We understand the challenges that come with supporting a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). To help parents and carers navigate these challenges, here are a range of trusted resources and services aimed at offering practical advice, emotional support, and financial assistance.
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Liverpool’s SEND Local Offer, your go-to resource for information on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services. The Local Offer details the support available from various local partners, including SENDIASS, Liverpool Parent and Carer Forum (LivPac), and ADDvanced Solutions. Additionally, the SEND Strategy for 2023-2026. This site is intended for Liverpool’s children and young people with SEND, their parents and carers, as well as professionals who support these families. |
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Sefton - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities directory |
The Local Offer provides clear and accessible information about the services Sefton Council expects to be available for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It outlines what you can expect from various local agencies, including statutory entitlements, eligibility criteria, and referral processes. The Local Offer details available resources from early years settings, schools (including Academies and Free Schools), colleges, and health and social care services. Under the Children and Families Act, Local Authorities are required to produce a Local Offer, and Sefton Council is committed to collaborating with health services and partners in the voluntary and private sectors to meet the needs of children and families with SEND. |
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The Local Offer provides essential information about local agencies in education, health, and social care, giving you greater choice and control over the support your child needs. It includes details on special educational provision, social care services, additional educational options, training opportunities, travel arrangements to schools and colleges, and preparation for adulthood in areas like housing and employment. Additionally, it outlines eligibility criteria, decision making processes, encourages feedback to enhance services, and assists families seeking a personal budget. |
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The Local Offer helps parents and young people understand and access services for children with special educational needs and disabilities in their area. In St. Helens, trained professionals called HALOs are available to assist with navigating the Local Offer website. Easily identified by their lanyards, HALOs support those who may struggle with online access or prefer in-person assistance. They can help with signposting to the website, logging onto computers, adjusting accessibility settings, and finding or explaining information. |
Finding the right activities for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be transformative for their development, socialisation, and well-being. We’ve gathered a list of inclusive and engaging activities designed to support your child’s sensory, physical, and emotional needs, while also providing fun opportunities for learning and growth.
These activities are designed to provide enriching experiences for children of all abilities, ensuring they have access to play, learning, and development in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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Active Community Enterprise CIC (ACE) has developed into a supportive and lively community where individuals can build friendships and life skills with the help of our dedicated support team. At our Belle Vale base, The ACE Place, we offer a wide range of activities, including drama, Zumba, woodworking, and gardening. These activities provide a great opportunity for personal growth and social interaction in a welcoming environment. |
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The Sensory Hive started as an idea in 2017 and has grown into an organisation providing vital therapeutic and educational services for the disabled community in Merseyside, UK. As parents of neurodivergent children, we understand the challenges sensory processing conditions pose and how they can lead to social isolation in a busy, overwhelming world. Our specialist sensory integration therapy center in Whiston, Knowsley, offers a sensory gym, immersive interactive rooms, occupational therapy, rebound therapy, hobby clubs, and sensory development classes for infants and children, aiming to create safe spaces and promote understanding within the community. |
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Sensory Swim and Health Merseyside CIC offers a supportive and inclusive environment for children and adults with additional needs to enjoy swimming. We understand that some children may find it difficult to participate in mainstream swimming lessons due to physical or neurological impairments. That’s why we provide both integrated and private sensory swimming sessions tailored to meet each individual’s needs. Our facility removes barriers to participation, giving your child the choice of joining group sessions or enjoying one-on-one time in a private setting, ensuring they feel comfortable, safe, and able to relax while exercising. |
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Daisy Inclusive UK is a charity dedicated to helping disabled and vulnerable individuals, along with their families, reach their full potential. Through the Isolation to Inclusion (I2I) strategy, we offer a person centred approach that provides tailored support at every step of the journey. The services include creating Personal Development Plans, providing disability awareness training, offering support with disability hate crime reporting, and delivering inclusive sports and physical activities. They also focus on social readiness, pre-employability skills, and giving advice and guidance to help families navigate challenges and promote inclusion. Whether you're seeking education, support, or guidance, we are here to help every step of the way. |
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Moving Senses - Positive Futures provides a supportive and stimulating environment for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The sessions are designed to help them build social and emotional skills through interaction with peers, while engaging in activities tailored to their individual needs. With a child centred approach, we offer small group and one to one sessions that include arts and crafts, therapeutic sensory activities like massage and aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, and cooking and nutrition. The focus is on creating a safe, sensory rich environment that empowers each child to grow, make choices, and enjoy their learning experience. |
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Thursday Club |
Merseyside Thursday Club is a social group for adults with learning disabilities, offering a fun and friendly environment where members can meet new people and try a variety of activities. Every Thursday evening, we come together to play games, enjoy arts and crafts, dance, sing, and chat. We also organise regular outings, day trips, and weekend or week-long breaks. Thursday Club is a great opportunity for individuals to engage in social events, explore new hobbies, and build friendships in a welcoming and supportive setting. |
ADDvanced Solutions Community Network offers support for the emotional health and well being of neurodivergent children, young people, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Our community-based learning opportunities help improve understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions and provide practical skills and strategies to support your child or young person.
