West Sussex SEND services
Families have told us that it can be hard and sometimes overwhelming to navigate Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) systems and processes. To help, we’ve created a quick guide to the services and information available in West Sussex.
Support for all (universal support)
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Information about SEND services, activities and support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years and their families.
This includes education, health and social care services. Information is available in alternative formats on request.
Visit Local Offer (external link) -
Impartial information and advice about national SEND law and guidance. SENDIAS supports children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND and their parent carers to navigate the education system.
See the 'What to expect from us' document under 'What happens when I contact SENDIAS.'
Visit SENDIAS (external link) -
Online referral route for specialist emotional wellbeing and mental health support for people aged 4 to 17. SPoA helps make sure you reach the right service without having to contact multiple teams.
Visit e-wellbeing (external link) -
A single point of access for advice, guidance and decisions about the right level of support to keep children safe and meet their needs.
Following assessment, support may be provided through Early Help or Children’s Social Care.
Request support or raise a concern about a child (external link) -
Book a consultation with an Educational Psychologist (EP) to discuss your child’s learning, behaviour, wellbeing or emotions. Outcomes may include strategies for home or signposting to additional support.
EPs cannot access information about Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNA) or Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
Educational Psychology (external link) -
For any child with SEND (diagnosis not required). Families can receive:
- a regular SEND newsletter including information about local activities and events
- a Max Card offering discounts on activities Joining the register helps West Sussex plan and shape services
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Parent carer led organisation representing families across West Sussex.
WSPCF. The forum:- ensures parent carer voices shape SEND services
- sits on the EHCNA Panel
- provides signposting and information
- offers community, events and opportunities to share experiences
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Young Minds Parent Helpline
- Phone: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Samaritans
- Phone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Support with self-harm
- Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Young Minds Crisis Messenger
- Text: YM to 85258 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Health Visitor Parentline (0 to 5s)
- Visit: Health visiting service
School Nursing Parentline (5 to 19s)
- Visit: School nursing service
NHS ChatHealth for young people (11 to 19):
- Visit: Chat health
Targeted services you may be able to access
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For children and young people aged 0 to 18 who live in West Sussex and receive:
- middle or high‑care component of DLA, or
- standard or enhanced PIP, or
- have equivalent needs
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Not an approved corporate tool but we are aware that some services are using it. For families whose child is:
- waiting for ADHD or autism assessment, or
- has received an assessment in the last year
Referrals are made by practitioners (such as teachers or Early Help).
Reaching families (external link) -
Early years home visiting educational service for children with additional support needs. Supports skills in:
- communication
- movement
- learning and play
- emotional and sensory regulation
- everyday routines
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Responsible for:
- Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs)
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- ongoing review and statutory processes
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A participation group for children and young people with diverse additional needs or disabilities.The forum provides opportunities to:
- share views
- take part in surveys
- join the Youth Ambassadors Forum
- help shape services
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Support for anyone caring for family, friends or partners with additional needs.
Carers Support (external link) -
Information on discount and concession cards for people with SEND and their carers.
Discounts and grants (external link) -
Information about:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
A diagnosis or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is not required to apply.
Disability related benefits (external link)
Support for schools to provide inclusive practice
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Resources to help schools support inclusion across early years, schools and post 16 settings.
Tools for schools (external link) -
Describes what mainstream schools should ordinarily provide without needing additional funding.
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice from Tools for schools (external link)
Services supporting education settings (parent and carers cannot refer directly unless indicated - speak to your SENCO)
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Supports educational, social and emotional development of autistic children and those with social communication needs.
Schools make referrals and involve parents where possible.
Autism Social Communication Team (ASCT) (external link) -
Supports inclusion and achievement for:
- Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater communities
- pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds
- pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Schools make referrals and involve parents where possible.
Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS) (external link) -
The team manages:
- Fair Access Protocol
- exclusions
- medical provision
- placements at the Alternative Provision College (APC)
Parent carers can contact the team directly.
Fair Access Team (external link) -
Supports schools with children whose learning and/or behaviour impacts progress and wellbeing.
Schools make referrals and involve parents where possible.
Learning and Behaviour Advisory Team (LBAT) (external link) -
Supports children with:
- visual impairment
- deafness
- multi sensory impairment
- physical disability
- habilitation and mobility needs
Referrals come from health, schools and parent carers (direct referral allowed).
Sensory Support Team (external link) -
Children we care for (children looked after)
The Virtual School:
- champions their educational needs
- provides advice and guidance
- coordinates support
- leads on strategic and operational services
Contact: wsvs@westsussex.gov.uk
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Provides information, advice and guidance for children who:
- were previously looked after and are now adopted, under Special Guardianship Order (SGO) or kinship care
- have a social worker (information and advice to the professional network)
Contact: vsas@westsussex.gov.uk