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Emotionally-based school avoidance is a term referring to reduced or nonattendance at school by a child or young person.

Rather than the term 'school refusal', the term EBSA recognises that this avoidance has its root in emotional, mental health or wellbeing issues.

The 2022 Attendance Audit from the Children's Commissioner found that in Autumn 2021, 1 in 4 children were persistently absent. In 2018/2019, this figure was 1 in 9 - meaning that persistent absence has more than doubled in this time period.

This resource:

introduces the topic of EBSA

explores some of the potential risk factors

provides strategies and tips to help education staff tackle the issue.

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This resource looks at the topic of emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA) and shares ideas to help education staff address the issue.

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Skip to content

Amparo offers practical and emotional support for anyone bereaved by suicide in Kent and Medway

Amparo's local Liaison Workers aim to make initial contact within 24 hours of a referral being made.

To find out more about Amparo, or to make a referral, visit this page.

If you're a professional and want to learn more about the Amparo service and the support we offer, book onto one of our free briefing sessions here.

Amparo Kent and Medway is a free and confidential service funded by the Kent and Medway STP.

Amparo is also now available to support individuals living outside of the area, in the event that they are the immediate next of kin to an individual lost to suicide in Kent and Medway. This will include support at any following inquest held in Kent and Medway.

Amparo are part of the Listening Ear Family

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Skip to content Amparo offers practical and emotional support for anyone bereaved by suicide in Kent and Medway Amparo's local Liaison Workers aim to make initial contact within 24 hours of a referral being made. To find out more about Amparo, or to make a referral, visit this page.

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Find the best support, advice and information on young people's mental health, all in one place

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Find the best support, advice and information on young people's mental health, all in one place

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HappyMaps - Find the best support, advice and information on young people's mental health, all in one place. For Parents, Professionals and Young People.

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Read reviews

"I think this is a fabulous resource-very clearly laid out with the full range of supports available, from parenting tips through to professional help" (Parent)

"This is great to recommend to parents when they are worried about their children. It's the best website for mental health issues that I've found" (Teacher)

"Excellent. I work for CAMHS Bristol and regularly recommend this website" (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

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Home - HappyMaps: Help and Resources for Children's Mental Health

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An award-winning website on children's mental health collating sensible and professional advice on common problems. With new self-help pages for young people.

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Sleep Resources developed by autistic young people

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Sleep Resources developed by autistic young people

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New sleep resources developed by autistic young people launch in Kent | News and events

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You can find the latest updates about NELFT here.

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National Development Team for Inclusion
We are a social change organisation working to enable people at risk of exclusion, due to age or disability, to live the life they choose. Through our change and development work, research and evaluation and best practice examples, we inspire and support policymakers, services and communities to make change happen - change that leads to better lives

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National Development Team for Inclusion - a social change organisation working to enable people at risk of exclusion, due to age or disability, to live the life they choose. Through our change and development work, research and evaluation and best practice examples, we inspire and support policymakers, services and communities to make change happen - change that leads to better lives.

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Suicide prevention Kent and Medway resource padlet

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Suicide prevention Kent and Medway resource padlet

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As part of our emotional wellbeing service we offer short term therapeutic interventions for young people aged between 5 to 19 who live in Medway.

Our service is for those who have recently started to display emotional wellbeing concerns.

These can include but not limited to: Low mood, feeling anxious, stressed, anger, low self confidence.

If you feel this service is appropriate, we are here to help. Please complete our Parent referral form or Professional referral and someone from the school nursing will contact you soon.
Please note we are not an emergency service. If you feel you or someone require immediate attention please call 999 or visit your local A&E. In addition, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit their website https://www.samaritans.org/
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer long term or counselling as part of our service. If the concerns have been present for several years, we recommend that you seek a longer-term service such as NELFT. In addition, if the mental health concerns are severe, persistent, and impairing or considered a risk to themselves or others.

Please contact Nelft at: https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-kent-medway or contact your GP to make a referral.

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Emotional wellbeing :: Medway Community Healthcare

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As part of our emotional wellbeing service we offer short term therapeutic interventions for young people aged between 5 to 19 who live in Medway. Our service is for those who have recently started to display emotional wellbeing concerns. These can include but not limited to: Low mood, feeling anxious, stressed, anger, low self confidence.

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Text the word Kent to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support at any time.

Free expert advice from trained counsellors is available for every mental health concern, including:

anxiety

depression

low self-esteem

money worries

relationship troubles

stress

suicidal thoughts.

Coronavirus has caused a lot of disruption in many people's lives, if you are struggling and need someone to talk to, call us or text the word Kent to 85258.

Our 24 hour text support service is powered by our trusted partners Shout and Crisis Text Line.

You can also webchat with Mental Health Matters, an independent charity, who are available 24/7.

