Useful Links & Events
The listed services and links to websites maintained by other organisations are included in this Directory is to assist you and are provided in good faith. The order in which they are listed does not link to any preference and the inclusion in this Directory does not imply that The Bromfords School endorses or supports them, nor does the absence of a service imply that The Bromfords School does not support them.
The Bromfords School cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy on this Directory, or on linked sites/pages. We strongly advise you to carry out your own checks before accessing any services or providers to ensure it meets your needs, and we recommended that you read the privacy policy of any site you visit, particularly if you are asked to give personal data.
Upcoming Event
Local Links:
Essex County Council SEND Local Offer – This website offers extensive support and guidance regarding children and young people and the services available to them in Essex with regards to SEND.
Essex SEND IASS provides free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support about Special educational Needs and Disability (SEND) for children and young people (0-25), parents and carers.
Essex Short Breaks give parent carers and siblings of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities a break from their additional caring responsibilities, whilst enabling children and young people to meet friends, take part in activities, develop independence and have fun. It is part of Essex County Council's early help approach. Click on the website link below to see if you qualify as a family and to register.
School Transport – If your son or daughter has an EHCP, The Bromfords School is your nearest school and you live three or more miles away you will very likely be entitled to free school transport. You can apply for this using the website link below, from the Home page click on Schools and Learning / Schools / School Transport.
MyOTAS (My Own Time and Space) was founded in 2019 by a group of parents of autistic children and professionals who support SEND children. They are based in Wickford Essex and support families from across Essex offering activities for young people such as Woodland Warriors, Mindful Crafts and Yoga, as well as support for parents. No diagnosis is required to access the activities and support.
SNAP (Special Needs and Parents) supports Essex Families who have children and young people with any special need or disability. SNAP provides many services including a helpline providing advice, information and support, face to face appointments, a library of specialist books, information sheets, specialist talks, training courses, young people activities (including after-school and holiday sessions), Drama, Yoga, multi-sensory room, specialist IT suite, sibling support and social events for families.
Families in Focus Essex provides telephone consultations with a Family Support Advisor (FSA) who can provide advice / support on a range of SEN issues including education, Disability living related benefits, Housing and Social Care. They also run two weekly activity clubs in Chelmsford and Colchester for young people with SEND and their families.
www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk
ASD and ADHD Assessment Referral – If you feel your son or daughter may meet criteria for an ASD and / or ADHD diagnosis use the website link below to access the CSPA Supplementary Pre-Assessment Form September 22 ASD ADHD – Parent Carer (it is the first one on the right of the website page). Once you have completed this form (Word Processed or handwritten) forward it to The Bromfords School’s SEND Department either by emailing it to SEND@bromfords.esssex.sch.uk or by handing it in for the attention of Mrs. Smith (SEND Administer). We will then complete the necessary education forms and submit them to the Single Point of Access. Should you require us to print a blank version for you, please request this via our email address.
Independent Travel Training – Essex County Council offer free Independent Travel Training. Your son / daughter does not require an EHCP or a formal diagnosis to access this support, but you will need to describe their disabilities / additional needs. Parents can make a direct referral to access this support using the link below.
Young Carers – If you son or daughter with SEND has a sibling or you yourself has an additional need they may meet the criteria of a Young Carer. The term 'young carer' applies to' a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person (of any age, except where that care is provided for payment)'. The purpose of an assessment is to enable young carers to maintain their health and well-being continue in their caring role and achieve their potential. This may include providing advice, guidance and support, information on appropriate respite activities or referring to other agencies or a local young carer's group or support project. You can make a referral to the Young Carer’s Service using Essex Youth Service’s website – see link below.
National Links:
Autism Central is a peer education programme, commissioned by NHS England. It aims to build knowledge and understanding of autism and empower families and carers to advocate for autistic people they support. Local support helps families to get the right understanding and adjustments in place across the services they use.
Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online platform where young people can access mental health support whenever they need it. Delivered in partnership with the NHS, Kooth is available to anyone between the ages of 11 – 18. Encourage your son / daughter to register today.
National Autistic Society – The Society and their website offer a wealth of information to support young people and their families both before and after an Autism diagnosis.
ADHD UK – A UK charity whose website aims to provide information and support regarding pre and post ADHD diagnosis.
Sibs – A UK charity representing the needs of siblings (child and adult) of disabled people. Their website provides information and access to a Sibling Advisor.
