SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability)
Introduction
Welcome to our webpage. This is where we provide you with up to date information about how we are supporting children and young people who have Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND).
We will provide you with links, information and resources that are relevant to help you navigate through the local SEND processes.
What is SEND? (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Special educational needs (SEN) is a legal term. A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which means that they need special educational provision.
Special educational provision is different from what is normally available to pupils of the same age.
Having a learning difficulty or disability means that a pupil has greater difficulty in learning than most pupils of the same age, or a disability which makes it more difficult for them to use the school facilities. For example, they may have problems with:
- Specific areas of learning, like reading, writing or number work
- Expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying
- Making friends or relating to adults
- Managing their emotions or behaviour
- Problems with seeing, hearing, or moving around
- Medical conditions that impact on learning
- Mental health difficulties, e.g. anxiety or depression
The Law
The Children and Families Act 2014 implemented a legal framework for SEN Law and reformed legislation relating to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Known as the SEND Code of Practice, it places duties on local authorities and partner organisations, including the NHS, to ensure that children and young people with SEND are supported to achieve the “best possible educational and other outcomes”.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Some children and young people need additional support to help them develop through their education.
This could be due to a disability, such as behavioural, physical or sensory difficulties, difficulties with communicating / relating to other people.
How to get support
You can get support for young people aged 0 to 25 with special education or disability needs on the Hounslow Local Offer website.
Contact
Telephone: 020 8583 2672
Email: sen@hounslow.gov.uk
Further support for Hounslow families with SEND
Families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children can access an improved support service at Hounslow SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS). The website features free and confidential guidance for parents and carers, and children and young people with SEND aged 0-25. As a statutory service, SENDIASS works independently from the local authority.
To get in touch with the team, call the helpline at 020 8583 2607 (Monday-Friday, 9am - 2pm) or email sendiass@hounslow.gov.uk.
The team (pictured) are also available at the Council's monthly SEND surgeries SEND surgeries: Let's talk SEND | London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow Parent/Carers Forum
A monthly group of Hounslow-based parents/carers of children and young people (aged 0-25 years) with SEND.
The Forum meets monthly to discuss real issues that affect families such as health, education and employment. Professionals from organisations including the local authority are invited to share their current plans and to hear what parents have to say. It is also a place to share information parent to parent and to ask questions.
Things to do
Things to do | London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow Short Breaks
All children and young people with a disability can access a short break. This includes those with:
- a physical disability
- a learning disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- or those with challenging behaviour
Short breaks for disabled children | Short breaks for disabled children | London Borough of Hounslow
Please see the latest newsletter for full details
General Support
Contact
If you live anywhere in the London Borough of Hounslow and have a disabled child, or a child with a health condition or additional needs, please get in touch. Contact provides information on a wide range of issues affecting families with disabled children, as well as where to go locally for support.
Have a browse:
A-Z medical directory
Benefits Calculator and Grants Search
Listening Ear support service
Family workshops and events
Helpline (0808 808 3555)
Frequently Asked Questions tool
You can contact them directly or ask a professional to make a referral by emailing: Hounslow.office@contact.org.uk
You can also book an appointment with one of our Family Support Workers.
Family information service
Family Information Service | Family Information Service | London Borough of Hounslow
Links to:
The Hounslow Local Offer is a way of giving children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their parents or carers information about what activities and support are available in the area where they live.
The Council for Disabled Children (CDC) have produced a video which provides information about what a Local Offer is.
The Local Offer contains a wide range of information and services to support children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. These include services provided by the Local Authority and the health service, as well as services provided by the voluntary and private sectors (e.g. charities and disability groups, nurseries, youth clubs, leisure activities etc.).
Information is available for young adults, to help you make informed choices about things that are important to you such as where to live; transport; social activities, work and training; and becoming an adult.