You can also webchat with Mental Health Matters, an independent charity, who are available 24/7. For more information on their web chat service visit their website.

Mental health support organisations

There are many organisations who offer support with stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. We don't work with all of these organisations, but you may find them helpful.

CALM offer mental health support for UK men and boys as well as those bereaved or widowed by suicide.

Live Well Kent helps Kent residents over the age of 17 with their mental and physical health. They provide health and fitness advice, as well as support with financial pressure and relationship stress.

Mind provide specialist support for those who suffer from depression as well as all other mental health concerns. Their aim is to improve mental health services for mental health and to raise awareness of available support.

Rethink Mental Illness provide support services for legal advice, financial assistance and carer support. They also campaign in local and national government for improved mental health services.

Samaritans offer free telephone mental health support for any mental health concern including addiction, depression, work related stress, loss, bereavement and loneliness.

Young Minds offer mental health support services to children and young people in the UK. They can offer services to those suffering from exam stress, bullying, abuse, eating disorders,or body image concerns.

Hope Exhibition

The Hope Exhibition is touring Kent and Medway to raise awareness of suicide prevention this summer. You can see the art works funded by the Kent and Medway Hope Community Arts Fund for free by visiting the following locations:

Fremlin Walk, Maidstone, ME14 1QP. Available from the 24 to 28 July

Chatham Library, ME4 4TX. Available from 31 July to 4 August

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP. Available from 7 to 11 August.

You can read more about this exhibition by visiting the KCC news and features website.

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release the pressure; pressure; mental health ; mhm; mental health matters; stress; stressed; anxiety; anxious; suicide; suicidal; depressed; depression; therapy; talking therapy; therapist; counselling; counsellor; talking; worried about coronavirus; stressed about coronavirus; anxious about coronavirus; anxiety about coronavirus

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If you're feeling under pressure call 0800 107 0160 to get free advice from expert therapists and counsellors.

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NHS England Workforce, Training and Education

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Positive Behavioural Support: It happens for a reason!

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Dedicated to improving the wellbeing and Mental Health of children and young people across South East England

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Dedicated to improving the wellbeing and Mental Health of children and young people across South East England

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Dare to Diﬀer is a unique and innovative organisation dedicated to improving the wellbeing and Mental Health of children and young people across South East England.

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We improve health, empower people & communities and tackle the root causes of ill health. UK Charity based in Kent.

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A journey towards positive body image and being comfortable

Support for young people, parents, carers and professionals

Improve eating behaviours and relationship with food

Build positive body image

Identify concerns around body image and disordered eating

...more content coming soon!

Explore our educational modules

Intuitive and balanced eating

Feeling comfortable in your body

Breaking free from diet culture

Managing anxiety around food

Understanding hunger

Support a young person with ARFID as well as very picky or fussy eaters

Understanding disordered eating

Recognising the signs and signals

Supporting emotional regulation

What is Disordered Eating?

Disordered Eating is a phrase used to describe a range of irregular eating behaviours that may or may not warrant a diagnosis of a specific eating disorder.

People who experience disordered eating, whether diagnosed with an Eating Disorder or not, often have poor emotional awareness and have limited access to emotion regulation strategies.

Tell me more about this

What is Body Image?

We can't always see the extent of somebody's body image struggles. Body image is the way you:

Evaluate your appearance

Think and feel about the way your body looks and functions

Behave, treat and relate to your body

Tell me more about this

What is AFRID?

People with ARFID eat a very limited variety or amount of food and it causes problems in their lives. These problems may be health related, like loosing too much weight, or not getting enough nutrients.

These problems may also be social, like not being able to eat meals with others.

Tell me more about this

What is Normal Eating?

Normal eating is flexible. It varies in response to your emotions, schedule, hunger and proximity to food.

Examples of 'normal' eating include being able to eat when you're hungry and continue eating until you are satisfied, overeating and undereating at times and giving yourself permission to eat all foods.

Tell me more about this

Search Resources

Search our library of resources curated by our clinical and specialism
professionals.

How to support family, friends
or patients

Uncover the path to a more positive relationship with food and your body with Be Body Positive. Your new go-to destination for information and resources on disordered eating and body image.

✓ Evidence-based coping strategies

✓ Stories and experiences

✓ Quizzes and games

✓ And so much more!

The content is designed by a team of experts specifically for young people and tested by young people. We provide the support and guidance you need to overcome challenges around eating, body image and self-care.

With resources for parents/carers as well as youth workers, teachers and health professionals, there is something new to learn for everyone.

Find out more

Stories

Hear from people in similar situations

Binge-Eating Disorder Recovery

Young Person from Bedfordshire

I remember being around eight to nine years old and beginning to develop binge eating disorder symptoms. It was at a challenging point in my life when my parents split up and then when I went to secondary school, things got worse as I had more control over what I was eating...

