# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Suffolk SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) is a confidential and impartial information, advice and support service on issues related to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). It is free, easy to access and confidential. We can help children, parents and young people take part in decisions that affect their lives.

We offer information, advice and support to:

Children and young people (up to 25 years) with SEND

Parents and carers of children with SEND

Practitioners (who might support children, young people or parents to access our service)

Download our:

service leaflet for parents and carers (PDF)

service leaflet for children and young people (PDF)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Suffolk SENDIASS Suffolk SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) is a confidential and impartial information, advice and support service on issues related to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). It is free, easy to access and confidential.

# data[].attributes.body
The SEND Local Offer details the services available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Most children and young people (up to the age of 25) with SEND will have their support provided through services listed in the Local Offer. Many local organisations provide these services, which include education, health and social care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning about Children's Mental Health through Film

Nip in the Bud is regularly adding new FREE resources - short films and fact sheets - to raise mental health awareness among primary school staff, teacher trainees, anyone working with children, parents, carers and young people.

Early intervention is key, so the negative impacts of these conditions can be 'nipped in the bud' and so reduce the risk of them becoming entrenched. Our films cover Expert Information on different conditions, Real Life Experience, Emotional Wellbeing and Coping with the Aftermath of Covid.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nip in the Bud | Child Mental Health Resources for Parents and Teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nip in the Bud® works with mental health professionals of the highest standing to produce FREE short evidence-based films and fact sheets to help parents, educationalists and others working with children to recognise potential mental health conditions. The goal is to increase the prospects of early intervention and to avoid those conditions becoming more serious in later years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

Guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, from 1 September 2014.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This statutory code contains:

details of legal requirements that you must follow without exception

statutory guidance that you must follow by law unless there's a good reason not to

It explains the duties of local authorities, health bodies, schools and colleges to provide for those with special educational needs under part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

The code, which applies to England, is for:

headteachers and principals

governing bodies

school and college staff

special educational needs (SEN) co-ordinators

early years providers

other education settings

local authorities

health and social services staff

Other SEND guides are also available.

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, from 1 September 2014.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The SEND Local Offer details the services available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Supporting young people aged 5-25 in Suffolk who care for or are affected by a family member's illness, disability or substance misuse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PACT (Parents and Carers Together) began in 2013 when two local parents realised they shared concern for children/young people experiencing mental health issues in Suffolk. After meeting up regularly and offering support over coffee, PACT was established to help locate, support and maintain the ongoing wellbeing of other parents and carers in similar positions.

PACT believes that through offering a safe space to listen and support (with no judgement), providing training resources and welcoming a variety of guest speakers with appropriate knowledge and experience we will enable and empower parents to continue to support the wellbeing of our children and young people as well as ourselves.

Until we startup our face to face meetups again we continue to develop our support online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PACT | Parents And Carers Together | Suffolk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PACT (Parents and Carers Together) began in 2013 when two local parents realised they shared concern for children/young people experiencing mental health issues in Suffolk. After meeting up regularly and offering support over coffee, PACT was established to help locate, support and maintain the ongoing wellbeing of other parents and carers in similar positions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing Hub (East and West Suffolk)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information, advice and support for anyone concerned about the emotional wellbeing and mental health of a child or young person aged 0 to 25 years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Gina Davies Autism Centre Blog The latest advice, articles, hints and tips from the Gina Davies Autism Centre

The Home of Attention Autism

Autism presents many challenges, but we can adapt and learn how to do things differently.

Here at the Gina Davies Autism Centre, our role is to provide services to families, carers and professionals who are dealing with the challenges of autism among children. Our aim is to help you and your child flourish through practical methods and strategies that have been developed over many years by acclaimed autism expert, Gina Davies.

The approach and techniques that Gina Davies has developed are simple, effective, and above all, fun.

We provide a range of services to parents and carers, as well as professionals, including teachers, health professionals, speech and language therapists and care workers. All of these services can be found here on our website.

# data[].attributes.body
A comic strip explanation

# data[].attributes.body
Girls and autism

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What does the evidence say?

Sensory Strategies

Whilst there is a lot of research on the use of sensory strategies, the design of much of it is poor. A recent review considering the use of sensory strategies with pre-schoolers (Bodison & Parnham, 2018) found 11426 potential articles. However, only 24 were suitable to review, and only eight were used in the report. These numbers show that, although there is a huge amount of information written about sensory strategies, there are very few studies with a good research design.

The authors found that "insufficient evidence supports the effectiveness of regularly incorporating specific sensory techniques into classroom routines for pre-schoolers with ASD" (p.9). Their recommendation was to use the interventions cautiously. They found insufficient evidence for using weighted vests with children on the autism spectrum. It is felt that this study supports the AJOT recommendation for documentation and review when using sensory strategies.

There are two small case studies looking at sensory movement breaks. One case study (Mills & Chapparo, 2016) showed a drop in the number of daily behaviour incidents of a child with ASD after participating in sensory activity programme. The incidents dropped from 83 incidents prior to 14 incidents per day after the programme was used. Perez, Wong and Perryman (2019) were able to demonstrate that off task behaviour decreased in the three children that participated in their sensory activity schedule. It is important to note that in both of these studies the sensory programmes were created by an OT to support the children's specific needs.

