help us improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. These cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information please see our Cookies Policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home SUPPORTING BEREAVED CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One child in every UK classroom will experience the death of someone close by the time they reach 16 years old. Grief Encounter is here to help with the confusion, fear, loneliness and pain, providing a lifeline to children and young people to cope with free, immediate, one-to-one support.

# data[].attributes.body
Miss Daniels is the lead teacher for our military families at Chaddlewood Primary School. Miss Daniels teaches in Year 2 and is available to support military families.

# data[].attributes.body
Our Pastoral Workers are the ‘sailor’s friend’ and are available to listen, support, encourage and signpost. If you are isolated or live away from your ship/unit or establishment and would like to receive pastoral support we are able to provide you with contact to our Pastoral Workers over the phone.

# data[].attributes.body
We provide compassionate support services to help serving personnel and their families navigate the unique challenges of naval life.

# data[].attributes.body
Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting all children with one or both parents serving in our British Armed Forces (regular or reserve).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
April is international month of the military child Find out more here ENTER NOW our Through Our Eyes photo competition Find out more here Supporting all children of our British Armed Forces Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting all military children who have parent(s) serving in our British Armed Forces, regular or reserve.

# data[].attributes.body
We support serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If your poppy includes single-use plastic, you can bring it to Sainsbury's for recycling until 23 November. Simply locate a poppy recycling box at your nearby store.

For new plastic-free poppies, they can be recycled in regular household recycling collections.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. And we're not going anywhere.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As Summer approaches, we look forward to travelling, taking holidays, attending events and enjoying more time outdoors. There are some simple things we can all do to stay safe throughout summer and to keep illness at bay as we enjoy the longer days and better weather.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Vaccines save lives. They prevent around three million deaths worldwide every year and the World Health Organization states that after clean water, vaccination has the greatest impact on health globally.

In the UK, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer our children the best protection against serious and life-threatening infections through our routine childhood immunisations. The immunisation programme is designed to offer us the best protection throughout our lives, with more vaccines such as shingles and flu offered to our elderly population now.

The NHS vaccine programme

The NHS vaccination programme is a world-leader and designed to protect us throughout our lives, for free.

When you have a baby, keeping them safe and well is a priority. Vaccination is one of the most important things we can do to protect their health, and shortly after they are born, you'll be given information about their first immunisations, which take place when the baby is 8 weeks old.

These first jabs protect against a number of infections that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. The vaccines offered to babies and toddlers protect them from serious illness such as whooping cough and diphtheria that used to cause so much suffering to families, but thanks to immunisation are now rare.

As your child gets older, they'll be offered more appointments to get vaccinated, right up until they are teenagers. When they are little, these tend to be done at their GP surgery, but as they grow up some vaccines will be offered at school. It's important to look out for and return consent forms for vaccines that are given at school.

The full childhood immunisation programme protects your child against many different illnesses. It's best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up on most vaccines if you miss them. You can see the full schedule here, and if you are concerned that your child, or any family member, has missed out on certain vaccines you can speak to your GP practice about catching up. You can also use your child's red book to look back at which vaccines they have received and if there are any gaps.

Keeping each other safe

We now see far less cases of some very nasty infections that used to cause a lot of suffering and death, such as whooping cough, rubella and polio. However, the key to keeping cases low, controlling outbreaks and keeping our children well is to ensure they are vaccinated.

By vaccinating your child you give them protection, but this also helps to build herd immunity and protect others who may not be able to get vaccinated or have weaker immune systems.

Remember that your child will be offered vaccines into their teenage years, with the HPV vaccine, the teenage booster (Td/IPV - offering protection from tetanus, diphtheria, and polio) and MenACWY vaccines offered to adolescents in schools.