Follow This Story

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Designed as an early intervention, Be Body Positive promotes building a positive relationship with food and your body.

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We will be running workshops on review meetings for parents/carers and young people in July, further information and booking links can be found on our workshop page: https://www. iask. org. uk/parents-and-carers/workshops/

INFORMATION SESSIONS | KAT Family Support

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Telephone Helpline open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

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Designated keyworker program supporting the I-THRIVE framework.

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Autism

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We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

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Kent Autistic Trust

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Tourette’s and Tic’s

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AET Autism Education Trust

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THRIVE Framework for system change (Wolpert et al., 2019) Animation

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The THRIVE Framework provides a set of principles for creating coherent and resource-efficient communities of mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people and families. It aims to talk about mental health and mental health wellbeing help and support in a common language that everyone understands. The Framework is needs-led which means that mental health needs are defined by the children, young people and their families, alongside professionals, through shared decision making. Needs are not based on severity, diagnosis or care pathways.

The THRIVE Framework thinks about the mental health and wellbeing needs of children, young people and families through five different needs based groupings: Getting Advice and Signposting, Getting Help, Getting More Help, and Getting Risk Support. Emphasis is placed on the prevention and promotion of mental health and wellbeing across the whole population. Children, young people and their families are empowered through active involvement in decisions about their care, which is fundamental to the approach.

The THRIVE Framework is for: all children and young people aged 0-25 within a specified locality; all families and carers of children and young people aged 0-25 within a specified locality, and; any professionals who seek to promote mental health awareness and help or support children and young people with mental health and wellbeing needs, including those at risk of mental health difficulties (whether staff in educational settings, social care, voluntary or health sectors or others).

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The THRIVE Framework provides a set of principles for creating coherent and resource-efficient communities of mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people and families. It aims to talk about mental health and mental health wellbeing help and support in a common language that everyone understands.

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An independent parent led group

MPCF is an independent parent led group of parents and carers of young people with all types of disabilities and additional support needs.

Join Us

Welcome to MPCF

We are an independent parent led charity who work with (not for) the local authority, health and local services to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their families.

To ensure all our children have the best chance in life and receive support and services needed to reach their full potential, we work alongside Medway Council and Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning group. We attend meetings, training sessions and workshops to make sure parent carers' voices and children's needs are being heard, helping plan and develop the quality, range, and accessibility of services, creating better outcomes for families through participation and co-production.

View Our Events Calendar

We offer coffee mornings, training and workshops both in person and online. Meet the professional events with a chance to meet with representatives of local service providers including Medway Council and Kent and Medway CCG.

View Calendar

Members Messages

Here are a few of our favorite messages from our wonderful members

It helps to know someone is listening when you feel down and it is good that the forum understand what parents are going through.

K

It nice to have meetings with representatives of the different authorities like the recent ones with SEN Transport and Medway Council Children's Services.

B

The Forum is good at getting information passed out to parents and for signposting.

J

Join Our Forum

Many families of children with SEN feel isolated and find it difficult to share their experiences with those outside the SEN community, join us to connect with other local parents and carers in similar situations, share your views and experiences without judgement. Benefit from training on topics such as ECHP's and give your feedback on local services like school transport. Make your voice part of the collective feedback that can make changes for the future of SEN services in Medway.

Join Us

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MPCF is an independent parent led group of parents and carers of young people with all types of disabilities and additional support needs. Join Us We are an independent parent led charity who work with (not for) the local authority, health and local services to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their families.

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stem4 - supporting teenage mental health

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stem4 is a charity that supports positive mental health in teenagers. Mental health information, apps and education. Founders of Youth Mental Health Day.

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stem4 - supporting teenage mental health

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stem4 is a charity that supports positive mental health in teenagers. Mental health information, apps and education. Founders of Youth Mental Health Day.

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Claire

Malachy

Laura

The 2022 Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR) report, which looks at the deaths of people with a learning disability and autistic people and aims to improve health and care, has been published. We send our condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

The government has published the final report by Baroness Hollins on the Independent Care, Education and Treatment Reviews programme, which aimed to move people with a learning disability and autistic people out of long-term segregation, alongside its response to this report

Charities and organisations have written to the Prime Minister about the omission of the Draft Mental Health Bill from the King's Speech

Do you support someone with severe learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge? We can help.

If you are involved in supporting people with severe learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge, we can help.

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Homepage for the Challenging Behaviour Foundation

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The CBF aims to improve the life opportunities and quality of life for people with severe learning disabilities and their families.

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Navigate: emotional support for parents | Disability charity Scope UK

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Navigate, Scope's online emotional support service for parents of disabled children around diagnosis.

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Medway Young Persons Well-being Service 

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Medway Young Persons Well-being Service 

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All about the Medway Young Persons' Wellbeing Service

The Medway Young Persons' Wellbeing Service provides emotional wellbeing and mental health advice and support for young people and their families across Medway.