Sensory Integration

Ayres ® Sensory Integration (ASI) treatment is very different to the use of sensory strategies, such as wobble cushions, fidget toys or weighted vests, commonly used in schools. One essential criteria of ASI treatment is that it is child led. A second essential criterion is that the child must be actively engaging in sensory experiences. There is a fidelity measure which aims to ensure that there is consistency with therapists using the ASI treatment approach (Parnham et al 2007).

Schaff et al completed a review of research looking at using ASI with children with autism in 2018. The authors only included studies where the sensory integration treatment met this fidelity measure. They reviewed five studies. Their results indicated strong evidence that ASI treatment provides positive outcomes for improving function and participation goals in children with autism. These goals were individualised for each child's needs. They also found a moderate degree of evidence to support the use of ASI to help to improve behaviours, and increase independence with self-care activities. There was only emerging but insufficient evidence to support the use of ASI to improve play, sensory motor and language skills.

An exciting piece of new sensory integration research in the UK

Whilst results are not yet available, an exciting piece of research is currently being completed at Cardiff University. Radell et al (2019) are running a trial comparing ASI to usual care in children with autism. They aim to recruit 216 children within the UK to participate in the trial. Half of the children will receive two sessions of ASI therapy a week for ten weeks. The other half, a control group, will receive the usual care provided. All sensory integration therapy will be scored against the fidelity measure. The study aims to provide high quality evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of ASI. The results should give clear data on the true effectiveness of ASI for children with autism.

Where to Next?

Next you might want to ready about more common sensory differences which present in autism. We recommend these articles

To learn even more about the senses we recommend our Free Introduction to Sensory Processing.
Page references
* Atwood, T., Evans, C., & Lesko, A. (2014). Been There. Done That. Try This! Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Bodison, S. C., & Parham, L. D. (2018). Specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications for children and youth with sensory integration difficulties: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7201190040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.029413

** Hazen, E. et al (2014) Sensory Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders Harvard Review of Psychiatry Volume 22 Number 2 March/April 2014

Parham, L. D., Cohn, E. S., Spitzer, S., Koomar, J. A., Miller, L. J., Burke, J. P., et al. (2007). Fidelity in sensory integration practice intervention research. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 216-227

Pfeiffer, B. A. (2012, June). Sensory hypersensitivity and anxiety: The chicken or the egg? Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly, 35(2), 1-4

Randell, R. et al (2019) Sensory integration therapy vs usual care for sensory processing difficulties in autism spectrum disorder in children: study protocol for a pragmatic randomised control trial. BMC Trials. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3205-y

Schaaf, R. C., Dumont, R. L., Arbesman, M., & May-Benson, T. A. (2018). Efficacy of occupational therapy using ASI: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.028431

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ASD and Sensory Processing Disorder - A Brief Introduction

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whilst there is a lot of research on the use of sensory strategies, the design of much of it is poor. A recent review considering the use of sensory strategies with pre-schoolers (Bodison & Parnham, 2018) found 11426 potential articles. However, only 24 were suitable to review, and only eight were used in the report.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A website about autism, for autistic young people - so that everyone can gain a better understanding of what autism actually is.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental Health, Wellbeing and Emotional Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wellbeing Suffolk provides a range of free support for people with common mental health and emotional issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning about Children's Mental Health through Film

Nip in the Bud is regularly adding new FREE resources - short films and fact sheets - to raise mental health awareness among primary school staff, teacher trainees, anyone working with children, parents, carers and young people.

Early intervention is key, so the negative impacts of these conditions can be 'nipped in the bud' and so reduce the risk of them becoming entrenched. Our films cover Expert Information on different conditions, Real Life Experience, Emotional Wellbeing and Coping with the Aftermath of Covid.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nip in the Bud | Child Mental Health Resources for Parents and Teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nip in the Bud® works with mental health professionals of the highest standing to produce FREE short evidence-based films and fact sheets to help parents, educationalists and others working with children to recognise potential mental health conditions. The goal is to increase the prospects of early intervention and to avoid those conditions becoming more serious in later years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Place2Be is a children and young people's mental health charity with almost 30 years' experience working with pupils, families and staff in UK schools.

We provide mental health support in schools through one-to-one and group counselling using tried and tested methods backed by research. In addition, we also offer expert training and professional qualifications.

Why it's important

1 in 5

children and young people have a probable mental health condition, and many continue to have these problems into adulthood.

50%

of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14.

1 in 10
boys aged 5-19 with a mental health condition are suspended in some form from school.

Find out more about our work

How we help

Mental health support in schools

Our in-school mental health service supports the wellbeing of pupils, families and staff.
Find out more

Our mental health services in schools

We provide mental health services in schools that contribute to a whole-school approach to mental health.
Find out more

Counselling training and placements

Gain experience and skills with our child counselling training and placements.
Find out more

Place2Be is part of our school family. It is more than an office, more than a therapy room and more than a collection of counsellors.