Aiming High - Specialist after school club, provides a safe and supportive space for children aged 6 to 10 with complex needs, designed to help them build independence, social skills, and physical and emotional development. Each week, a range of engaging activities is planned, allowing children to either participate in structured activities or enjoy free play. To ensure the appropriate support, all children must be referred to the Aiming High Team, following Ofsted's staffing guidelines. For details on session times and to book a place, please contact the Aiming High Team.
Autism in Motion is a parent led organisation offering support, advice, and guidance for families of children with Autism, ADHD, and other neurological conditions. They provide courses, advice sessions, and coffee mornings for parents and carers, taking a holistic approach that includes siblings in all activities and outings.
They organise social events, such as days out, to help children build friendships and reduce social isolation for parents, while supporting children’s social skills development.
Founded over five years ago by two parents seeking support, we began with coffee mornings for parents to share experiences. Since then, we've organised family outings like fire station visits, Franky & Benny’s, and trips to Gulliver’s World.
As they've grown, they've built strong connections with organisations like the ADHD Foundation, YPAS, MYA, Cobalt, and other local groups. Our children have thrived, developing lasting friendships in a safe, inclusive environment where we embrace each other’s differences. #WeLoveOurAutismFamily
The Autistic Society's mission is to support the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families. Whether by running specialist schools, advocating for better rights, or training businesses to be more autism-friendly, we are committed to transforming lives and shifting perceptions.
Cerebralpalsy.org.uk supports individuals affected by cerebral palsy, a condition estimated to impact 1 in every 400 babies born in the UK. With approximately 700,000 births annually in England and Wales, this translates to around 1,700 new cases each year. Many charities and organisations offer assistance to those with cerebral palsy, and cerebralpalsy.org.uk provides impartial information on a wide range of topics relevant to those affected.
The website includes tips, guides, and advice to support individuals and families navigating life with cerebral palsy.
Family Fund believes families raising disabled or seriously ill children should have the same opportunities, quality of life, and aspirations as others. They work every day to make this a reality by:
- Providing grants to low-income families for items they may struggle to afford, such as family breaks, digital equipment, white goods, clothing, bedding, furniture, and play equipment
- Offering services to help parents and carers achieve their goals, including support with money, benefits, mental health, and practical workshops on using digital tools
- Creating opportunities for families to share experiences and influence change on issues that matter to them.
Family hubs provide a central place for support and information for babies, children, young people, and families, including Start for Life services for ages 0-2.
They offer assistance to parents or carers of children 0-19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities), pregnant individuals, and young people up to 19 (or 25 with SEND). Hubs typically offer parenting classes, baby groups, mental health and wellbeing support, assistance for SEND, financial and debt advice, information on youth clubs, domestic abuse support, and infant feeding guidance.
Services vary based on local community needs.
A brain injury can affect every aspect of life - movement, speech, thought, and emotion - often resulting in serious, lasting changes. It can feel like losing both the life you knew and the person you were. While it’s easy to think "it won’t happen to me," around 350,000 people are hospitalized with an acquired brain injury each year - about one person every 90 seconds.
