HAF Toolkit for parents and carers
Help for children with additional needs
Support is available if your child has, or may have, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Your child does not need a diagnosis for you to ask for help.
You can speak to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) at your child's nursery, school, or college. They can help you understand what support may be available.
You can also use the links below to find local information, advice and services for children and young people with SEND and their families.
The Bucks SEND Local Offer brings together information about education, health, social care, activities, short breaks, money and benefits for children and young people with SEND up to the age of 25.
Buckinghamshire SENDIAS provides free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support for children and young people with SEND and their families.
SENDIAS can help with:
- SEN support in schools and colleges
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- education choices
- Understanding your rights and options
- Get advice from Buckinghamshire SENDIAS
FACT Bucks (Families and Carers Together in Buckinghamshire) is the local Parent Carer Forum for families of children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
FACT Bucks helps parents and carers to:
- connect with other families
- share experiences and advice
- learn about local SEND services
- have a voice in how services are planned and improved
Email: [email protected]
Children and young people with SEND can take part in a wide range of accessible clubs, activities and events across Buckinghamshire. These activities can help build confidence, develop new skills and create opportunities to make friends.
Short breaks give children and young people with SEND opportunities to take part in activities, make friends and develop new skills, while providing families and carers with a break from their caring responsibilities.
Practical and financial support
If your family needs extra help, support is available. Find information about social care, financial help and discounts for families of children and young people with SEND.
If your family needs additional care or practical help, you can find out about support from Buckinghamshire’s Children with Disabilities service.
You can also check what financial help is available, including Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carer's Allowance and other benefits.
You can join Buckinghamshire's Disabled Children Register (BAND). Joining helps the council plan local services and may give eligible families access to a Max Card, which offers discounts on family activities and days out.
Talk to the SENCO at your child's nursery, school or college. They can help you understand what support is available and how to access it.
You can also visit Buckinghamshire's SEND page for information about getting started.