JOIN the local Offer organisations supporting Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)

Essex County Council is encouraging clubs, groups and organisations which offer support for children and young people with Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to join the Essex Local Offer.

The Local Offer gives information about support for children and young people aged between 0 to 25, with SEND. This includes advice if you’re new to SEND and details on local groups and activities that offer support.

The site currently lists over 350 services, groups and activities which offer different types of support. These include anything from play centres and sport clubs, to employment support.

Support can be offered in different ways. This might be as full-time provision or during dedicated SEND-inclusive sessions.

Joining the Essex Local Offer is free and there is no limit on the size of club, group or organisation that can join.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We know there are many clubs, groups and organisations offering SEND support that have become a lifeline for families. We’re encouraging them to come forward and help us to expand the Essex Local Offer so that even more families can benefit.

“We’re also asking local businesses who don’t currently offer any activities for children and young people with SEND to consider how they could make small changes to become more inclusive. This will improve access to services and help children enjoy a range of different support.”

Organisations looking to join the Essex Local Offer should visit https://send.essex.gov.uk/get-listed and complete a ‘request a listing’ form.