Additional support

You can find out more about additional support and the Medway Local Offer - an online hub for 0 to 25 year-olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families and SEND practitioners - on their website.

Adults

For residents of Kent and Medway who are not currently a patient with KMPT (sometimes referred to as Kent and Medway secondary care mental health services), call the free 24 hour helpline on 0800 783 9111 if you need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance.

Or call 0800 107 0160 to speak with someone from the Release the Pressure team if you're feeling stressed. You can also text "Kent" to 85258 for 24 hour mental health crisis support via text from trained volunteers.

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Medway Young Persons' Wellbeing Service YPWS

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All about the Medway Young Persons' Wellbeing Service The Medway Young Persons' Wellbeing Service provides emotional wellbeing and mental health advice and support for young people and their families across Medway. You can find out more about additional support and the Medway Local Offer - an online hub for 0 to 25 year-olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families and SEND practitioners - on their website.

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Do you have a passion for improving the support that individuals with a learning disability or autism receive?

The positive behaviour support (PBS) Community of Practice meet quarterly. It is a supportive community to share and learn from others who work with, care for, or support people with a learning disability or autism.

Anyone can join. You do not need to know about positive behaviour support.

We will update this page with more information about upcoming events.

For more information on how to join, email victoria.walters@medway.gov.uk.

Video webinars from our community of practice

Image credits: Photosymbols

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Information on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

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bemix (formerly Skillnet Group) is a Social Enterprise supporting people with learning difficulties and/or autism to achieve equality. Working together to improve inclusion and opportunities.

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Autism Apprentice | The Autism Apprentice CIC

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Helping families caring for a young autistic person navigate their way through the system. programmes, support, information, form filling, education, autism, strategies, interventions

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Dandelion Time gives children and families

time and space to love and trust again

Time to heal from emotional trauma and abuse

Time to rebuild confidence and strengthen relationships

And time to develop skills and aspirations for a brighter future

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Transforming the Lives of Vulnerable Children - Dandelion Time

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Dandelion Time gives children and families time and space to love and trust again Time to heal from emotional trauma and abuse Time to rebuild confidence and strengthen relationships And time to develop skills and aspirations for a brighter future

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All qualified educational psychologists (EPs) employed by Medway Council are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

We also employ trainee educational psychologists, who are in their second or third year of their doctoral training.

To qualify as an educational psychologist you need:

a first degree in psychology

experience working with children (for example as a teacher)

a three-year doctorate degree in educational psychology

Every local authority school in Medway has a named educational psychologist to contact for support and advice.

If you would like more information about this contact your child's school first or phone the council on 01634 335 647.

Role of educational psychologists

Educational psychologists consider all aspects of a child or young person's life in trying to understand his or her needs, taking into account his or her social, emotional and educational worlds.

This enables them to suggest ways to meet these needs, both in the school and at home.

They aim to help children or young people to achieve socially as well as academically, both in school and in the community. They do this by working with individual children or young people, their parents or carers and teachers, as well as with other agencies.

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All qualified educational psychologists (EPs) employed by Medway Council are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. We also employ trainee educational psychologists, who are in their second or third year of their doctoral training.

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Medway Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Support service (SENDIAS) provides a range of free and impartial help to parents/carers, children and young people.

We hope to make children and young people with SEND more aware of what they're entitled to, and the options available to them, and their parents and carers.

Through the provision of information, advice and support we promote informed decision making and our service is free to access, accurate, confidential, comprehensive and easy to understand.

How it works

The service provides impartial advice and support to children and young people aged under 25 via telephone support, email, website, social media and face to face contact, at both our office and in the community.

We also offer support with filling in paperwork and support young people to express their views, wishes and feelings, both on a one to one basis and at meetings with schools and the Local Authority.
We provide information and advice about:

The law on special educational needs and disability

Education, health and care plans and the procedures surrounding them

Personalisation and personal budgets

The Local Offer - this gives information about Medway services for young people and parents

Managing mediation, tribunals, appeals, exclusions and complaints

SEND support in early years provision, mainstream schools and post-16 institutions

Local provision in mainstream, resourced mainstream and special schools

Where to go for additional support locally or nationally

What to do when things go wrong

We are also committed to involving those using the service and provide volunteering opportunities for those who want to increase their involvement.

How you can help

If you have time to spare during the daytime and would like to support local families who have children with special educational needs or disabilities take a look at our Volunteering with Medway information sheet and complete and return your Volunteer Application Form.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Useful information

Family Action's SEND information for parents and carers webpage offers useful information on topics as varied as money, health, leisure and education. You'll also find a FAQs section and a list of national support organisations.

For more local information visit our Medway SENDIASS useful links page.

