Family support

Being a parent or carer of a child with special needs can be both amazing and sometimes challenging.

Everyone needs a little bit of extra support at some point in their lives, and there is support available for you and your family.

In addition to the information and advice below, Plymouth has an Early Help and SEND Advice Line. You can book a conversation with a Family Support Worker to discuss worries or questions. Just call 01752 668000, or email AccessEarlyHelp@plymouth.gov.uk.

I think my child might have special needs

If you think your child might have a special educational need or disability, it can be worrying. But there is lots of support available.

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Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a document that supports children and young people with special educational needs in education.

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Short breaks for your disabled child

A Short Break can range from two hours, a day activity, overnight, or longer depending on the circumstances and needs of the child or young person and their family. It can be time spent away from the home, in the community, or in the home with or without the main carer.

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I am worried about my child's speech, language and communication needs

Children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) require extra support to develop their communication skills and reach their full potential.

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I am worried about my child's hearing or sight

Hearing and visual impairments are disabilities that affect the ability to hear or see. Hearing impairments can range from mild to severe, and visual impairments can range from partial to total blindness.

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I am worried about my child's mental health

Being a parent or carer can be challenging, especially if you are worried about your child's mental health. Mental health problems can affect children of all ages and backgrounds, and they can have a significant impact on their lives.

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How to care for a disabled child

Caring for a disabled child can make your daily parenting duties, such as feeding, toilet training and getting them to sleep, more challenging.

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How to care for children with complex needs

If your child has been diagnosed with an illness, disability or sensory impairment and needs a lot of additional support on a daily basis, they're described as having "complex needs".

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Adapt your home

If you're struggling to get around your home due to a disability, long-term illness, visual impairment or old age, we may be able to help with equipment and adaptations.

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Moving to Plymouth with a child that has special needs

If you're moving to Plymouth and your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan of special educational needs email senadmin@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307409 to discuss arrangements with us.

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What to do if you are worried about a child's safety

If you're worried about a child or young person or think they're being abused, even if you're unsure, call 01752 668000 or email mash@plymouth.gov.uk.

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How to deal with challenging behaviour in children

A person's behaviour can be defined as "challenging" if it puts them or those around them (such as their carer) at risk, or leads to a poorer quality of life.

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Accessible toys, play and learning

Toys for children with physical or learning disabilities need to be safe and suitable for their needs. For example, if your child is likely to put the toy in their mouth, make sure it doesn't have any small parts that they could swallow.

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