When your child grows up and enters into new environments, such as university, they mix with a new, wide group of people and can be more at risk of some infections. Keeping up with the full vaccination schedule and ensuring your child has caught up with any missed vaccines can help to keep them well as they go off and build their adult lives.
More information
The NHS website has lots of information about the free vaccines on offer. By clicking on each vaccine you can see detailed information about it, such as safety, side effects and catching up on missed doses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Protecting your children through vaccination

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vaccines save lives. This blog looks at the free NHS vaccination programme and why it's so important to get vaccinated and catch up on missed vaccines.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Vaccines save lives. They prevent around three million deaths worldwide every year and the World Health Organization states that after clean water, vaccination has the greatest impact on health globally.

In the UK, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer our children the best protection against serious and life-threatening infections through our routine childhood immunisations. The immunisation programme is designed to offer us the best protection throughout our lives, with more vaccines such as shingles and flu offered to our elderly population now.

The NHS vaccine programme

The NHS vaccination programme is a world-leader and designed to protect us throughout our lives, for free.

When you have a baby, keeping them safe and well is a priority. Vaccination is one of the most important things we can do to protect their health, and shortly after they are born, you'll be given information about their first immunisations, which take place when the baby is 8 weeks old.

These first jabs protect against a number of infections that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. The vaccines offered to babies and toddlers protect them from serious illness such as whooping cough and diphtheria that used to cause so much suffering to families, but thanks to immunisation are now rare.

As your child gets older, they'll be offered more appointments to get vaccinated, right up until they are teenagers. When they are little, these tend to be done at their GP surgery, but as they grow up some vaccines will be offered at school. It's important to look out for and return consent forms for vaccines that are given at school.

The full childhood immunisation programme protects your child against many different illnesses. It's best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up on most vaccines if you miss them. You can see the full schedule here, and if you are concerned that your child, or any family member, has missed out on certain vaccines you can speak to your GP practice about catching up. You can also use your child's red book to look back at which vaccines they have received and if there are any gaps.

Keeping each other safe

We now see far less cases of some very nasty infections that used to cause a lot of suffering and death, such as whooping cough, rubella and polio. However, the key to keeping cases low, controlling outbreaks and keeping our children well is to ensure they are vaccinated.

By vaccinating your child you give them protection, but this also helps to build herd immunity and protect others who may not be able to get vaccinated or have weaker immune systems.

Remember that your child will be offered vaccines into their teenage years, with the HPV vaccine, the teenage booster (Td/IPV - offering protection from tetanus, diphtheria, and polio) and MenACWY vaccines offered to adolescents in schools.

When your child grows up and enters into new environments, such as university, they mix with a new, wide group of people and can be more at risk of some infections. Keeping up with the full vaccination schedule and ensuring your child has caught up with any missed vaccines can help to keep them well as they go off and build their adult lives.
More information
The NHS website has lots of information about the free vaccines on offer. By clicking on each vaccine you can see detailed information about it, such as safety, side effects and catching up on missed doses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Protecting your children through vaccination

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vaccines save lives. This blog looks at the free NHS vaccination programme and why it's so important to get vaccinated and catch up on missed vaccines.

# data[].attributes.headline
Plymouth Family Information Directory (FID)

# data[].attributes.subject
Plymouth Family Information Directory (FID)

# data[].attributes.body
Please use this site to search for childcare including Full Day Care, Holiday Clubs, Breakfast Clubs, and After School Clubs.

# data[].attributes.body
Help paying for your childcare can be found here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How to use Tax-Free Childcare

For every £8 you pay in, the government will automatically add £2, up to the value of £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children)

Check you're eligible

Find out more about eligibility on www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

You can't use Tax-Free Childcare together with:

Tax Credits

Universal Credit

Childcare Vouchers

Select your childcare provider(s)

Your childcare provider(s) must sign up to receive Tax-Free Childcare payments.

Pay money into your childcare account

You can deposit money into your childcare account using a debit card, but it's quicker by standing order or bank transfer. We'll add the government top up automatically and you can use this money when it shows as 'available'.

