Primary years 5 to 11

Help and advice for children aged 5 to 11, including support with school, family help and useful services

Identifying needs and responding to concerns

School age advice sheets

Practical advice and ideas to help support the physical, occupational and communication development of a child

Children’s hearing concerns

Signs of hearing loss and what to do if your child is struggling

Children’s vision concerns

Signs of vision problems and what to do if your child is struggling

Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool

A guide to make sure every child and young person in a Somerset school gets the support they need

Sensory processing

Information and advice available in Somerset to identify sensory processing difficulties, and find strategies to help.

Supporting neurodivergence at the earliest opportunity

Receiving support at the earliest stage without the need for a diagnosis. Making a smooth transition to assessment for those who require it.

Supporting families

Parenting programmes in Somerset

In some cases parents may find it helpful to attend a parenting course to help them work through particular issues they may be experiencing

Sibling support

Brothers and sisters want to have ordinary lives and positive relationships with their disabled siblings

Activities for families and young people

Things to do, try out new activities, have fun and access your local community

Working flexibly and taking time off – your rights

How you can adjust your working hours or take time off if your child has extra support needs.

Looking after yourself as a parent carer

Preventing burnout through early support and self-care

Wraparound childcare

Information for families on childcare before and after school, and during school holidays

Children with Disabilities Service

Support, equipment, short breaks and care for disabled children and those caring for them

Food support for families in Somerset

Support is available for families who may be struggling to find food

Getting out and about with additional needs

Making transport and getting around in Somerset easier for people with additional needs

Support in education

Schools

Education options for school aged children

Anxiety about attending school

Some children can become anxious about going to school, their school work, friendships or bullying

School exclusions

When a headteacher sends a student home from school, usually because of their behaviour

Exam access arrangements

If a pupil has a disability or special educational needs that make exams harder for them, schools and colleges can make reasonable changes to help.

Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool

A guide to make sure every child and young person in a Somerset school gets the support they need

Apply for school travel assistance

Find out if you can get help with school travel and how to apply

Services to help in the primary years

What SEND professionals do

These are some of the people who may be working with you

Autism and ADHD Pathway

Steps you can expect - from early support to full assessment - and how families, schools, and health professionals work together to make sure the right help is given.

Children’s Occupational Therapy

Helping children and young people join in activities as much as they can in their daily lives

Children’s Speech and Language Therapy

Helping children and young people who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing

Children’s Physiotherapy

Helping children and young people develop their physical skills

Paediatric Continence

Support for children and young people's bladder and bowel care

School nurses

School nurses are public health nurses who work with 5 to 19 year-olds, including children educated in school and those who are educated at home

SEND advice and advocacy

Support to make choices and get your voice heard

Preparing for school transitions

Moving on to the next stage of learning

Supporting your child to change school or move up to a new phase of education

Starting at a junior or middle school

Information about applying for a place at a junior school or a middle school

Secondary Admissions Guide

Useful information about choosing a school and applying for a a school, all in one place