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Medway Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Support service (SENDIAS) provides a range of free and impartial help to parents/carers, children and young people. We hope to make children and young people with SEND more aware of what they're entitled to, and the options available to them, and their parents and carers.

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special educational needs and disabilities

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Medway's local offer is for 0 to 25 year olds with special educational needs and disabilities, their families and practitioners.

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FASD Awareness offer support, education, training, research and information on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASD is the term used to describe the lifelong impairments that can result from brain damage caused by alcohol exposure before birth.

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How Aspens supports your family

Aspens is here to help families to care more confidently for individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC), a learning disability or complex needs. We welcome all family members, whether you are a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend of someone with a disability, of any age.

We understand that finding the right information and support can be hard, we are here to listen and offer advice. We strive to increase understanding, challenge perceptions and encourage acceptance of autism spectrum condition, learning disabilities and other complex needs. We offer support before, during and after an ASC diagnosis.

We understand the challenges for individuals who do not yet have an autism diagnosis and how confusing things can be post diagnosis. Our advice, guidance, signposting and support is on-going, for as long as a family wishes.

For further information call 01243 214120/ 07850 907358 or email [email protected]

Online support

We offer online support for parents, carers and professionals who are living or working with someone who is on the autism spectrum, has learning disabilities or complex needs.

Talk to one of our experienced specialists via . Our specialists are available at the following times:

MONDAY - 9:30-11:30am/ 7:00-9:00pm; TUESDAY - 1:00-2:30pm; 6:00-7:30pm; WEDNESDAY - 9:00-11:00am/ 3:00-5:00pm; THURSDAY - 10:00am-12:00pm/ 3:30-5:00pm; FRIDAY - 9:00-11:00am/ 1:00-3:00pm

Face-to-face clinics

Aspens runs clinics where parents, carers and professionals who are living or working with someone who has autism spectrum condition, a learning disability or complex needs can drop in for a chat. If you'd like to speak to someone face-to-face, book an appointment - our engagement officers will work with you to address your specific circumstances.

This service is currently commissioned by West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group. We are looking to secure further funding so we can offer more opportunities to people across Sussex and Kent.

If you would like a face to face clinic and live outside West Sussex we can book you into a virtual family clinic. The cost for this 30 minutes consultation is £20.

Just call 01243 214120 or email [email protected] to book an appointment.

Free workshops

Aspens works in partnership with other providers to run free workshops for parents, carers and professionals living or working with someone who has autism spectrum condition, a learning disability or complex needs.

Working with organisations including Mind Coastal, which facilitates our courses, and West Sussex CCG, which funds our programme of learning events, we offer a varied selection of workshops and courses to enable families to develop their understanding of the conditions and issues experienced by their children.

We're also happy to talk at local parent and carer support groups, tailoring workshops to requirements.
Sibling support
It can be tough for children and young people who are living with a sibling who has autism spectrum condition, a learning disability or complex needs. Aspens' sibling groups are fun meet-ups that siblings come to so they can play games, share experiences, have their voices heard and get some friendly advice, when they need it, both from other siblings and from experienced Aspens staff.

If you're worried about a child or young person who is sibling to a brother or sister with a disability, our specialist team can help. We offer 1-1 sibling clinics - home or in the community - to support self-esteem, increase knowledge and offer tactics and strategies to deal with the types of behaviours siblings sometimes encounter when living with a brother or sister with a disability.

Meet the family support team

Karen Enticknapp, Family Support Administrator

Karen is an experienced Personal Assistant and Office Administrator with in the legal sector until before joining Aspens. Karen has also been a youth worker and mentor for young offenders. Karen is instrumental to our service and the first point of contact for many of our families.

"I am used to being the first contact clients have when facing difficult situations, often feeling distressed and vulnerable. I enjoy helping people and working as Administrator within the Family Support Team gives me the opportunity and privilege of providing a 'listening ear' to all who make that initial contact for help, and be part of a great team who deliver the service we can provide."

Tasha Brabon, Family and Specialist Support Manager

Tasha worked in Short Breaks, West Sussex for 10 years, providing and organising activities for children with learning disabilities. She was also a nursery teacher.

She joined Aspens in 2018 as a family support engagement officer and is now the Family Specialist Support Manager. She has a national diploma in Early Years Education in Childcare and a level 3 NVQ in autism.

She enjoys supporting families and seeing them through their journey. She likes to see how a move, or a new placement or a transition can work out for them.

She describes the Aspens team as being very supportive with a wide range of knowledge and says it's one of the friendliest places she's worked.

Outside of work, Tasha enjoys baking birthday cakes for her side business Mrs Brabs Bakes. She also loves spending time with a little boy who she nannies, as well as travelling and keeping fit.

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Aspens is here to help families to care more confidently for individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC), a learning disability or complex needs. We welcome all family members, whether you are a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend of someone with a disability, of any age.

