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Space4Autism - Parent Carer Training Brochure

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Space4Autism - Parent Carer Training Brochure

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Training brochure for parent carers whose child/young person are either on the autism pathway or has an autism diagnosis.

Membership and all courses are free, parents must become members to access the courses and will be asked to provide evidence of their child’s autism diagnosis or proof of being on the autism pathway, this is a funding restriction.

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Children and young people can access activities over the school holiday periods!

We are working with local schools, childcare and holiday club providers and community and voluntary organisations to provide free fun activities as part of our holiday activities and food programme ( HAF ). The free places are funded by the Department for Education as part of the government's HAF programme being delivered across Cheshire East. This programme has already successfully ran in Cheshire East during the 2021 Easter, summer and winter holidays and Easter 2022 holiday period. For further information about this holiday activity programme visit this government website.

This holiday scheme provides enjoyable activities and nutritious meals for primary and secondary school aged children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Children and young people will be able to access free activity sessions during the school holidays* (Easter, summer and winter) including specific provisions available for children with SEND or additional needs. Activities are offered alongside a nutritious meal each day.

Some examples of the activities on offer are:

Arts and crafts - art attack, Lego, drawing, painting, model making, robot making, sewing and textiles

Educational - science, writing, access to Crewe library, team building, Eatwell Plate, nutrition quizzes

Sports and games - multi-sports, cycling, boxing, swimming, gymnastics, archery, ultimate frisbee, yoga, crazy golf, martial arts, puzzles, board games, indoor play frames

Forest school and gardening - forest skills, den making, outside cooking, harvesting, Park Explorers, tree climbing

Cooking and baking - preparation of food and snacks, pizza making, outdoor campfire cooking, fruit kebab building, food tasting, recipe cards

Performing arts - music, drama, dance classes and dance shows, singing, circus skills, balloon making, role play, dress up

Health and well-being - mini medics, mental health workshops, junior first aid, well-being tasks, health and well-being projects

How to find an activity*

Finding an activity is easy - just take a look at the Cheshire East Live Well Family Information Service Events page - selecting event dates for the holiday period - you will then find information about our fantastic HAF providers and the activities they are offering, as well as the details you need to book your place.

Who's eligible?

If you believe you are eligible for the free school meals allowance, but have not yet registered, you can apply for free school meals online or phone 0300 123 5012 for support.

Contact us

If you have any queries regarding the HAF programme email CEHAF@cheshireeast.gov.uk

*The holiday activities and food programme only takes place during the holiday periods (Easter, summer and winter). Further details for each individual activity can be found on the Cheshire East Live Well Family Information Service Events Pages.
Page last reviewed: 06 May 2022

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special educational needs and disabilities

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Holiday activities and food programme (HAF)

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We are working with local schools, childcare and holiday club providers and community and voluntary organisations to provide free fun activities as part of our holiday activities and food programme ( HAF ). The free places are funded by the Department for Education as part of the government's HAF programme being delivered across Cheshire East.

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I currently provide online and in person courses for charities and parent organisations.

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High quality evidence based sleep support for individuals and families - in person or remote. Experienced trainer offering sleep courses to parents, health / social care professionals and schools. UK based.

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Your free online learning. Big feelings, how the brain works, and relationship ideas for happier lives.

Togetherness is an NHS emotional health team passionate about preventative mental health. We provide evidence-based teaching and learning about the psychology of wellbeing. Our resources are proven to make a difference for families in the UK and around the world.

Togetherness equips people with lifelong skills that build emotional resilience and wellbeing. We help foster robust relationships that transform how we communicate and connect with others.

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Your free online learning. Big feelings, how the brain works, and relationship ideas for happier lives.

Learn from NHS clinical psychologists, practitioners, and other parents. The pathways will help you and your family understand and manage emotions in everyday life.

Use the exclusive access code:

Working with Togetherness

Togetherness pathways

For parents and carers

Learn about your child's development and build your confidence in parenting.

Pathways cover the stages of a child's development and offer helpful advice and ideas.

For grandparents

For grandparents who want to understand the needs of children growing up in the modern world.

Pathways introduce ideas to respond to different behaviours and help your child thrive.

For teenagers

Just for teenagers to help understand and thrive in adolescence.

Have you ever wondered why making decisions becomes so hard or why emotions seem bigger and more intense? The pathways for teens explain how brain development impacts how we feel and behave. Follow 'for teenagers only' pathways for private, self-paced learning.

Featured resources

Sleepfullness

How can understanding infant emotional health help with common sleep problems?

Moving up in school

How can you support your child when moving up or changing school?

Created by Togetherness

Togetherness is an NHS emotional health team passionate about preventative mental health. We provide evidence-based teaching and learning about the psychology of wellbeing. Our resources are proven to make a difference for families in the UK and around the world.

Togetherness equips people with lifelong skills that build emotional resilience and wellbeing. We help foster robust relationships that transform how we communicate and connect with others.

Testimonials

'This course has been an absolutely invaluable gift to me. It has and will change so many aspects of my life. I am undoubtedly a better parent and a more rounded and fulfilled person as a result. I WISH I'd known all this years ago.'

Learner

Understanding your child: from toddler to teenager

​'My 15-year-old watched the sensory video clips. He identified his brother's behaviour in some of them but very much saw himself. He commented, 'Mum, that's me, and that's why I do what I do!'. He asked me for the link for the clips and sent them to his friend, who had been calling him weird, so he could understand him better. He also opened up to his friendship group about his autism and can talk to them about what it is like to be him.'

Parent

Understanding your child with additional needs

'A very easy-to-understand way of putting things, and no longer will I fight against things that I can not change due to biology.'

Teenager

Understanding your brain (for teenager's only)

Do you work with children?

Find out more about Togetherness for professionals

Follow a range of supportive training for all professionals who work with children.

Promote these pathways

We have a range of tools to help you promote our pathways, which are available in our core assets.

Technical Support

For technical support, please use our support form, email support@togetherness.co.uk or visit our FAQs page to find answers to common questions.