- Visit Headway - the brain injury association website
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) often require specialized health services to support their physical, emotional, and developmental well-being. In this section, we provide information on key health services tailored to meet the unique needs of SEND children, helping you ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
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Annual health checks are important for people with learning disabilities, who may experience poorer physical and mental health and sometimes have difficulty recognizing or expressing when they feel unwell. These yearly checks help identify health issues early, provide a chance to discuss any concerns, and make doctor visits more familiar and comfortable. Anyone over 14 with a learning disability is eligible for an annual health check. For more information, you can watch an NHS video about annual health checks. |
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Children's bladder and bowel services for children with a Liverpool GP |
The Special Care Dentistry Service provides specialist dental care for patients with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, medical, or emotional/social impairments or disabilities, or a combination of these factors. We work closely with specialists in areas such as Haematology and Hepatology to support patients with various conditions, ensuring comprehensive care. In addition, we collaborate with health and social care professionals across the community and Merseyside region. Our service is available to individuals throughout Cheshire and Merseyside, and we also accept referrals from other centres in the North West and the Isle of Man, ensuring patients receive the dental care they need. |
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Special Care Dentistry service provides specialist dental care for patients with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, medical, or emotional/social impairments or disabilities, or a combination of these factors. We work closely with specialists in areas such as Haematology and Hepatology to support patients with various conditions, ensuring comprehensive care. In addition, we collaborate with health and social care professionals across the community and Merseyside region. Our service is available to individuals throughout Cheshire and Merseyside, and we also accept referrals from other centres in the North West and the Isle of Man, ensuring patients receive the dental care they need. |
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Mersey Care Community Dental Service offers specialised dental care for children and adults in Liverpool, Sefton, and Knowsley. Patients are referred to the service by their General Dental Practitioner or other healthcare professionals. The service also provides NHS dental treatment and preventative care through its Personal Dental Service Clinics in Vauxhall and River Alt. These clinics include a teaching facility for dental students and newly qualified dentists. |
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ERIC is a national charity dedicated to improving bowel and bladder health for all children and young people, including those with additional needs. Their mission is to reduce the impact of continence issues on children and their families, enhancing independence, comfort, and dignity. We recognize that children with additional needs often face unique challenges with potty training, toileting, and continence, and we are here to support families in navigating these complexities. These resources provide tailored information on a range of bowel and bladder issues, such as constipation, bedwetting, daytime wetting, and toileting routines specifically designed for children with additional needs. They offer practical guidance and strategies that empower parents, carers, and professionals to support children in achieving healthy continence habits. Through educational workshops, expert advice via helplines, and online resources, they strive to make essential information accessible for families, helping them manage continence issues more effectively. By addressing these needs holistically and early, ERIC aims to help all children reach their continence potential, contributing to improved quality of life and greater confidence for children with additional needs and their families. |
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The Liverpool Wheelchair Service, part of the Community Equipment Disability Advisory Services (CEDAS), provides wheelchair assessments and equipment to Liverpool residents with a Liverpool GP. Referrals can be made by health professionals or through self-referral if already known to the service. Our clinic, equipped with hoists, height-adjustable plinths, and a profiling bed, enables thorough assessments, including seating clinics and pressure mapping to ensure the best fit and comfort. Many clients can receive "off-the-shelf" wheelchairs on the same day. We also offer home visits for clients unable to attend in person. Additionally, Personal Wheelchair Budgets (PWBs) are available; please ask our therapists for details. |
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Liverpool Family Information and SEND Directory | Community Paediatric Dietetics |
Community Paediatric Dietitians support children with various health conditions by promoting growth and development through tailored nutrition. Children may be referred to a dietitian for reasons such as poor weight gain, higher nutritional needs, or conditions affecting digestion. Dietary support can also be necessary for managing specific conditions like diabetes, food allergies, coeliac disease, and inherited metabolic disorders. Dietitians also assist children who face challenges eating or drinking, including those who require tube feeding or intravenous nutrition. |
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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition where a person avoids certain foods, restricts their intake, or both. This can happen for various reasons, including sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, or smell; fear and anxiety around eating due to past negative experiences like choking; or a low interest in food or difficulty recognizing hunger. ARFID can look different in each person, affecting both children and adults, and it’s common for it to co-occur with conditions such as anxiety, autism, or ADHD. |
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Learning Disability and Autism team - Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust |
The team supports children and young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism attending appointments at Alder Hey Hospital. Hospital visits can be overwhelming, so they're there to make the experience as positive and accessible as possible. Their vision is for all children with LD/Autism to receive the care and treatment they need through reasonable adjustments, ensuring equity and accessibility. These adjustments, required by the Equality Act 2010, are tailored to each child’s needs and can make a significant difference in their care. Please inform staff about your child's needs or ask about possible adjustments to support them |
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Liverpool Community Speech and Language Therapy offers expert support for children with speech, language, and communication needs. We work closely with parents, carers, and schools or nurseries to create a tailored plan that helps your child thrive. They believe that the best outcomes happen when everyone involved in your child’s life works together. By partnering with you, as well as your child’s teachers and family members, we can help your child develop the skills they need to communicate confidently and effectively. |
The Brain Charity: Neurological conditions are a diverse group of over 600 disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system. Some are well-known, like stroke, dementia, cluster headaches, and ADHD, while others, such as trigeminal neuralgia, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, and Huntington’s disease, are rarer.
These conditions vary greatly: some, like brain injuries, occur suddenly; others, like epilepsy, are present from birth; and some, such as multiple sclerosis, develop gradually. The Brain Charity is the only UK organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by all of these conditions.
Young Person's Advisory Service (YPAS) is a Merseyside based charity, established in 1966, supporting over 150,000 children and young people aged 5–25, along with their families, to address mental health and emotional well-being challenges.
As a Youth Information, Advice, and Counselling Service (YIACS), YPAS offers free, accessible, and age-appropriate support for a range of issues, driven by the needs of young people.
Services are delivered across Merseyside in schools, community hubs, GP surgeries, and other educational settings.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is a free, impartial, and confidential service for young people with SEND and their parents or carers.
Each local authority in England has a SENDIAS service, with some provided by kids.
They also provide accessible information on various SEND topics. Check out our information and advice section or visit our YouTube channel for free webinars and local content in areas where they host a SENDIAS service.
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) works to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the support they are legally entitled to but often denied. As a leading charity in SEND law in England, we provide free legal advice and support to Our work empowers families, supports casework, and defends the rights of children with SEND to secure the education they deserve.
As children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) transition into adulthood, it’s important for them to have access to social, developmental, and respite services that support their independence and wellbeing. This section focuses on opportunities and services designed specifically for young people aged 16 and over.
Wellbeing Liverpool, offer a range of social and developmental opportunities for young people aged 16+ and adults with additional needs, designed to support growth, connection, and engagement in a welcoming environment. Our activities include Music Mondays, where participants can explore creativity through music; Football sessions to build teamwork and fitness; dedicated Fitness Sessions and Cycling to encourage physical activity and well-being; and Swim Club for confidence and enjoyment in the water.
They also run drama workshops in collaboration with Viper Productions, allowing participants to express themselves and develop communication skills through performance. Additionally, our Parent and Support Group offers family members and caregivers a chance to connect, share experiences, and gain support. These programs provide meaningful ways for individuals to build skills, friendships, and confidence in a supportive setting.
EPIC provides a valuable service for young adults with Autism who may have limited options for further development after school. For those where further education or employment may not be feasible, EPIC fills this gap by offering high-quality opportunities tailored to each individual’s skill level. Our programme includes a wide range of development activities, from crafts to karate, with enrichment integrated into everything we do, including down time. A unique aspect of EPIC is our Enterprise project, where participants gain real-life work experience, offering an end-to-end service and building a sense of purpose. All profits from this project are reinvested into the programme, and the young people themselves decide how to allocate the funds, giving them a sense of ownership and involvement.
The Steps to Work programme is designed to empower young adults aged 18-25 with learning difficulties, neurodivergence, or barriers to employment, helping them secure paid work. We are currently recruiting trainees for this unique programme, which adopts a "person-first" approach, ensuring each individual is supported by a dedicated Work Coach. The programme focuses on developing skills in a safe, supportive environment, with a tailored journey plan for each trainee. We encourage young people who are eager to gain employment, are not currently in education, employment, or training, and are ready to commit to the programme for at least 12 months. This is an excellent opportunity for those who are willing to try new things, develop new skills, and work towards achieving their job goals
Young Adult Respite Service C.I.C (Y.A.R.S) was created in 2017 to support the personal and social development of disabled young adults across Merseyside. Our aim is to provide disabled young adults (aged 18 – 35) an opportunity to meet like-minded people in a safe environment, whilst developing friendships, confidence, independence and engaging in new and exciting activities. In addition to this, providing much-needed respite for parents/carers.
All our residentials are fully inclusive and offer a wide range of activities, depending on the needs and ability of the individuals, enabling disabled young adults to engage and access opportunities that they may never had the chance to previously.