Pay your childcare provider(s)

Use the money in your childcare account, including the government top up, to make one off or regular payments to your childcare provider(s).

Reconfirm

To continue getting the government top-up, you'll need to confirm your details are up to date every 3 months. We'll send a reminder when you need to do this.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For every £8 you pay in, the government will automatically add £2, up to the value of £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children) Find out more about eligibility on www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare You can't use Tax-Free Childcare together with: Tax Credits Universal Credit Childcare Vouchers Your childcare provider(s) must sign up to receive Tax-Free Childcare payments.

# data[].attributes.body
Get funding for the cost of up to 20 hours of before and after school care for your 4 to 11-year-old children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Discover My Benefits - Raf - Families - Wraparound childcare - Armed Forces

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get funding for the cost of up to 20 hours of before and after school care for your 4 to 11-year-old children

# data[].attributes.body
If you are a parent, grandparent or carer of pre-school or school age children, Family Learning is for you. Family Learning is fully funded so no cost to you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Family Learning?

If you are a parent, grandparent or carer of pre-school or school age children, Family Learning is for you. Family Learning is fully funded so no cost to you.

How does your child learn English, maths, science and languages at school? Family Learning takes the mystery out of today's teaching methods so you and your children can enjoy learning together.

Do you enjoy being creative with your child? We offer themed crafting activities which are not only fun but help to improve well being and social and practical skills.

Ever considered a cooking on a budget course? We help you to be more savy with your shopping budget and cook a meal to take home with your child.

Want to focus on life skills with your child? We offer baby massage and family first aid and so much more......
Where can you access Family Learning?
Family Learning delivers free courses in:

· Local schools

· Children's centres

· Community venues across Plymouth.

· OCSW venues including Hyde Park House and Tothill Community Centre

To find out if there is Family Learning happening in a venue near you, or if you would like to run Family Learning in your venue call 01752 660713 or email: info@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

Courses are designed to help benefit parents, grandparents and carers in a way that:

· helps them to understand the school curriculum

· supports children's learning by improving practical & social skills

· supports their own wellbeing, confidence and development

· contributes positively to the family home

· supports them to meet people in a similar situation.

Click the button below for more information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free family learning activities. Includes Crafts, Maths, English, Science, languages, cooking, budgeting, first aid and BSL. - On Course South West

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is Family Learning? If you are a parent, grandparent or carer of pre-school or school age children, Family Learning is for you. Family Learning is fully funded so no cost to you. How does your child learn English, maths, science and languages at school?

# data[].attributes.body
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences

Early Trauma Online Learning

# data[].attributes.body
Incredible Years Autistic Spectrum And Language Delay course.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Supplying you with information, advice and support

12-16 x 2 hour sessions

Parents/carers only

Courses run during the day

Key Features

Gives you the skills and confidence to deal with difficult behaviour and support your child in learning to manage their emotions.

Enables you to support your child to develop their language skills and social relationships with others.

Allows you to nurture your child's development in readiness for school.

Apply for Parenting Programmes

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Incredible Years Autistic Spectrum And Language Delay - Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

# data[].attributes.body
Strengthening Families Plymouth is a parenting programme that has been shown to work in Plymouth for a wide range of families. It is designed for parents and young people aged 10 to 14 years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Strengthening Families 10-14 UK - Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

# data[].attributes.headline
Understanding Autism, Asperger's and ADHD

# data[].attributes.subject
Understanding Autism, Asperger's and ADHD

# data[].attributes.body
This free online short course is designed to help you learn more about autism, Asperger's and ADHD, their differences and the importance of understanding the classification, assessment and diagnosis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding Autism, Asperger’s and ADHD - Free courses - University of Derby

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This free short online course will encourage you to challenge your own definitions and perceptions of autism and ADHD. You will get an opportunity to examine several key themes around both autism and ADHD in order to obtain skills to help people with these conditions.