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Cheshire East | Togetherness - Togetherness

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Your free online learning. Big feelings, how the brain works, and relationship ideas for happier lives. Learn from NHS clinical psychologists, practitioners, and other parents. The pathways will help you and your family understand and manage emotions in everyday life. Use the exclusive access code: Working with Togetherness Learn about your child's development and build your confidence in parenting.

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ADHD and Autism Support Resources for Children and Young People in Cheshire East

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Support is available for families of children and young people who may be neurodivergent.
We believe that every child and young person's needs are unique, and the support provided to them should be tailored to their individual needs.

Not all children or young people need a diagnosis as their needs may be met through personalised support. Our approach prioritises understanding and addressing needs first, rather than focusing on the immediate pursuit of a formal assessment and diagnostic label. You can access resources, strategies and advice for each area of your child or young person's needs in the following local and national resources that have been designed to support development and wellbeing at every stage.

Our goal is to empower families with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions and ensure every child and young person receives the support that is right for them. However, if you need further support, please speak to your child or young person's school or healthcare professional.

We recommend the following support organisations locally and nationally:

Contact - UK Charity that supports families caring for children with additional needs

National Autistic Society - UK Charity supporting autistic people and their families

Cheshire East Live Well - Local information about the support and provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND)

Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum - A volunteer-led representative group for parents/carers of children and young people (aged 0-25 years) with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Cheshire East PCF is also a member of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums)

Further support

Further support can also be found using the links below:

To provide feedback on this page, please click here.

The views and opinions expressed in any external resources, websites, or references suggested within this material do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the National Health Service (NHS). These resources are provided for informational purposes only, and their inclusion does not imply endorsement or approval by the NHS. While every effort is made to recommend high-quality and reliable resources, the NHS is not responsible for the content or advice provided by external organisations. It remains the responsibility of parents, carers, and practitioners to assess the relevance and appropriateness of the information for their individual circumstances.

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School holiday activities / Food programme

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School holiday activities / Food programme

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Cheshire East has a wide range of activities that residents are able to access in their local community or area.

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School Holiday activities including Holiday and Activity Food Programme (HAF)

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Support for those affected by sudden death in young people

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Support for those affected by sudden death in young people When a family loses a child or a young adult, the effects are devastating for all who knew and loved them. Our mission is to ensure that all those affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young adult aged 25 or [...]

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What is CAFT?

CAFT is a registered charity that provides day trips, residential breaks and seasonal activities for children across the North West whose lives may be impacted by illness, complex medical needs, special educational needs, disability and social disadvantage.

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CAFT is a registered charity that provides day trips, residential breaks and seasonal activities for children across the North West whose lives may be impacted by illness, complex medical needs, special educational needs, disability and social disadvantage.

At CAFT, we are committed to creating a joyful and inclusive environment where children of all abilities can come together to have fun and be themselves. Our team ensures that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, feels welcomed and valued.

If you would like some more information about what we offer, click on our Visits page or to become involved with our wonderful charity, head to our Support page.

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CAFT | Fun filled days for children living with challenging lives

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CAFT is a registered charity that provides day trips, residential breaks and seasonal activities for children across the North West whose lives may be impacted by illness, complex medical needs, special educational needs, disability and social disadvantage. At CAFT, we are committed to creating a joyful and inclusive environment where children of all abilities can come together to have fun and be themselves.

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Helping disabled children and young people in Cheshire East enjoy friendship and leisure.

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To help us keep this website secure, please wait while we verify you’re not a robot! It will only take a few seconds…

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At Caudwell Children, we’re here to help children and families grow in confidence and thrive. We offer a wide range of services designed to support disabled and neurodivergent children from birth to early adulthood, providing practical and emotional support.

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Caudwell Children | Children's Charity | Changing Children's Lives

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Caudwell Children is a children's charity that is transforming the lives of disabled children and their families.

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We are one of the leading, independent expert voices on sleep issues in the UK and we are here to help everyone get a better night’s sleep. Whether it’s advice, education or support for children, teenagers, adults, workplaces or professionals, we are on hand with expert knowledge, resources and accredited training.

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Huge thanks to our corporate partner, Furniture Village, who has helped us to launch a brand new National Sleep Helpline to ensure that everyone has access to high quality, evidence-based advice regardless of age, ethnicity, background or income.
"We've always believed that sleep is equally as important as diet and exercise yet we know the UK is really struggling to sleep, particularly with the ongoing effects of the pandemic" says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village Commercial Director. "From my work as a doctor, I know how great the need for a National Sleep Helpline is. It will make a huge difference to so many people." Dr Ranj, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Advisor
Working together to improve the nation's sleep.

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National Sleep Helpline - The Sleep Charity

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Who do I talk to if I can't sleep? The National Sleep Helpline can help with your sleep problems, 7pm-9pm, Sunday to Thursday, 03303 530 541.

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Parent overview - Supporting pupils with SEND at  Parkroyal Community School

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Parent overview - Supporting pupils with SEND at  Parkroyal Community School

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Parent overview - Supporting pupils with SEND at  Parkroyal Community School (1)

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An overview of interventions that are delivered at Parkroyal

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Oak Academy - the way your child will learn Maths

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Oak Academy - the way your child will learn Maths

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Explore our lessons and resources by year group to help you learn or revise what you want, including Year 1 to 11.

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Cheshire East support for adults who speak other languages

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Cheshire East support for adults who speak other languages

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This website offers courses and support for adults who have recently arrived in the area and would like to improve their English.

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English, Maths and English for speakers of other Languages courses (ESOL)

Free courses are available to help adults improve their essential skills in English and maths, or to learn English as a second language.

Our partners offer:

English - from basic reading and writing to more advanced skills

Maths - everyday numeracy, budgeting, and preparation for work

ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) - for anyone whose first language isn't English

Courses are delivered in friendly, supportive settings across Cheshire East. You'll learn at your own pace, with tutors who understand your needs.