Glyn Ellis - Headteacher, Haslingden Primary School

My daughter had become a different person - one we didn't recognise - but since counselling we see signs of our old loving daughter coming back.

Parent

If you have problems or worries you get a chance to talk to a person you trust. When I grow up I want to help children like Place2Be helps children.

Eight-year-old girl

Your support makes it possible

Thousands of vulnerable children and families depend on our work every single day. We simply cannot reach them without your help. There are so many ways to lend your support.

Place2Be's counselling service in primary schools has the potential to return £8 to society by improving long-term outcomes for each child.

Make a donation

How you can help

Fundraise for us

Raise money to transform children and young people's mental health. Browse ideas, tips and advice.

Get fundraising inspiration

Take part in an event

Run, cycle, walk. Trek to great heights or tackle some muddy obstacles. Take a look at our fundraising events.

Take on an event

Partner with us

See how your organisation can help us to support more children, families and school staff across the UK.

Find out more

Our impact

In the last school year

6,901

pupils were supported through one-to-one counselling.

33,327

pupils booked their own appointments o speak to our mental health professional.

After one-to-one counselling with Place2Be

76%

of children with severe difficulties show an improvement in mental health, according to parents.

64%

of pupils whose difficulties impacted their learning in class improved, according to teachers.

75%

of children and young people found it easier to make and keep friends, according to parents and carers.

Place2Be: mental health support in schools

Hear from children and teachers about the impact of Place2Be.

News & blogs

Eating Disorders in Children and Young People: a major public health concern

Clara Faria and Professor Tamsin Ford reflect on the impact of eating disorders on children and young people's mental health.

Read more

New report from NHS England shows increase in children experiencing mental health difficulties

Published today, the report reveals that 1 in 5 children and young people now have a probable mental health condition.

Read more

The BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be arrives in North-West London

BAFTA and Place2Be team up to bring the BAFTA Roadshow to North-West London.

Read more

Sign up to our newsletter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Improving children's and young people's mental health - Place2Be

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Place2Be provides mental health counselling support and training to schools to improve the emotional wellbeing of children, young people, families, teachers and staff.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants - ELSA Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Emotional literacy support assistants - or ELSAs - are teaching assistants trained to provide emotional and social skills support to children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Making Suffolk the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health.

All of us have mental health, just as we have physical health. We are all on the mental health continuum, and we move up and down it depending on how we cope with the challenges of life and the stresses that it creates.

Suffolk Mind works across the continuum, from wellbeing to severe and enduring mental ill-health, providing support and information for everyone.

The latest from the Suffolk Mind Community

Suffolk Mind is celebrating after being recognised at the Suffolk Care Awards for the outstanding care we provide. We received the Health and Wellbeing ...

Get involved

Learn how to get involved with Suffolk Mind, from fundraising events to volunteering.

Ways to give

There's plenty of ways to give to the cause, from donating funds to gifting in your will.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Suffolk Mind - Suffolk's independent mental health charity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Suffolk's independent mental health charity. Suffolk Mind provides a range of mental wellbeing support and services across the county.

# data[].attributes.body
Social story around anxiety

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On this page, you'll find information on a wide range of issues that are important to blind and partially sighted young people.

School life and planning ahead

Our school life and planning ahead section covers choosing subjects, exams and study skills, after-school clubs and activities as well as how to start planning for life after school and moving on to college or work.

Leaving home

Moving out of home for the first time? Whether you are off to college or university or just taking those first steps to living independently, we can help you get prepared. You will find information on getting around and developing mobility skills as well as money management and learning useful cooking tips from students!

Starting college

If you are thinking about going to college then have a look at our starting college section. Find information on choosing the right college for you, what support is available at college and funding advice. You will also find useful study tips and hear about other student's experiences of starting college.

Starting university

There are lots to think about before going to university. You need to find the right course, get clear on application processes and it's handy to know where you can get financial help. Read on and you will discover lots of practical support for anything from choosing the right university and funding advice to how to make the most of student life!

Starting work

Starting work may seem daunting, but this section will help you to identify the people who can advise you about career choices, help with interview preparation, give guidance about work experience and volunteering and advise about the support mechanisms available, such as the Access to Work scheme.

Free time

Not sure what to do in your free time? Find ideas and inspiration and learn about what other young people are doing. From sports and hiking to reading and going to the cinema, there is something for everyone!

Transition guides

We've created handy guides for blind and partially sighted young people who are about to move into higher education and work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On this page, you'll find information on a wide range of issues that are important to blind and partially sighted young people. Our school life and planning ahead section covers choosing subjects, exams and study skills, after-school clubs and activities as well as how to start planning for life after school and moving on to college or work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Deaf Children's Society | Supporting deaf children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are the National Deaf Children's Society, the leading charity for deaf children and young people. We're here to support every deaf child who needs us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parent Portal - Speech and Language Link

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Support your child’s speech and language development with expert advice, activities, and resources in our award-winning Parent Portal.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Speech and Language UK is the operating name of I CAN Charity, a registered charity in England and Wales (210031) and Scotland (SC039947), which is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (00099629). Registered address: 17-21 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GT.

# data[].attributes.body
For brothers and sisters of disabled siblings

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults