Parent Support Page
You don’t have to figure it all out alone
If you’re worried about your child’s development, waiting for assessments, wondering what support is available or simply don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place.
SEND support can feel overwhelming. There are assessments, waiting lists, school meetings, EHCPs, forms, appointments and lots of new terminology to understand.
This page is here to make things a little simpler.
I’m worried about my child. What should I do?
If you’re noticing that your child is finding certain things harder than other children their age, it’s okay to ask questions.
You might be noticing differences with:
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Communication or speech
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Social interaction
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Sensory needs
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Attention or concentration
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Emotional regulation
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Sleep
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Eating
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Toileting
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Changes to routine
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Transitions
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Learning
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Friendships or playing with others
Trust your gut.
You know your child better than anyone.
Start by writing down what you’re noticing. You don’t need to know whether it’s autism, ADHD or another additional need. Simply recording what you’re seeing can help you explain your concerns to other people.
You could speak to your child’s nursery, school or SENCO, health visitor or GP, depending on your child’s age.
And remember — your child can need support even if they don’t have a diagnosis.
We’re waiting for an assessment. What can I do while we wait?
Waiting can feel incredibly frustrating, especially when your child is struggling now.
You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis before supporting your child.
Try to focus on your child’s individual needs.
Think about:
What is difficult for my child?
What seems to trigger it?
What helps?
What makes things worse?
Keep notes, examples and observations. These can be useful when you eventually attend an assessment or speak to school and other professionals.
You can also ask school or nursery what support and reasonable adjustments can be put in place while you’re waiting.
My child has received a diagnosis. What happens now?
Firstly, take a breath.
You don’t need to have everything sorted immediately.
A diagnosis can bring relief because you finally have an explanation. It can also bring lots of other emotions — sadness, worry, anger, confusion or even a feeling of needing to rethink the future you had imagined.
There is no right or wrong way to feel.
Take some time to understand the diagnosis and read through the assessment report when you’re ready.
Look at the recommendations and think about which ones could make the biggest difference to your child.
You may also want to explore support such as:
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SEN Support
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An EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan)
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DLA (Disability Living Allowance)
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Blue Badge
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CEA Card
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Access Card
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Occupational therapy
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Speech and language support
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Sleep support
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Local SEND activities and groups
You don’t need to do everything at once.
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What if my child doesn’t have a diagnosis but needs support?
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A diagnosis isn’t always needed for your child to receive support.
Schools and nurseries should look at a child’s individual needs, not simply whether they have a diagnosis.
Speak to the SENCO about what your child is finding difficult and what adjustments or support could help.
You can also look at practical strategies at home that support your child’s communication, sensory needs, emotional regulation, sleep and routines.
Support can start before a label.
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What is an EHCP?
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An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people who need more support than can normally be provided through SEN Support.
It looks at your child’s education, health and care needs and sets out the support they require.
An EHCP is not simply about having a diagnosis.
It’s about what your child needs in order to access education and make progress.
A parent or carer can ask their local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment.
If you’re considering an EHCP, start by speaking to your child’s SENCO and keeping records of the support your child currently needs.
What is a CEA Card?
The CEA Card is for eligible disabled people who need to be accompanied when visiting participating cinemas.
It can allow a companion to receive a complimentary cinema ticket at participating cinemas.
Eligibility applies, so check the current requirements before applying.
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What is an Access Card?
An Access Card can help disabled people communicate their access requirements to organisations and venues.
It uses symbols to show the type of support or adjustments that may be helpful.
For example, it can help communicate that someone may need additional support, a companion, extra time or other adjustments.
An Access Card doesn’t automatically mean you’ll receive free entry or discounts. Individual organisations decide what they offer.
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What support does Together: One Step at a Time offer?
Together: One Step at a Time provides SEND-focused support for children and families in a calm, welcoming and non-judgemental environment.
Support currently includes:
1:1 Support
Play-focused sessions supporting areas such as communication, social skills, confidence, sensory needs and emotional development.
SEND Sessions
Small-group sensory and play sessions designed with SEND children in mind.
Outdoor Sensory Play
Opportunities to explore, play and get messy in a supportive environment.
Sleep Support
Support for families who are struggling with their child’s sleep, with a focus on understanding the individual child and creating realistic strategies.
Social Stories
Individualised social stories can help children understand new experiences, places, routines and situations.
You don’t have to do everything at once
SEND parenting can feel like a lot.
There may be days when you feel like you’re constantly filling in forms, attending appointments, chasing professionals and trying to work out what your child needs.
You don’t need to have all the answers.
Start with one thing.
One question.
One conversation.
One form.
One small change.
One step at a time.
If you need support or would like to talk about how Together may be able to help, please get in touch.