Who the courses are for

These courses are for adults aged 19 (on or before 31st August of each academic year) and over who live in Cheshire East. You don't need any previous qualifications - just a willingness to learn.

Tailored learning is free for everyone who meets residency requirements.

Accredited courses are free if you're receiving benefits.

If you're not on benefits, part-funding may be available.

How to apply for a course

You can apply directly or be referred by a support service. Just contact the relevant partner organisations (see below) to get started. They'll help you choose the right course and guide you through the next steps.

What happens after you apply

Once you've applied, a tutor or advisor will contact you to confirm your place and discuss any support you might need. You'll receive details about your course start date, location, and any materials you'll need. If the course is full, you may be offered a place on a waiting list or an alternative option.

Find out more about English and Maths

You can take practical English and Maths courses up to Level 2. These are like GCSEs and are accepted by colleges and universities. They can help you get onto further education courses, apprenticeships or training programmes. Find out more from Springboard.

Find out more about ESOL

Non-English speakers aged 19 and over can take English classes to get recognised qualifications. Drop-in sessions are also available for extra learning support. Find out more from Cheshire, Halton And Warrington Race and Equality Centre (CHAWREC).

See our libraries page for online lifelong learning resources.

See our digital inclusion page for how to use computers and get online.

Contact Cheshire East Skills and Lifelong Learning team

Email: adultandfamilylearning@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Page last reviewed: 03 September 2025

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Free English, maths, and ESOL courses for adults to build skills, gain confidence, and prepare for work, study, or everyday life.

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Little Wandle- the way your child will learn to read and write English

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Little Wandle- the way your child will learn to read and write English

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Information about sleep for young people

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Information about sleep for young people

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Sleep :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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These resources are for the East Cheshire area for sleep related concerns.

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Sleep resources for pupils with ADHD

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A Practical Approach

at Home for

Parents and Carers

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Winston’s Wish is a charity that offers free, accessible online grief support to children and young people (aged 25 or under) across the UK who are bereaved or facing the death of someone important.

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Winston's Wish is the UK's childhood bereavement charity. We support children and their families after the death of someone important.

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Simon Says - Bereavement Support For Young People

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Simon Says - Bereavement Support For Young People

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Supporting young people who have a significant
person in their life who has died or is dying.

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Home page for Simon Says Child Bereavement Support charity showing support activities and ways you can support the charity.

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Guidance for families supporting children through serious illness and bereavement

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Mental Health Difficulties

in Children and Young People

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Sensory Processing Occupational Therapy Support Service (SPOTSS)

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Sensory Processing Occupational Therapy Support Service (SPOTSS)

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SPOTSS is working with the charitable sector who are commissioned to support parents and carers. The Occupational Therapists have regular contact with Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS) and are also in touch with Space4Autism, Ruby's Fund, Autism Inclusive and Koala Northwest.

You could find us at events such as SEND marketplace, Parent Carer Forum conferences, Family Hub drop-ins and school coffee mornings.

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Sensory Processing Occupational Therapy Support Service (SPOTSS) :: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Children’s Bladder and Bowel Specialist Service

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Children’s Bladder and Bowel Specialist Service

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The Children’s Bladder and Bowel Specialist Service consists of two Paediatric nurses who are experienced in children’s continence issues. We are a community based service, with an office at Macclesfield District General Hospital.

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The Children's Bladder and Bowel Specialist Service consists of two Paediatric nurses who are experienced in children's continence issues. We are a community based service, with an office at Macclesfield District General Hospital.

We work Monday - Friday, excluding bank holidays.

We hold clinics at Waters Green Medical Centre, Congleton War Memorial Hospital, Knutsford District Community Hospital and Handforth Clinic. We also see some children and young people in school or at home if their needs require this.

Referral criteria

To access our service the child or young person must have an East Cheshire GP.

We provide assessment, treatment, support and advice to children and young people from age 4 to 19 years with the following issues:

Daytime wetting or bladder issues such as frequency and urgency

Constipation and soiling

Children with night time wetting can be referred to our service from the age of 5 years

Children over the age of 4 years who are not toilet trained

Children who are currently unable to become toilet trained: following a thorough assessment and usually a toilet training programme, we are able to prescribe continence products for children over the age of 4 years who fit the criteria for requiring continence products

Children and young people must be referred by a healthcare professional, with the parent/carer's consent.

Health Visitors and School Nurses are able to give healthy bladder and bowel advice and may ask for the child to make an appointment with the GP, if there is any suspicion that there is a urine infection, the child is constipated, the child needs medication prescribing in the interim period between referral and an initial assessment, or there is an acute problem which needs dealing with urgently.

Contact Details

Telephone: 01625 663337
Email: ecn-tr.bladderandbowelspecialistservice@nhs.net

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Bladder and Bowel :: East Cheshire NHS Trust

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This service offers professional, confidential advice and treatment options for bladder and bowel problems, with the aim of improving or curing your symptoms.

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Helping your child with SEND transition into (and out of) the summer holidays

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Helping your child with SEND transition into (and out of) the summer holidays

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So what can parents and carers do to help children with SEND manage the transition?

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Stay up-to-date with changes and events in primary education using our handy news feed. Includes articles from trusted sources about the web.

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Space4Autism was set up by parents in 2005.  We are a voluntary run charity and we support the whole family by running over 4000 activities per year for all ages living with ASC.

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Space4Autism - We Listen, We Help, We Care

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Home | Autism Charity In Cheshire | Space 4 Autism

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Space 4 Autism's Home is in Macclesfield Cheshire, supporting people with Autism across the region. Get in touch today to discuss our many services.

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Resources – External Links and Guidance Sheets

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Resources – External Links and Guidance Sheets – Sleep and Therapy Services

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External links to useful resources – Useful External LInks

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The main focus of the work of our family centres is in supporting families in caring for their children. Centre staff work in partnership with parents and other agencies in the community in order to safeguard children and to ensure that their physical, emotional and educational needs are met.