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LGBTQI+ Mental Health Resource (Anna Freud)

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Young carers and carers of children under 18 - Carers UK

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Young carers and carers of children under 18 have different assessments to adult carers of adults. Our factsheets include further information.

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Who we help

You may not think of yourself as a Carer, but our services are available to you if you look after a relative or friend, who due to physical or mental illness, age-related difficulties, disability, or an addiction, cannot manage without your support.

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You may not think of yourself as a Carer, but our services are available to you if you look after a relative or friend, who due to physical or mental illness, age-related difficulties, disability, or an addiction, cannot manage without your support.

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Supporting pupils with medical conditions: links to other useful resources

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Supporting pupils with medical conditions at school

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Statutory guidance about the support that pupils with medical conditions should receive at school.

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Education for children with health needs who cannot attend school

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Statutory guidance for local authorities and departmental advice for others ensuring children with health needs receive education.

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We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

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Are you between age 16 and 25?

Do you ever feel stuck or excluded?

Do you feel like you're missing out?

Would you like to have your views heard and join others to make a change?

If your answer is yes to one or all of these questions this programme could be for you.
If you're a parent, carer or practitioner request support on behalf of a young person

Illustration of two young people saying, 'Our voice is heard'.

Support is for young people with additional support needs in England who feel anxious or unsure and have limited or no plans for the future.

You may be in school or college or have finished education and be unsure how to move forward.

Support can be individual or with others through peer support. You could also get involved in our work to improve services for other young people who face barriers.
We aim to help you:

build up your confidence,

know your rights, and

recognise your own strengths so that you can move forward.

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A free online programme to support young people with additional needs to build confidence, provide motivation and make plans for the future.

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We have several exciting projects on the go that complement our work in schools.

Autism and Sleep

We have worked closely with a researcher at University College London and a talented group of autistic young people to create a leaflet and animation about what helps autistic teenagers to get a good night's sleep. Most sleep advice is for the general population, so it is helpful to share information which specifically focuses on autistic young people. This project is particularly special because it is brought to life by a song and music video created by some members of the group.

You can read the original research paper here: Sleep Project research paper
You can view and download the leaflet here: Sleep Project leaflet

The co-produced animation about what helps autistic young people to get a good night's sleep can be viewed below.
Full version Short version
Co-Cat Study

We are a pilot site for research led by Cathy Creswell, trialling a new remote, parent-led intervention for children aged 5-12 experiencing anxiety. It is called Online Support and Intervention (OSI) and we are part of this national study run by the University of Oxford. Parents access content online and receive weekly telephone support from a therapist.

The Eating Disorder Prevention Program

Our team is collaborating with Creative Education to develop an eating disorder prevention programme for delivery in schools. The programme will provide resources for young people, parents and carers, and staff in education settings.

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We have several exciting projects on the go that complement our work in schools. We have worked closely with a researcher at University College London and a talented group of autistic young people to create a leaflet and animation about what helps autistic teenagers to get a good night's sleep.

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healthier together, wessex, what0-18, nhs, home, worried about my child, parent support tool, pregnancy, child, children, young people, professional, parent, carer

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NHS England » Dynamic Support Database (DSD) and clinical support tool

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Health and high quality care for all, now and for future generations

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On this page you can:

This page is for anyone who is thinking about having a Care and Treatment Review, also called a CTR.

CTRs (or CETRs for children and young people) are for people with learning disabilities, autism or both. They are for people living in the community and in learning disability or mental health hospitals. CTRs help to improve care for people whose behaviour is seen as challenging and/or for people with a mental health condition.

Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews during the coronavirus outbreak

We cannot carry out C(E)TRs in person right now, but it is still important you have your C(E)TR.

This booklet has been written to help you have your C(E)TR in a different way during the coronavirus outbreak. It gives you information to help you before your C(E)TR, on the day, and afterwards. The booklet contains forms that can be filled in and saved on a computer, or the booklet can be printed off.

An easy read version of the booklet is available.

My Care and Treatment Review booklet

This booklet tells you all you need to know about CTRs.

Parents at Bringing Us Together have written a guide for family carers which offers further help and advice about CTRs.

My CTR Planner

This booklet helps before, during and after the CTR. It is about consent, planning your CTR and what happens next. You can either fill it in on a computer, or print and fill it in by hand.

Videos about Care and Treatment Reviews

People talk about why CTRs are a good idea and how much difference they can make.

This film shows how a Care and Treatment Review helped Martin leave hospital and live in his own community again:

Who is involved in Care and Treatment Reviews

The most important person in a CTR is you. A CTR panel will meet with you to talk about your care and treatment. There are usually 3 people on a CTR panel, the chairperson, an expert by experience and a clinical expert. You can find out more about the panel and their role in the CTR booklet.

Below you can read more about Jon, Kath and Peter. They are experts by experience, and are people who have a learning disability, autism or both, or a family carer. They have experience of services and help the panel to see your care from your point of view.

