We are committed to working collaboratively and effectively with families, staff in early years settings, schools and colleges, and other agencies involved with the child.  We provide a wide variety of services negotiated to meet the needs of each child.

Services offered:

• initial assessment of children’s strengths and needs
• information about difficulties and implications
• liaison between parents and other professionals concerned with the child
• assessment, teaching, advice and support to meet individual needs over time
• specialist contribution to individual education plans (IEPs) and reviews
• specialist contribution to Statutory Assessments and Annual Reviews of Statements
• resources and materials to enable children to gain maximum access to the curriculum
• specialist equipment and training in its use for children, parents and staff
• advice and support at end of key stage assessments
• recommendations on examination concessions and modifications
• involvement and support as children transfer from one phase of education to the next

We also provide many training opportunities for parents, early years providers, schools and colleges. Our training receives very positive evaluations and contributes significantly to raising awareness, and developing knowledge and skills. As a result, those involved feel more confident about including children with special needs in their early years setting or school.

Requests for involvement
Requests for the involvement of the Specialist Support Service are made by health agencies, nurseries and schools, assistant education officers, parents and, post 16, by students. We have criteria for agreeing to become involved.

If you would like more information about how to request our involvement, please contact either the Head of Service or the appropriate Team Co-ordinator. We are based at Vauxhall Gardens - full details are given in our Contacts page.