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Ruby’s is an award winning charity supporting children and young people aged 0-18 years old with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families and carers in Cheshire East. We provide high-quality facilities onsite at our centre in Congleton and outreach sessions at partner venues and onboard our mobile sensory bus. We offer person-centred support, by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, who are equipped with a wide range of knowledge, expertise and lived experience. We offer coordinated support and action to improve the quality of life and wellbeing to individuals and groups in Cheshire East with some of the most vulnerable and complex needs.

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We are delighted to share with you that we are now able to refer registered Parent Carers into Carefree! Eligibility criteria includes:To qualify for a break, a carer must be:● Aged 18 or over● A full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week)● Able to arrange interim care● Able to pay for extras (admin fee £25, ... Continued

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Rubys Fund - supporting and nurturing children to maximise their full potential

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We are delighted to share with you that we are now able to refer registered Parent Carers into Carefree! Eligibility criteria includes:To qualify for a break, a carer must be:● Aged 18 or over● A full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week)● Able to arrange interim care● Able to pay for extras (admin fee £25, ...

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Occupational Therapy Offer

Advice and support around:

Foundation Skills, Play and Leisure

Self-care

Fine motor skills

Sensory advice

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Children’s Occupational Therapy :: East Cheshire NHS Trust

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Here at Pavilion House, we aim to empower your child and their support network (home, school, nursery etc) to access all the information needed, when needed. There are a lot of strategies and interventions you and your child can try, both at home and school, to help and support with tasks or activities that they might be struggling with.

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Zones of Regulation - information for parents 

# data[].attributes.subject
Zones of Regulation - information for parents 

# data[].attributes.body
Timid to Tiger is an entirely parenting-based approach to managing anxiety in children (available to parents of children aged 8-11). It is based on evidence that anxious children benefit substantially from a parenting style that is clear, calm and consistent.

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ERIC - The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity

# data[].attributes.subject
ERIC - The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity

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With your help, we can keep offering free support to those who need us.

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Cheshire East - Information Advice and Support

# data[].attributes.subject
Cheshire East - Information Advice and Support

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Cheshire East Information Advice and Support

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If you are receiving ongoing support from a solicitor or other SEND advocate then regrettably CEIAS is unable to give you advice. This is to avoid the potential for conflicting advice, and to ensure our helpline is available for parents and carers not receiving any other support.

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Cheshire East Information Advice and Support

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Information about the Cheshire East Information and Advice Service website. Includes cookies and accessibility details.

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*Toileting

*Sleep

*Play

*Anxiety

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Early years children can experience a range of difficulties including agression, anxiety, and tantrums. Find out more about some of the common difficulties that arise and how you can help with them.

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Exploring a range of difficulties children can experience.

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What's normal?

Top tips

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What's normal?

In their second year, as toddlers' bodies develop, they show signs of being ready to be toilet trained. Toddlers learn to recognise more subtle sensations in their anal and urethral areas and develop the ability to contract the muscles responsible for holding on to and letting go of poo and urine. Every child is different, and potty training can't be rushed. Keep in the mind that by the age of three, 9 out of 10 children are dry most days, and by the age of four, most children are reliably dry.

Toddlers are generally learning more about their bodies - they may feel that their poo is a precious treasure because it is a part of their body, and so can be anxious about getting rid of it. But at the same time, they are also learning from those around them that a poo is something dirty and smelly, which they shouldn't touch or play with. Understandably, this can be quite confusing!

Across cultures, there is huge variation in expectations of what is an appropriate age to toilet train. It may be helpful to wait until the child can understand what is expected of them, so they can be an equal partner in the process - this is unlikely to occur before 15 to 18 months but could be later.

Along with their increased ability to notice and control their bodily signals in the second year of life, children become very interested in 'cause and effect' games, and the question of maintaining certain standards. For instance, you might notice that they may start worrying if clothes are dirty and getting upset if toys break. This can be a good time to introduce toilet training, as the child will be interested in living up to toileting standards. Other signs of readiness include awareness of when they are going to wee or poo and becoming upset at being wet or dirty. It's important to bear in mind that children can become distressed at not being able to live up to what is expected of them, so reassure and praise them at every turn.

Problems in toilet training may be caused by physiological irregularities, which undermine the child's confidence in controlling their bowels. If children experience pain due to constipation, they may withhold to avoid the pain, making the constipation worse. On the other hand, diarrhoea can make it difficult for the toddler to hold back, and they may therefore stop trying. The child's health visitor or GP should be able to help with these issues.

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In their second year, as toddlers' bodies develop, they show signs of being ready to be toilet trained. Toddlers learn to recognise more subtle sensations in their anal and urethral areas, and develop the ability to contract the muscles responsible for holding on to and letting go of poo and urine.

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Toileting - a guide for parents and carers

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Toileting - a guide for parents and carers

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Teaching your child to use the toilet correctly can be a difficult task, whether they are on the autism spectrum or not. But if your child is autistic, the process of developing a toilet routine can take longer, and involve its own particular challenges. This guide provides some useful steps that will hopefully make your toilet training a success.

When to start

Choose a time when you have few engagements and are feeling relatively stress free. Some indicators of a good time to start are:

if your child has begun to become aware of needing to go to the toilet

if you notice changes in their behaviour patterns, such as appearing distracted or fidgeting when they are wet or have soiled

if they let you know when they need changing

if you have observed that your child is aware that they have started/finished weeing or pooing

if your child has shown an interest in using or used the toilet themselves without being prompted

if your child can avoid having a wee or poo accident for one or two hours at a time (ie has improved bladder/bowel control).

Developing a toileting routine

Remember that independent toileting is the ultimate aim and may take many months but there will be many small steps and successes along the way. As well as physical factors associated with toilet training, there are social factors to consider. It is rare for an autistic child to have the social motivation to want to be like mummy/daddy/friend and use the toilet. After using nappies for a number of years, your child might not see the point in starting to use the toilet. It's important to remember that all children are different and they will not all respond to the same teaching techniques.