# data[].attributes.body
Learn about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including ADHD symptoms, the latest research and ADHD treatment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, affecting around five per cent of children and about two and a half per cent of adults worldwide. There's a common stereotype of a boy running around the classroom, but ADHD is actually much more complicated. And, often, more problematic than that. As well as being an issue itself, ADHD has been proven time and time again, to be a risk factor for issues with mental health. As well as educational and employment problems in later life. As well as other issues, such as substance abuse and getting into trouble with the authorities. In our course-

Understanding ADHD- we cover four broad areas: One, what is ADHD? What do we mean by symptom? And, what's a disorder? Two, what's it like to live with ADHD? Three, what do we know about the causes or risk factors, both genetic and environmental? And four, treatment- both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical. Many of our students are teachers, educators more generally, or parents themselves. And, consequently, we have included practical, evidence-based content throughout this course. So, alongside the latest research, we'll also follow the journey of several families who have children with ADHD, who join us to speak about when they first realised something wasn't right, right through to diagnosis and treatment. We also speak with a number of professionals who work with children with ADHD.

And when you hear these stories, you'll see that it's clear that whilst we are making progress, there's still some room for improvement. And we'll also address some of the controversies of ADHD. Like, why medication is often the go-to treat. The issue of side effects and the role of diet. So, join us over the next four weeks, as we take an evidence-based, practical tour through ADHD.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understand ADHD - Online Course | King's College London

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore the latest research about ADHD including ADHD diagnosis, treatment and ADHD symptoms with this online ADHD course from King's College London.

# data[].attributes.body
Charlotte Daniels, who teaches in Year 2, is our Military children advocate and lead.

# data[].attributes.body
A casual meet up for parents and carers of neurodivergent children (no diagnosis required).

# data[].attributes.body
A kinship carer is someone who is raising a relative's or friend's child.

# data[].attributes.body
As parents and carers of autistic children, young people and adults, it can be hard to find help when you’re trying to get the right support. Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism Central for Parents and Carers | Autism Central

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Autism Central offers a wealth of resources for parents, carers and personal assistants of autistic people in England – from articles and learning materials to signposting you to services and support in your local area.

# data[].attributes.headline
Advice and Guidance from the Child Development Centre

# data[].attributes.subject
Advice and Guidance from the Child Development Centre

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A page full of resources and information for neurodiverse children, young people and their families who are receiving support from the CDC

# data[].attributes.body
A padlet for children with ADHD.

# data[].attributes.body
There are lots of possible reasons for difficult behaviour in toddlers and young children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If problem behaviour is causing you or your child distress, or upsetting the rest of the family, it's important to deal with it.

Do what feels right

What you do has to be right for your child, yourself and the family. If you do something you do not believe in or that you do not feel is right, it probably will not work. Children notice when you do not mean what you're saying.

Do not give up

Once you've decided to do something, continue to do it. Solutions take time to work. Get support from your partner, a friend, another parent or your health visitor. It's good to have someone to talk to about what you're doing.

Be consistent

Children need consistency. If you react to your child's behaviour in one way one day and a different way the next, it's confusing for them. It's also important that everyone close to your child deals with their behaviour in the same way.

Try not to overreact

This can be difficult. When your child does something annoying time after time, your anger and frustration can build up.

It's impossible not to show your irritation sometimes, but try to stay calm. Move on to other things you can both enjoy or feel good about as soon as possible.

Find other ways to cope with your frustration, like talking to other parents.

Talk to your child

Children do not have to be able to talk to understand. It can help if they understand why you want them to do something. For example, explain why you want them to hold your hand while crossing the road.

Once your child can talk, encourage them to explain why they're angry or upset. This will help them feel less frustrated.

Be positive about the good things

When a child's behaviour is difficult, the things they do well can be overlooked. Tell your child when you're pleased about something they've done. You can let your child know when you're pleased by giving them attention, a hug or a smile.

Offer rewards

You can help your child by rewarding them for good behaviour. For example, praise them or give them their favourite food for tea.