Jon

When I first started doing Care Treatment Reviews (CTR) I felt that the CTR should revolve around the person and that we should fit in with the person having the CTR. For example, if they wanted to change the time, we changed the time. This was a time of possible change for them, so they should always be at the centre.

Most of the people who have had a CTR have actually enjoyed it, because they were being helped to move on in their lives. But each person and every CTR is different, one size doesn't fit all.

One comment that has been with me from early on in the reviews was when I was interviewing someone who said to me: "I did not know that people outside were thinking about us. Does it mean I might get a life outside?" I was pleased to reply that loads of people were thinking of them.

Now that some of the teams are known to each other, we know the strengths and weaknesses in each other. As a person with a learning disability, I sometimes see things in a different way. I also remind others, that people with learning disabilities can also get mental health problems.

I like to think that experts by experience are helping our peers to move on to a better life. All the support has to be ready in the community but sometimes we may need to go back into hospital, and that should not be forgotten.

My hope is that the people who have moved on into the community, might one day become experts by experience, and help their peers to move into a better independent life.

Kath

Being an Expert by Experience is a huge responsibility. To go into a room full of professionals and be the voice of a community, to represent people who often don't think that they have a role or voice, is sometimes tricky, but it is worth it.

I help people who don't think that they have any role in the processes that have such a huge impact on their lives and their families. We go in to CTRs to try and look at the person's care and support needs, differently and our focus is on the person not the system.

We come with a wealth of experiences. I know lots of people with learning disabilities and their families, and while we are a broad and colourful community, we share knowledge of what it feels like to be in a system that thinks differently than we do.

I've done quite a few CTR's now, and have witnessed some amazing teams working to find a way to enable somebody to have a good life. I've encountered resistance, which I have tried to meet with respectful presence, sometimes strong words and occasionally passionate debate. Changing our conversations is key and the CTR process is a part of a necessary cultural shift.

Peter

I have been involved in lots of Care and Treatment Reviews (CTRs) over the last few years. My role is to act as the 'expert by experience' on the CTR panel. The panel usually consists of 3 people:

the chair (who is often a professional)

a 'clinical expert' (who has a professional background working in the areas covered by the CTR)

the 'expert by experience.

My background is being a proud dad to a happy son who is living a good life in my local community. My son has lots of labels but if anyone really pushes me to use a label then 'PMLD' is usually my choice, Profound and Multiple Learning Disability.

My family background led to me being asked to attend CTRs as an 'expert by experience', the work is arranged and co-ordinated for me by my friends at Pathways who are based in Accrington.

I have found the CTR process to be really good in many ways. It is inclusive, with the aim of sharing knowledge to work out what a good life should look like for the person. We then sort out the real world practicalities of making that happen.

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On this page you can: This page is for anyone who is thinking about having a Care and Treatment Review, also called a CTR. CTRs (or CETRs for children and young people) are for people with learning disabilities, autism or both. They are for people living in the community and in learning disability or mental health hospitals.

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Who we help

You may not think of yourself as a Carer, but our services are available to you if you look after a relative or friend, who due to physical or mental illness, age-related difficulties, disability, or an addiction, cannot manage without your support.

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You may not think of yourself as a Carer, but our services are available to you if you look after a relative or friend, who due to physical or mental illness, age-related difficulties, disability, or an addiction, cannot manage without your support.

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Provision that the local area expects to be made available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities attending mainstream schools. Guidance for schools, parents and carers and professionals working with children and young people.

Mainstream Core Standards training 2021

A message from Matt Dunkley CBE

This week, Christine shares the dates for the next round of headteacher briefings in the new year, and a Christmas Card from our Cabinet Members.

Read Matt's message

Events

ASD Awareness

Our ASD awareness session provides an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of what a child with Autism may be experiencing in the classroom.

Subscribe to our e-bulletin

For updates on news, policy, and resources for education professionals.

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Training and guidance on the Mainstream Core Standards.

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The BeYou team are here to support you. We offer a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where LGBTQ+ young people can meet, socialise and find the support they need.

Everyone is welcome whether you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning your sexual or gender identity, or you know someone who may need support or advice.

We look forward to meeting you!

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The BeYou Team are here to support you, offering a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space where young LGBTQ+ people can meet to socialise, have fun and help each other.

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Autism and gender - with Yenn Purkis and Harry: Aucademy educating

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All about Kent Children and Young People's Mental Health Service

CYPMHS stands for the Children and Young People's Mental Health Service. Kent CYPMHS provides emotional wellbeing and mental health advice and support for young people and their families across Kent

Additional support

You can find out more about additional support and the Kent Local Offer on their website.

