The Welcome Centre, 43 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5AA
Tel: 0151 647 9584
Parents
Information and Support
We understand and have experienced first hand, just how isolating it can be living with a person with additional needs. Every day can feel like an uphill struggle and like you’re always on the back foot. Our £5 per month membership can change all that. We’re here for advice and guidance, pointing you in the right direction or deciphering the latest letter to hit your doormat. We can help support you through a crisis, be by your side at crucial meetings or act as co-ordinator between agencies to ensure everyone is working towards the same aspirations. What’s more, you will be kept up to date with the new information and legislation, especially that which will impact on your specific situation. Encompassing education, health and social care, this is a perfect starting point for those seeking on-going and everyday support.
One off support or advice
We recognise that, as parents, sometimes you just need an answer or an update without being directed to different departments or organisations. You might need an independent view or to know you’re heading in the right direction. You may have received a letter, email or report that you can’t make head nor tail of, or are concerned that your child isn’t making progress but are unsure of your options. We can help you fill in forms and would ask for a one off donation for this service, we can help with our quick fix service. You ask the question, we have a chat and agree the best course of action. Simple as that!
ADULTHOOD
A key part of the Special Needs Reforms, helping young people as they enter adulthood encompasses a range of new challenges and considerations for families. Out of the school bubble, they are likely to need guidance; whether they look to further education or to enter employment they may need support as they embrace independent living and new life skills. Mindful of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty safeguards and changes in welfare benefits, we can take the time to look at their entitlements and create a bespoke solution tailored to their specific needs, abilities and most importantly aspirations. We know every child is different and believe any plan should reflect this.
TRANSITIONS
This is a specific service to support parents who have a child who is either starting school, moving from infants to juniors (year 2 – 3), from primary to secondary (year 6 – 7) or from key stage 3 to 4 (year 9 – 10).
It’s a highly emotional time for families so our aim is to take away any stress and let you come to terms with your little one growing up!
EHC NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Education, Health and Care Plan requests can be hugely confusing. If you think your child or young person (aged 0 – 25) may have special educational needs, you have a right to request an assessment of those needs.
We can support you through the process from beginning to end. We are though, realistic enough to advise you if we think there may not be enough reason to submit a request. We are trained to write requests and are able to co-ordinate and gather supporting evidence from other professionals and agencies involved to ensure the process is as smooth and pain-free as possible. Guided firmly by the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice we know exactly what responsibilities Local Authorities have and what information they must provide you with so you can be assured that your request is in the best possible position. If there are on-going unresolved issues we can support you at mediation meetings with the aim of reaching a solution.