If your child behaves well, tell them how pleased you are. Be specific. Say something like, "Well done for putting your toys back in the box when I asked you to."

Do not give your child a reward before they've done what they were asked to do. That's a bribe, not a reward.

Avoid smacking

Smacking may stop a child doing what they're doing at that moment, but it does not have a lasting positive effect.

Children learn by example so, if you hit your child, you're telling them that hitting is OK. Children who are treated aggressively by their parents are more likely to be aggressive themselves. It's better to set a good example instead.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Advice for parents and carers on dealing with difficult behaviour in toddlers and young children, including toddler temper tantrums.

# data[].attributes.body
‘My Hidden Chimp’ is an educational book for children to work through with an adult or by themselves. The book offers parents, teachers and carers some ideas and thoughts on how to help children to develop healthy habits for life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Professor Steve Peters - Consultant Psychiatrist - BA, PGCE, MBBS, MEd, MRCPsych, PhD, DSc, Dip Sports Med.

Steve is a medical doctor; he specialises in mental health and the functioning of the human mind and has dedicated his working life to help people get the best out of themselves and to be in a good place. His current and past experiences include: clinical director of Mental Health Services within the NHS at a district hospital, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist and Undergraduate Dean at Sheffield Medical School. He has spent 20 years as an examination panel member at the Royal College of Psychiatry and has been an expert advisor to World Anti-Doping Agency.

As an author he has written 4 books including the bestselling self-help book of all time in the UK, The Chimp Paradox, which has sold over a million copies - as per Nielsen TCM Chart 2020.

Other achievements include attending Downing Street for winning the senate award twice for his excellence in teaching. He has been a consultant to over 20 Olympic and national sporting teams and organisations over the course of his career.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
My Hidden Chimp by Prof. Steve Peters | Book | Chimp Management Official Site

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My Hidden Chimp offers parents, teachers and carers some ideas and thoughts on how to help children to develop healthy habits for life.

# data[].attributes.body
ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. The ELSA programme is usually ran by Educational Psychologists and trains school staff to support children with their emotional regulation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coronavirus Support Archives - Elsa Support for emotional literacy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Coronavirus support provides free resources for teaching staff and parents to help children cope with the current viral outbreak.

# data[].attributes.body
Starting from Tuesday 21st January the CYPFS Neurodiversity Wellbeing team will be offering 'while you wait' drop-in sessions.  These are for parents and carers of children aged 0-18 on a neurodiversity waiting list to access wellbeing support and advice

# data[].attributes.body
We have updated our website for parents Childcare information | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK and added a contact form if parents would like to ask any questions about childcare.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Choosing and finding childcare, free early education and childcare, get extra funding for your child’s nursery or childminder

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding ADHD Parent Carer Workshop - Copy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Navigating the JourneyParentCarer Workshop (1)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Do you ever chew gum or fidget with a pen during a meeting at work? Do you take a walk to stay alert during the afternoon lull?

When you do these things, you're providing the sensory input your body needs to remain focused and attentive throughout the day.

For kids with sensory processing issues, these needs are even more intense. Without exposure to the input they need, they can struggle with demonstrating appropriate behavior, remaining alert, and keeping themselves organized and in control.

A sensory diet is a program of sensory activities kids perform during the day to ensure they're getting the input their bodies need. An occupational therapist usually designs it.

Whether the concept of sensory diets is new to you or you're looking for more specific information for your child, the following guide can help.

What's the medical community's stance on sensory diets?

Studies show that kids with sensory processing issues respond to sensory input differently than other children. Their sensory responses affect their behavior.

Research on treatments for sensory processing issues has been inconsistent for a number of reasons, including:

Homogenized study groups. It's difficult for researchers to find study groups of children who all have the same sensory needs. Children with sensory processing issues all have very unique presentations.