Adults

For residents of Kent and Medway who are not currently a patient with KMPT (sometimes referred to as Kent and Medway secondary care mental health services), call the free 24 hour helpline on 0800 783 9111 if you need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance.

Or call 0800 107 0160 to speak with someone from the Release the Pressure team if you're feeling stressed. You can also text "Kent" to 85258 for 24 hour mental health crisis support via text from trained volunteers.

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Kent Children & Young People's Mental Health Service CYPMHS

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All about Kent Children and Young People's Mental Health Service CYPMHS stands for the Children and Young People's Mental Health Service. Kent CYPMHS provides emotional wellbeing and mental health advice and support for young people and their families across Kent You can find out more about additional support and the Kent Local Offer on their website.

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The Kent Youth Charter

The Youth Charter has been developed as part of a commitment by KCC, and sets out six principles of how young people want staff to engage and work with them.

Young people in Kent wrote and agreed the six Youth Charter principles. They want all services working with young people in Kent to adopt the Youth Charter, so we have produced a range of resources to support organisations to do this.

The principles of The Kent Youth Charter

You should expect that all staff and volunteers will:
Respect you and be kind Include you and accept you Listen, understand and act upon what you say Be honest and work to build your trust Support you to grow and learn from your experience Let you lead and make decisions

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The Kent Youth Charter - Kent Resilience Hub

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The Youth Charter has been developed as part of a commitment by KCC, and sets out six principles of how young people want staff to engage and work with them. Young people in Kent wrote and agreed the six Youth Charter principles.

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KCC local offer

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sen; send; special education needs; special educational needs; special needs; disabled children; children with disabilities; kent sen; kent send; special edicational needs in kent; local offer; kent local offer; kent's local offer; sen local offer; sen offer; send offer; send local offer; send information hub; send newsletter; sen information hub; kcc send; kcc sen

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Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

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SEND information hub (local offer) providing services and support for children and young people (0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities.

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We will regularly update this area of the website with the latest guidance from the DfE (Department for Education). Link below with updates from 17.01.22

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

This change came into effect in England on Monday 17 January and applies to all positive cases, regardless of vaccination status.

People who are self-isolating with COVID-19 have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with an LFD test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.

If the result of either test is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.

The new rules also apply to people who are already isolating - so if someone was already isolating before Monday 17 January, they can take LFD tests on day 5 and 6 and if they are both negative and they have no temperature they can end their isolation.

Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10-day period of self-isolation.

Further information on self-isolation for those with COVID-19 is available.
View Details " Worry box
Click on View details (link below) to drop us a message, and please don't feel that the message has to be serious, if you have a niggling worry about anything at all then please use this facility! We do check this system daily - Monday to Friday. This means a member of the safeguarding team can get back to you as soon as we receive a message, so please don't worry we will be in touch soon. During holidays or even outside of school hours (e.g evening or weekends) this system will not be checked. Therefore it is really important that if you are feeling distressed or you are worried then please contact Shout or Kooth, both resources have been tried and tested by our pupils and they have fed back that they are really helpful.

Shout is great as you can text free on 85258 www.giveusashout.org They have trained Shout volunteers and are available to help anyone with depression, anxiety, abuse, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, relationship problems and bullying.

Kooth www.kooth.com is another really popular resource that our students use - Online mental wellbeing community - for Young People
View details "

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We will regularly update this area of the website with the latest guidance from the DfE (Department for Education). Link below with updates from 17.01.22 This change came into effect in England on Monday 17 January and applies to all positive cases, regardless of vaccination status.

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A place where young people can learn how to look after their emotional and mental health and find ways to help them bounce back when life gets tough.

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Skip to main content A place where young people can learn how to look after their emotional and mental health and find ways to help them bounce back when life gets tough. This website uses cookies in order to offer you the most relevant information. Please accept cookies for optimal perfomance.

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Autism Apprentice | The Autism Apprentice CIC

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Helping families caring for a young autistic person navigate their way through the system. programmes, support, information, form filling, education, autism, strategies, interventions

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multi me provides a learner-centred solution that allows students to take ownership of their own development and achievements. multi me allows educational establishments to work together with families, health and care teams around an individual's Education Health and Care Plan.(

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special educational needs and disabilities

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Kent PACT, a parent carer forum for parents of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs in Kent.

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Activmob CIC is a well established and innovative social enterprise specialising in bringing together communities to capture “real life” insights that get under the skin of the issue, engaging with the already vocal minority and the underrepresented.

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We are a well-respected specialist provider of services for young people and adults with autism and have a passion for people on the spectrum.

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The spectrum, a booklet for children to understand Autism 

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The spectrum, a booklet for children to understand Autism 

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Secondary and college SLCN support sheet

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Resources for parents

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ELSA support- emotional literacy

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Resources for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants - ELSA Support

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Emotional literacy support assistants - or ELSAs - are teaching assistants trained to provide emotional and social skills support to children.