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BRISTOL’S SEND LOCAL OFFER

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-local-offer/parents-and-carers

 

WHO ARE THEY?

 

A website that provides online information and support for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disability, and for their families and carers.

 

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

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  • Parents and carers

  • Children and young people

  • Practitioners and professionals

Who live, work or go to school in the Bristol City Council area

 

WHAT INFORMATION IS PROVIDED?

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  • Services and information available to all about health and schools

  • Support and services available for children and young people who do not have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHC)

  • Help and advice for SEND children

  • Legal requirements

 

PARENTS AND CARERS

 

WHAT DOES SEND MEAN?

 

Children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities who have learning difficulties, additional needs or disabilities that make it more difficult to learn. Extra help and support are often required.

 

FOUR AREAS OF SEN AS STATED IN SEND CODE OF PRACTICE: -

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  • communicating and interacting

  • cognition and learning

  • social, emotional and mental health difficulties 

  • sensory or physical needs

 

There is an ‘easy read guide about SEND support’, link available for parents on this website.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-support-easy-read-guide-for-parents

 

WHO CAN HELP ME IF MY CHILD HAS SEN?

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  • Senco at your child’s educational setting

  • If your child is under 5 years old and not with a childcare provider, please contact your health visitor

  • If your child is over 19 years old and not in an educational setting, please see your doctor

 

WHERE CAN I GO FOR ADVICE AND SUPPORT?

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  • FLORA – Families, Local Offer, Resources and Advice

         Providing information and advice for parents and carers.

         Contact details :- 0117 3526020 / email flora@bristol.gov.uk

 

  • SENDIAA – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Independent Advice and Support Service.  This is for parents and carers  - to understand their rights, procedures and policies and provide support with being heard, and for children and young people with SEN – to share their views and be listened to and to make sure they understand the processes with education

 

  • PARENTING COURSES – There are links for courses about autism.  They also offer courses for all parents and carers in relation to;- young children, challenging behaviour, anxiety, teenagers and involvement in the criminal justice system.

 

  • BRISTOL PARENT CARERS – This group provides information and support to families with SEN, you do not need to have a diagnosis.

 

  • CARERS SUPPORT CENTRE – Emotional and practical support for applications, grants and information.

 

  • HAPPY MAPS – General information and resources for behaviour and mental health on children and mental health services, therapy and supporting parent groups.

 

  • BRISTOL AUTISM SUPPORT – Support and advice for parents and carers of autistic children and children who are on the pathway

 

Please see https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-local-offer/parents-and-carers/advice-and-support/advice-and-support-for-parents-and-carers for the full list of available support and advice.

 

AUTISM

 

What is Autism?

 

Autism spectrum condition is a lifelong condition that affects social communication and interaction.  It can also involve repetitive or restricted behaviours and interests. 

 

Where do I go if I think my child may be autistic?

 

If your child is under 5 years old: -

You can talk about your concerns with:

 

If your child is over 5 years old:-

  • Your school’s SENCO or teacher

  • Your doctor

  • Speech and language

 

There are links on the local offer page to National Autistic Society page and the Bristol Autism Team. 

Collection of films, blogs and fact sheets to view from autistic people

 

What support is available for children diagnosed with autism people and their families?

 

  • Bristol Autism Team – provides support in education for those children with a formal diagnosis and for those on the autism pathway.  Direct support can also be available through consultation visits with the educational settings.

 

  • National Autistic Society – advice, guidance and information about autism on topics including continence, sleeping and eating.

 

  • Advice and support for autistic girls – Links to Facepage page Neon Daisy, Auti-MS: girls have autism too

 

  • Holiday breaks and activities – Links available for further information on programmes available for disabled children and their family, and for those children diagnosed with autism or on the autism pathway

 

EDUCATION AND EHC PLAN

 

Full guidance and support is available on helping you decide on what school is best for your child, what type of specialist settings are available, how to apply and transitions to the new school.

 

What is a EHC plan?

 

This is a legal document for children and young people aged 0-25 years for their education, health and social care needs.  It sets out what your child’s special educational needs are and what provision needs to be provided.

 

Please see the below link for further information on a EHC assessment.

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-local-offer/parents-and-carers/education-health-and-care-plans/what-is-an-ehc-needs-assessment

 

Early Years and Childcare – How will my child be supported?

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  • Clear SEN policy on how support will be identified and implemented to both the child and the parents

  • Designated Senco who will monitor your child’s progress and liaise with other professionals, involving parents at all times

  • Ensure an inclusive setting so your child is fully involved in all activities

 

Will there be extra funding to support my child?

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  • Early years special educational needs funding panel - can supply additional funding to your child’s setting if they have complex needs.  The Early years Senco will apply for the additional funding.

 

  • The disability access fund – available from 3 years old for children in receipt of universal funding and disability living allowance.  This is additional funding of £800 per year to support your child in the educational setting.

 

For further information please see the below link;-

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-local-offer/parents-and-carers/early-years-and-childcare/what-funding-is-available-in-early-years

 

Portage home visiting service

 

A home visiting service for children up to the age of 4 years old, providing educational and support service to the child and their family. 

A referral form is available online and through the below link;-

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-local-offer/parents-and-carers/early-years-and-childcare/portage-home-visiting-service

 

NEWS

To see up to date information and news on the Local Offer site please see the below link

 

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-local-offer/about/send-news

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