Intervention techniques. There's not one single set of sensory interventions followed by all occupational therapy practitioners. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to study the effectiveness of these interventions. That said, while experts are calling for more rigorous and reliable research in this area, most therapists use at least some sensory interventions. Anecdotally, many therapists and families describe positive results from using sensory strategies.

Sensory input and techniques

The term "sensory input" refers to experiences that stimulate the various sensory systems of our bodies. Some people with sensory processing issues demonstrate behaviors indicating they need more input to their sensory systems.

Sensory systems include the following:

Proprioceptive system

Kids who seek out rough play and jumping or crashing may need more input to this particular system. Proprioception is one of our movement senses. It contributes to coordination and body awareness.

Input to the proprioceptive system may include:

stomping

jumping

deep pressure

working against resistance

Vestibular system

This is our other movement sense. It's related to balance and how we perceive our body's orientation in space.

Some kids need constant movement and can't sit still. Others appear sluggish or lethargic. In these cases, the following vestibular input can help meet the child's needs:

Tactile input

Tactile input involves the sense of touch. Kids who constantly touch and fidget with objects or who are always touching others may need more tactile input. These children may benefit from the following:

fidget tools

tactile sensory bins

deep pressure

Auditory input

Sensory experiences that involve sound refer to auditory input. When kids are constantly humming, yelling, and making other noises, they may need more auditory input than other children.

Good auditory experiences for kids who seek out this kind of input include:

listening to music with headphones

playing with toys that make noise

playing instruments

Visual input

Kids who require more visual input may look closely at objects. They may seek out moving or spinning objects. They may have difficulty focusing on information presented visually.

Activities that provide visual stimulation may incorporate light or moving objects, such as:

flashlight play

toys that light up

toys with moving parts

Olfactory and oral sensory systems

These two systems are how we process smell and taste. When kids seek out input to these systems, they may lick or smell objects like crayons or toys. Chewing also provides proprioceptive input, so kids may bite or chew on objects (think pencils or shirt collars).

These kids may benefit from exploring smells through play with the following:

chewy toys

chewing gum

chewy or crunchy snacks

scented markers

essential oils

Keep in mind that while some kids with sensory processing issues need more sensory input in one or more of these areas, other kids may be hypersensitive to certain types of sensory experiences. These children may require less input. They may also require strategies to prevent negative reactions to these experiences.

Sensory diet examples

Effective sensory diets are tailored to the child's needs and have elements that can be easily incorporated into a child's routine.

Below are two examples of sensory diets:

For a child who seeks out rough play, has trouble calming themselves, and chews on objects

For a child who can't sit still and constantly touches and fidgets with objects

Products

There are a number of sensory products an occupational therapist may recommend to help kids meet their sensory needs. Some of these items include:

Sensory sock

A sensory sock is a stretchy sack that a child can fit inside. It provides calming deep pressure and movement against resistance. You can find one here.

Abilitations StayN'Place Ball

A weighted yoga ball can be a good tool for kids who seek out movement. They can sit on it or use it to bounce or roll on during sensory breaks. You can find one here.

SmartKnit seamless socks

These socks have no bumps or seams inside. They can be a nice option for kids who are sensitive to the feeling of their clothes. You can find them here.

Waldorf rocker board

For kids who seek out movement input, a balance board is a tool that can be used to rock from side to side and play with balance. You can find it here.

Weighted vest

Subtle deep pressure and resistive input to a child's torso can be calming for them. A weighted vest can accomplish this. You can find them here.

Weighted blanket

Weighted blankets can provide deep pressure to the entire body. Like weighted vests, they can be used as a calming sensory strategy. You can find one here.

Crash pad

Jumping, rolling, or crawling on a crash pad can provide tactile and proprioceptive input for kids who seek out rough play. You can find one here.

Sample sensory diets

These sample sensory diets can help explore different types of sensory input with kids while noting their responses.

Resource guide

The following resources can be useful supplemental tools if you're looking to incorporate a sensory diet into your child's life.