Children on the autism spectrum often like routine. You can build upon this desire for predictability to develop a successful toilet training routine.

When changing your child's nappy, do this where the toilet is so they can start relating toileting activities to the bathroom.

Your child may behave differently than normal when their routine is changed so let everyone who cares for them know why there could be a change in behaviour. It is often easier not to use a potty as part of toilet training to avoid a possibly difficult change from potty to toilet.

Ensure everyone working with your child starts toilet training at the same time and follows your agreed approach. Send in any equipment to nursery/school which you use at home, for example a toilet seat they may use to make the seat smaller. Also remember to send spare clothes, plastic bags to put any wet clothes in and wet wipes. It is important that you have clear lines of communication during this time so having a home/school book to share concerns and successes is vital.

Observe your child over a few days to see when they do a wee or a poo. Identifying a regular pattern can help you take your child to the toilet with an increased likelihood of them doing a wee or poo. This then leads to positive reinforcement.

Continue to take your child at set times based on your observations. If they wet themselves at another time, take them to the toilet as quickly as possible and try to get them there so some of the wee goes into the toilet. Ignore the wetting and positively reinforce that the wee has gone into the toilet and continue the rest of the toileting routine.

Use a visual sequence beside the toilet to help your child understand what is expected of them, for example: trousers down, pants down, sit on the toilet, wee/poo in the toilet, wipe (you may need to show how many squares of paper to take), pants up, trousers up, flush toilet, wash hands. The sequence can either be in the form of photographs, pictures or the written word - whatever is most suitable and motivating for your child. You may need to create a way of removing or covering over each symbol as the step is completed to show that it is finished and to move on to the next step. There are some examples of visual supports on the Do2Learn website.

Make sure any pictures or instructions are very clear so there is no misunderstanding. For example, if you are teaching your son to stand and wee in the toilet, show an outline drawing of him standing and weeing in the toilet. If you are teaching sitting, show a picture of him sitting and weeing in the toilet.

Show your child a photo or drawing of the toilet and say 'your child's name, toilet', take them into the toilet, follow your visual sequence for undressing and sit your child on the toilet. Even if they do not open their bowel or bladder, continue to follow the visual sequence as if they had.

Use a laminated visual sequence above the sink at eye level for hand washing.

Teach toileting as a whole routine from communicating the need to go to the toilet, using the toilet, to drying hands, rather than just sitting on the toilet.

Keep the sequence of behaviours the same every time. Often when an activity is anticipated, the child is more receptive to it.

Concentrate on tackling one behaviour at a time; it's very difficult to change two behaviours at once.

Decide whether or not and how to praise your child for successfully following the toileting routine. Some children enjoy and respond to social praise ('well done', or a tickle), others respond better to an object. Some children find praise difficult and keeping a calm, structured routine with a preferred activity after toileting may work better.

Dressing and undressing

Dress your child in comfortable clothes they can easily manage themselves such as elasticated waistbands on trousers and skirts or dresses that are not too long.

Motivate your child to wear underwear by buying pants with their favourite cartoon or television programme characters on them.

Use 'backward chaining' to teach new skills. This involves breaking a skill down into smaller steps, teaching the last stage of the sequence first. So if you were teaching your child to pull up his trousers, you would pull them up to his hips and then he would pull them up to his waist. Next time, you would pull them up to just under his hips and he would pull them over his hips and waist. This is a particularly good way of teaching new skills as it raises your child's self-esteem as they have taken the final step of the task themselves to complete the sequence.

Hand washing

Follow the same steps each time: sleeves up, tap on, wet hands, squirt soap, rub hands together, rinse hands, turn off tap, shake hands, dry hands.

Stand behind your child and physically prompt them if necessary, slowly withdrawing.

Avoid using verbal prompts as your child can become dependent on these without you realising. Instead let your child refer to a visual sequence as a reminder.

You may wish to teach your child to use the cold tap only. Beware that if you teach them to use the hot tap independently at home, when they go into other settings and wash their hands, the water may be too hot and could burn them.

Boys - sit or stand?

When deciding whether to teach a boy to sit or stand to urinate, ask yourself the following questions:

Can they distinguish between when they want to wee and poo?

Do they have the co-ordination, focus and control needed to aim?

If they learn by imitation, is there someone they can watch?

If the answer to any of the above is 'yes', then they are probably able to be taught to stand to urinate. To start teaching them to aim, it can be useful to put a piece of cereal (preferably one they don't eat as this could lead to confusion) down the toilet so they have something to aim for and concentrate on. You can also purchase a variety of fun toilet target stickers online.

Bowel control

Bowel control is usually learnt after bladder control. Some children can find bowel movements very frightening and not understand what is happening. It can help to get a book with pictures to explain the digestion process.

Some children find the feel of a full nappy comforting, and may enjoy the sensory feeling of the weight of the nappy. Find alternative ways to replace these feelings so you can continue toilet training. Give your child a means of requesting the activity eg being wrapped in a warm, heavy blanket and fit it into their routine.

Sit your child on the toilet, keep the nappy on but with a hole cut in the bottom, slowly cut away the nappy each time until they are able to go without the nappy at all. To start with, they will still have the feeling of a security around their waist which in turn will enable them to feel relaxed enough to poo on the toilet.

Habit training

Some children are toilet trained through habit. Habit training is effective for children who may: lack awareness, not understand the significance or meaning related to physical sensations, be limited by decreased or absent physical sensations or have unsuccessfully tried toilet training before.

Habit training involves training the body to go at set times. Take your child to the toilet at set times throughout the day, every day.

As before, observe your child to discover the best times to take them to the toilet.

Make sure your child feels relaxed enough to open their bladder/bowels while they sit on the toilet. Having the tap running in the background can help enable your child to wee for example.

Sometimes having a toy to handle - not one which causes excitement - can be useful to both keep your child on the toilet and relax them. Keep certain toys/books for just when they are sitting on the toilet.

If your child lacks awareness or sensation, they may have to be taught a strategy before getting off the toilet, to avoid accidentally weeing on the floor. Encourage them to slowly count to ten out loud when they have finished weeing before allowing them to get up, or give them a sand timer to look at.

To help your child to independently manage their own toileting routine when they are older, you can buy watches which you can set to vibrate at certain times throughout the day. You can then teach your child when the watch vibrates, they are to go to the toilet.

Environment

Ensure the bathroom is a calm, relaxing environment to encourage independence and success with the complete toileting routine.

Remove all distractions which are not associated with toileting to help your child understand what is expected of them while in the toilet.

Make the bathroom as comfortable as possible, adding foot supports, side rails and a smaller toilet seat if necessary.

Encourage independence by ensuring that everything in the bathroom is at the right level for your child eg soap and towels.

Think about your child's sensory needs and make changes to reduce their anxiety. Does the soap smell too strong for them? Does the noise of the extractor fan bother them? Does the water temperature need to be adjusted? Is the lighting too bright?

Make sure your child can sit comfortably on the toilet with hips and knees flexed at a 90 degree angle and have feet flat on a secure object.

Night-time

Once your child is mostly dry during the day you will be able to start night-time toilet training.

Have a set bedtime routine which does not change with weekends or holidays.

Limit the amount your child eats and drinks before bed, having no fluid an hour before bedtime, but ensuring your child has enough fluid throughout the day.

Take your child to the toilet before they go to bed. They then may need to be taken once during the night. You could fit this in with your routine by taking them before you go to bed.

If they are unable to keep dry during the night, you may need to try different times in the night to take them.

Use products to protect bedding.

Schools and early years settings

Admission to school should not be refused simply because a child has difficulties with continence. A school that does this may be at risk of disability discrimination (alternative legislation operates in Northern Ireland).

Further tips

Giving a drink 10 to 15 minutes before toileting can help increase the chances of your child successfully doing a wee on the toilet but avoid giving too much as this creates an unnatural routine.

Decide if you are going to teach your child to shut the door as part of the whole toileting routine or only in certain situations.

Avoid using childlike terms for toileting as your child may find it difficult to change language later in life.

If your child has a fear of flushing the toilet, you may wish to remove this from the visual sequence and leave it until the end of the routine - after your child has dried their hands. They then may need to stand in the doorway while you flush the toilet and gradually stand closer each time until they are able to flush for themselves. Playing calming music to drown out the noise of the flush or explaining with pictures what makes the noise when the toilet is flushed may also help.

When your child is in a car, ensure they have a protector to sit on to stop the car seat from being soiled by accidents. Avoid drinks before long car journeys.

Be aware that some children will hold onto their wee/poo until they have their nappy put on, for example if they know they always have a nappy on before going in the car they may wait until it is put back to release their bowel/bladder.

A range of absorbent pants and swimwear for older children is available.

Once your child is toilet trained at home, you will want to teach them to use toilets when out. When visiting new places, show your child where the toilets are and use the same routine as you do at home. Use the same picture and toy or book they may have for toileting at home.

Some children smear their poo. Read our guide on smearing for strategies to try (link to new guide in behaviour section).

Further information

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Toileting - a guide for parents and carers

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This guide provides some useful steps to help make toilet training an autistic child a success.

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East Cheshire Hospice - Children and Young People’s Bereavement Service

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East Cheshire Hospice - Children and Young People’s Bereavement Service

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To access the service the client will need to be:

Aged between 4 and 18 years old

Have GP in Eastern Cheshire area

and​

Has a close family member diagnosed with a life-limiting illness

or​

Has suffered a bereavement in last 3 years

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Children and Young People’s Bereavement Service

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Explore our children’s bereavement service to help young people cope with loss through counselling and supportive activities.

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Anna Freud - Moving Up! The transition to secondary school 

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Anna Freud - Moving Up! The transition to secondary school 

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Moving Up! The transition to secondary school is an animation aimed to help year 7 and 6 pupils feel more confident, less anxious and better equipped to cope with the changes associated with moving to secondary school.

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Moving Up! The transition to secondary school (SUBTITLED)

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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

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What we do

All children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have a legal right to an education that meets their individual needs. But many tens of thousands of children and young people with SEND are not getting the support they are legally entitled to.

At IPSEA, we are here to change that.

We are the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

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IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) - helping children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law

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Ten Ways for parents to help children cope with change

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Starting secondary school

Moving from primary to secondary school is an important milestone in your child’s life, it is an exciting time with new experiences. Lots of change can understandably bring some anxieties for both parents/carers and children, which is why preparation is key. Explore this page to find lots of information, support and guidance on what to expect as you begin your journey to secondary school. There are various resources at the bottom of the page that you might find useful

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Moving from primary to secondary school is an important milestone in your child's life, it is an exciting time with new experiences. Lots of change can understandably bring some anxieties for both parents/carers and children, which is why preparation is key. Explore this page to find lots of information, support and guidance on what to expect as you begin your journey to secondary school. There are various resources at the bottom of the page that you might find useful.

Advice for parents/carers

Look at all the schools in your area and their admissions policies. Check the school's websites to see if they have a completed 'snapshot' of what they can offer. This will enable you to compare settings and get an overview.

Visit the schools on their open days, these will be advertised on the schools websites. We would encourage you to start these visits in Year 5 and don't just visit one school - visit a few to help you compare.

Once you have decided, you can submit 3 school preferences to admissions - open September to October for general admissions. If your child has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) then the Special Educational Needs/Disabilities (SEND) team will support with transition to secondary school with an EHCP, you do not need to register via the general admissions route. The EHCP reviews can be a good time to talk about transition planning.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Feel free to contact the secondary schools directly to find out more information.

If the secondary school offers extra events in Year 5/6, encourage your child to attend them. This will help them to become more familiar and meet other children before they move to secondary school.

Talk to your child's current primary school if you have any worries. They may be able to offer additional transition support.

Ensure your child's current school are sharing important information with the new school. This is really important for children with SEND or additional vulnerabilities.

If possible, print a school map for you and your child to look at, visit the school's website to see if they offer virtual tours and videos of the new school environment. Taking time to learn about the new school environment before starting can help to reduce anxiety.

Help to familiarise your child with the journey to and from the new school by walking or driving with them. If relevant, check the transport options on the school website or Cheshire East's transport policy.

Young Minds provide tips and advice for parents/carers to help your child/young person cope with change.

Remember this is a change for you too. Reach out to other parents/carers for support.

Year 6 - 7 transition timetable

Preparing for secondary school is key to a smooth transition and the earlier you start, the better. Please contact your preferred secondary school or look on their website to find out when their transition days will be taking place. Some schools offer enhanced transition days, these are additional visits for those children with SEND or additional vulnerabilities, if you feel these are needed then speak to your current school. The transition section in the inclusion toolkit (pdf 150kb) can also help identify some common steps expected from all educational settings to support with transitions.

Advice for children

Watch this video to get top tips to help prepare for secondary school.

Top 5 tips

1. Don't worry about getting lost - everyone will feel the same so ask for help. Getting lost can help you find new places too.

2. Make friends and be yourself! Use the taster days to start meeting other new starters. Secondary school gives you lots of opportunity to meet new people. Exciting!

3. In Year 5 and Year 6 try to build more independence in preparation for secondary school. Help with your packed lunch and organising your school bag and PE kit.

4. Start to set reminders for your homework and ask a friend if you are unsure.We all need to support each other. In secondary school you might get more homework than in primary school, being organised will help.

5. Start to familiarise yourself with secondary school, visit the school website to look at the school map/watch virtual tours, start to learn what your new school day will look like.

Here is an example of a secondary school video to give you an idea of what you might expect. Check online to see if your new school has a video you could look at too!

Young Persons Checklist:

I/we've spoken about and looked at the secondary schools available.

I/we've attended open days/evenings at different settings.

I/we've asked lots of questions about the schools and understood what the schools offer.

I/we've applied for my school place (the general admissions deadline is the 31 October).

If I have an EHCP , I/we've spoken to my current school and SEND Key Worker about my options. My parents/carers have also let Cheshire East SEND team know of their parental preference.

I/we have looked at and started to plan the journey to my new school.

I've completed some taster sessions or extra visits to help me prepare for secondary school.

I know who I can speak to if I have any worries and know the new setting has lots of information about me.

If I have SEND I know who my allocated key person is or when I will meet them.

Resources to help transition to secondary school

Feedback

The Transition Team are always looking for feedback on how to improve our service. Use our online form to give feedback on the starting high school information online form. The form only takes 2 minutes to complete and we will appreciate your input.

Page last reviewed: 12 November 2025

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Starting Secondary School: advice for parents/carers and their children to help prepare for starting secondary school

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0-25 Cheshire East Local Offer for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

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0-25 Cheshire East Local Offer for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

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The Cheshire East Local Offer includes information about the support and provision that families can expect from a wide range of agencies for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and for those awaiting diagnosis from birth to 25 years old. Find out more about our Local Offer by selecting the “What is the Local Offer?” link below, or use the categories to find information and advice about available support.

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The Cheshire East Local Offer includes information about the support and provision that families can expect from a wide range of agencies for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25 years old. Find out more about our Local Offer by selecting the "What is the Local Offer?" link below, or use the categories to find information and advice about available support.

Cheshire East local area SEND inspection

A local area SEND Inspection was carried out by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in Cheshire East from Monday 12 March - Friday 16 March 2018. Further information on this inspection is available on our SEND inspection page.

Local Offer links

Not sure where to start? Take a look at the quick links page recommended by the Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum.

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Local offer for children with SEN and disabilities

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The Cheshire East Local Offer includes information about the support and provision that families can expect from a wide range of agencies for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25 years old. Find out more about our Local Offer by selecting the "What is the Local Offer?"

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Advice and guidance

Our advice and guidance section has a wide range of information about autism. There are 24 different topics, including diagnosis, behaviour, communication, loneliness, sensory differences, mental health, benefits and money, education, and more.

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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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Visyon is here to support you and your family, with your mental health and emotional wellbeing, if you live or go to school in Cheshire East.

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Visyon has been supporting the emotional health of children, young people and their families in the Cheshire and Staffordshire moorlands areas since 1994.

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Dive into this crucial topic with me as I give you an insight into the latest perspectives, challenges and dilemmas around preventing mental health issues in children and young people.

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myHappymind Podcast - The Truth About Series - myHappymind

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The Truth About... Series Dive into this crucial topic with me as I give you an insight into the latest perspectives, challenges and dilemmas around preventing mental health issues in children and young people.

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myHappymind Podcast - Parenting Myths Series

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myHappymind Podcast - Parenting Myths Series

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Exploring the most common 'Parenting Myths' that we've all heard before...including how NOT to build self esteem in your kids! You won't wanna miss it.

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myHappymind Podcast - Parenting Myths Series - myHappymind

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Parenting Myths Series Exploring the most common 'Parenting Myths' that we've all heard before...including how NOT to build self esteem in your kids! You won't wanna miss it. Chosen by the myHappymind Team Tackling big topics relevant to you and your needs, curated by the team at myHappymind

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Get help and advice online

Whether you want to understand more about your young person's mental health, find the right help for them or hear from other parents who've been there, our guides can help.

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It's okay to reach out for help. Your situation is unique and no parent has all the answers. We all need a little extra support sometimes, and we hear from parents and carers just like you all the time.

So, if you're worried about the mental health and wellbeing of a child or young person up to the age of 25, you can chat to us by phone, email or webchat.

Our Parents Helpline is also accessible for those who are hard of hearing or speak English as an additional language. If English is not your first or preferred language, we can arrange for a language translator to support you on a call with one of our helpline advisers. Or if you would like to use our webchat or email service, we offer a digital translation service.

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Parents Mental Health Support | Advice for Your Child

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Practical tips, advice and where you can get help if your child or teenager is struggling with their mood, feelings, or their behaviour seems different.

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Just Drop-In is a registered charity that supports children and young people aged 11-25 who live in the north of Cheshire East (Macclesfield, Bollington, Wilmslow, Knutsford and Poynton.) Our expertise and operating model is embedded in Early Help and Prevention. All of our services are free of charge.

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We are happy that you found us!

Just Drop-In is a registered charity (1081416) that supports children and young people aged 11-25 who live in the north of Cheshire East (Macclesfield, Bollington, Wilmslow, Knutsford and Poynton.) Our expertise and operating model is embedded in Early Help and Prevention. All of our services are free of charge.

We are here to help and support children and young people who are finding life hard. We have a heartfelt commitment to improve their mental health and wellbeing, helping them to find their feet.

Our Services:

If you are depressed or angry about something don't be afraid to ask for counselling it really does help. It was nice to be able to be honest without being judged.
Read John's Story

Fill in a form and we will come back to you

At first you come to Just Drop-In and think it's a bit silly to be here. But I was quickly proven wrong. You soon start enjoying coming and in the long run it really does help. I feel so much more confident in myself and can walk into any room and start chatting to people.
Read Rachel's Story

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Just Drop-In is a registered charity (1081416) that supports children and young people aged 11-25 who live in the north of Cheshire East (Macclesfield, Bollington, Wilmslow, Knutsford and Poynton.) Our expertise and operating model is embedded in Early Help and Prevention. All of our services are free of charge.

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Autism

Autism and Girls

Autism and Visuals

Autism and Anxiety

Speech and Language

Dyslexia Awareness

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We are a verified partner with Eventbrite, a global ticketing platform for live events. The Eventbrite platform provides a safe, reliable way to enable you to access our full range of live training sessions, our subscription service, SENDScription® and our partnership events including online discussions and conferences.

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Courses available for parents -

*Food

*Challenging Behaviours

*Understanding EHCPs

*Sleep

*Masking at school

*Transition to High School

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Supporting children’s occupational therapy needs

Equipping educators and parents with knowledge and tools

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A tale of two touch pathways The term touch pressure, or deep touch pressure, are used by therapists to refer to firmer touch. Therapressure brushes or surgical brushes are one way to provide it. However, it can also [...]

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GriffinOT - Sensory and Motor Skill Resources for Parents and Teachers

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A tale of two touch pathways The term touch pressure, or deep touch pressure, are used by therapists to refer to firmer touch. Therapressure brushes or surgical brushes are one way to provide it. However, it can also [...]

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Living with incurable cancer - We're Here To Help

The Ruth Strauss Family Support Service

We offer one to one virtual appointments with parents and care givers to help start, and continue, open and honest conversations with their children about their condition.

Our support is tailored as each family has different needs and would approach similar situations very differently.

Our experienced practitioners will consider your child’s age, developmental stage, family setup and, and most importantly, how you are all currently coping as a family, living with an incurable diagnosis.

Our team will provide emotional support, guidance and resources to parents and primary care givers to help them through this difficult time.

You can order free resources to support your family here.

We facilitate peer support groups for teenagers, offering them the opportunity to meet with other teens who are also facing the death of a parent to cancer.

We run peer support groups for parents/co-parents, whose partner has incurable cancer, which gives them the opportunity to talk to someone who is in a similar situation.

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Supporting families facing the death of a parent & driving the need for more research into non-smoking lung cancers.

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Mental wellbeing in children and young people

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Mental wellbeing in children and young people

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A Toolkit for parent carers in Cheshire East

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The Potty Training Guide - Starting Reception

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The Potty Training Guide - Starting Reception

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The Potty Training Guide - Starting Reception

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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.

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Your child's journey to school starts at home

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What should I do if I have concerns about my child's development?

If you're worried about your child's progress, talk to your childminder/nursery/pre-school team, health visitor, local children's centre or Family Hub.

If your child has developmental delays or SEND (suspected or confirmed), speak to their nursery, childminder, or health visitor/nursery/pre-school team well before they start Reception and discuss their needs when you are selecting schools.

You can work with your child's early years setting to help your child with self-care, managing emotions, social skills and communication in a way that suits their stage of development.

​You might want to share details about: their development, needs, what motivates them, what might trigger difficulties, how they learn best, and what strategies work well.

Make sure you share important information with everyone supporting your child, including their new Reception teacher.

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Your child's journey to school starts at home. We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we're all learning from birth. When it's time to start school, some children will need more help than others.

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Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum welcomes all parent carers who have children / young people (age 0-25) with SEND in Cheshire East. Members can access information, peer support and training from CEPCF, and can share their lived experiences and views of SEND services in Cheshire East to help make things better.

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Run by and for families of children and young people (aged 0-25) who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)

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The Party: a virtual experience of autism

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The Party: a virtual experience of autism

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Everyday situations can be stressful for those on the autism spectrum. Step into the shoes of 16-year-old Layla as she attends a birthday party. Hear her inner thoughts and experience how overwhelming an occasion like this can be for her

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The Party: a virtual experience of autism – 360 film

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This section is aimed at parents and carers in Cheshire and Wirral who want to know more about their local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

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Parents and carers :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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Look out for:

*Little Stars - This group is for children 0-5 years with both diagnosed and undiagnosed additional needs and their parents/carers. Activities are provided to support your child’s development in a fun and relaxing group. You will also have the opportunity to talk to other parents and share your experiences.

*Family Help Drop-in - All families and young people need a bit of help from time to time and the Family Help Team are here to do just that. We have a drop-in session where members of the team will be on hand to provide free information, advice and support. We support families with children aged 0-19 (25 with special educational needs and disabilities) and we aim to make it easier for you to ask for help and get you the right support at the right time and if this isn't us, we will signpost you to local services which may be able to help.

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The Koala North West Sleep Service - Koala North West

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Our sleep service supports families with children aged 2 to 11 years old, where poor sleep routines affect the entire family’s well-being.