Specialist support for children and young people

Many children and young people in Knowsley have special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND) and may require additional support and help, at home and in education.

We know that every child’s needs will be different and therefore there is a wide range of help and support available to families, depending upon their circumstances. Visit www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk for more information.

For general information and advice around SEND, visit the Liverpool and Knowsley SENDIASS website provided by Barnardo's or call 0800 012 9066. You can also visit the SEND Local Offer web page to find out more information about what is available for children and young people with SEND and their families.

You can also contact the Council’s SEND team on 0151 443 5145 or email SENDadmin@knowsley.gov.uk

Each school and education setting has information about their SEND offer on their website.

There is a range of specialist educational provision available across Knowsley.

This includes support delivered within schools, as well as individual specialist establishments.

Special schools

Alt Bridge School, Huyton – offering specialist provision for 11-19 year olds

Finch Woods Academy, Halewood – offering specialist provision for 11-16 year olds

Bluebell Park, Kirkby – providing Early Years, primary, secondary and post 16 provision for students with severe and complex learning needs. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Knowsley Central, Huyton – providing primary provision for a range of needs (Specific Learning Difficulty, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Moderate Learning Difficulty)

Schools with specialist provision

Yew Tree Primary Academy, Halewood – offers designated special provision  for pupils with Speech, language and Communication and Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Northwood Community Primary School, Kirkby – offers designated special provision for pupils with Speech, language and Communication and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  The boroughs Speech and Language unit is also within this school.

Pupil referral unit

Meadow Park School, Stockbridge Village – providing a quality educational experience for students who have or are experiencing difficulties in a mainstream setting due to medical, social, emotional or behavioural needs.

Parents / carers are advised to speak to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at their child’s educational setting regarding individual needs. Each school and educational setting also has information about their SEND offer on their website.

We know that many families face additional challenges caring for children and young people with physical and mental disabilities. We know that every child’s needs are different and therefore we aim to work closely in partnership with families and other agencies to give the best possible support we can.

Extra support

If your child or young person is assessed as eligible for specialist services, a supporting package of care can be created to meet your child and family’s individual needs.

You may also be given the option to receive a direct payment to purchase the support for your child yourself, in line with your child’s assessed need and care plan.

For further information, please visit the Children with Disabilities Service webpage.

Funding

Make sure that you are aware of the funding available for children, young people and adults with Special Educations Needs and Disabilities. You can find out more here.

Short breaks for disabled children and their families

In Knowsley there is a Short Breaks Service available for families caring for a child or children with a disability.

These short breaks are intended to give primary carers a break from their caring responsibilities whilst also providing the children and young people with disabilities an opportunity to make friends, have fun, experience something new and develop their independence.

As with all services for disabled children and young people the offer will be dependent upon individual need.

You can find out more here or you can email shortbreaks@knowsley.gov.uk with any questions.

Knowsley Parent Carers Voice is a group of parents and carers of children with special education needs and disabilities in Knowsley. Their aim is to work in partnership with Education, Social Care and Health and Wellbeing services to influence and develop quality services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities in Knowsley.

By getting involved and sharing your experiences, you can help to play your part in improving our understanding of the challenges people are facing and helping to shape future services and support.

You can find out more here.