Therapy Shoppe

For a range of sensory toys and tools, the Therapy Shoppe offers everything from oral sensory chewing products to weighted and tactile products.

Social Thinking

If you're looking for various products that support appropriate social skill development in kids, you'll want to head over to Social Thinking.

Fun and Function

Fun and Function is a popular retailer that offers a variety of sensory and other therapeutic products.

'Sensory Processing 101'

" Sensory Processing 101 " is a book designed to promote a deeper understanding of the sensory systems and sensory processing.

Takeaway

Children with sensory processing issues may need strategies throughout the day to help them stay on track with appropriate behaviors and interactions. A sensory diet may be an effective way to structure a child's routine while providing the sensory input they need.

Claire Heffron, MS, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist with 12 years of experience in school-based settings. She's one of the founders of The Inspired Treehouse, a blog and online business that provides child development information and products for parents, teachers, and therapists. Claire and her partner, Lauren Drobnjak, are also the executive directors of The Treehouse Ohio, a nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost developmental playgroups for kids and continuing education for child development professionals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A sensory diet is a program of sensory activities that kids perform during the day to ensure they're getting the input their bodies need. Whether the concept of sensory diets is new to you or you're looking for more specific information for your child, our guide can help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By Kate Kelly

At a glance

A sensory diet is a treatment that can help kids with sensory processing issues.

It includes a series of physical activities that are tailored to sensory needs.

An occupational therapist can create a sensory diet.

A sensory diet is a tailored plan of physical activities and accommodations designed to meet a child's sensory needs. This type of treatment has nothing to do with food. The goal is to get kids in a "just right" state.

What does that mean? For kids who tend to get overstimulated, a sensory diet will include activities that help them come down from an overloaded state and feel calm. Kids who feel or seem sluggish will do activities to help them feel more alert.

Having the right sensory input helps kids pay attention in school, learn new skills, and socialize with other kids. But not all kids are able to recognize when they're not in a "just right" state. Using a sensory diet regularly can help kids build that self-awareness.

Usually, an occupational therapist designs a child's sensory diet and uses it during therapy sessions. The more kids practice, the better. So parents and caregivers should use the diet at home, too. Teachers can also do some of the activities in school.

Adults with sensory processing issues may benefit from the types of activities in a sensory diet, too. But typically a sensory diet is a plan used to help kids who are struggling.

Dive deeper

About the author

Reviewed by

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A sensory diet is a treatment that can help kids with sensory processing issues. It includes a series of physical activities that are tailored to sensory needs. An occupational therapist can create a sensory diet. A sensory diet is a tailored plan of physical activities and accommodations designed to meet a child's sensory needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our core workshop lasts approximately 30 minutes. This session will give parents and carers an overview of some of the risks and benefits children face online and shares key advice on how they can help to keep them safe.

We also have advice and information on a whole range of other topics that can be added to the session. Our team will work with you to create a bespoke workshop depending on the needs of your audience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Book a free online safety group workshop for parents and carers at your school or organisation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Designed and Developed by Will Earp, South West Grid for Learning Trust Ltd

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The UK Safer Internet Centre is a partnership of three leading online safety organisations - SWGfL, Childnet International and the Internet Watch Foundation. It’s co-funded by the European Commission and has three main functions: an Awareness Centre, a Helpline and a Hotline.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Connecting Safely Online matters to all young people, especially those with SEND, and with their help, and in collaboration with Youthworks & Facebook, we've created advice to make their time connecting with others safer.

Visit advice hub

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Information, Advice and Support to Keep Children Safe Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Working with online safety experts, we're here to guide you through the many issues children can experience when using the internet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the UK Safer Internet Centre, where you can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Potty Training Guide - Starting Reception

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Potty training is an important milestone in your child’s development. We understand that all children develop at their own pace, but research shows it’s best for your child’s bowel and bladder health to stop using nappies, including reusable nappies, pull ups and training pants, between 18 and 30 months.