Southend SEND Information Day Topic Talk Slides

June 22, 2026

Support for Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing


For those who were unable to attend our recent event, we are pleased to share the presentation slides from the day.


We were delighted to host a range of speakers who highlighted the support available to children, young people and families across Essex.


Representatives from NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) provided an overview of their Babies, Children and Young People portfolio and their commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people through their ROAR values – Ready, Organised, Ambitious and Relentless. Their work spans a wide range of areas including mental health, neurodiversity, SEND and physical health services.


The School Nursing Team and Mental Health Support Team (MHST) shared information about the support they provide to children and young people, including emotional wellbeing support, resources available within schools and colleges, and ways families can access advice and guidance.


The NHS Essex ICB delivered information about Mid and South Essex Children and Young People Counselling Service, delivered in partnership by Kids Inspire, Renew Counselling and Open Door. The service provides accessible emotional wellbeing and counselling support for children and young people experiencing challenges such as anxiety, low mood and the impact of trauma.


We also heard from SNAP, who outlined the wide range of support they offer to families of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, including information, guidance, counselling, helplines and face-to-face support.


We hope you find the information within these slides helpful in understanding the services and support available to children, young people and families across our area.


Support for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing slides


Reasonable Adjustments


This presentation was delivered by the Specialist Teaching Service and the SEND Therapies Team at Southend City Council and explored the importance of reasonable adjustments and inclusive practice within mainstream schools.


The session provided an overview of the legal duties placed on schools under the Equality Act 2010, highlighting that schools must anticipate and respond to the needs of disabled pupils, make reasonable adjustments and ensure children are not disadvantaged. It was emphasised that children do not need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to be protected under the Equality Act, and that a formal diagnosis is not always required.


The presentation also explored sensory needs, the school environment and what parent carers can reasonably expect from a mainstream setting. Practical examples of effective reasonable adjustments were shared, including support within the classroom, participation in school trips and access to sports and wider school activities.


Attendees were also signposted to the Specialist Teaching Service Padlet, which contains a wealth of information and resources for families, including support around transitions and other areas of SEND.

We hope you find the following slides informative and helpful in understanding the support and adjustments that can help children and young people thrive within their educational setting.


SEND padlet Reasonable Adjustments Slides


Social Care and Support for Carers


This section begins with a presentation from Southend City Council's Children with Disabilities (CWD) Team, who provided an overview of the support available to children and families accessing their service.

The session explained the referral process and outlined the range of support that may be available, including Family Help, carers assessments and information about local groups, activities and community opportunities for children and young people. The team also discussed transition planning for those who qualify for their service, highlighting the importance of starting conversations early and preparing young people for adulthood.


This was followed by a presentation from Carers First, an award-winning charity that has been supporting carers for more than 30 years. Established by carers, for carers, they shared information about the advice, guidance and practical support they provide to unpaid carers, both online and through face-to-face services.

The presentation also explored who may identify as a carer, recognising that many people do not always realise that they have caring responsibilities. Attendees were introduced to the range of support available to help carers look after their own wellbeing while continuing in their caring role.

We hope the following slides provide a useful overview of the support available to children, young people, families and carers across Southend.


Children with Disabilities Team slides Carers First Presentation slides

Your Family's Experience of Mental Health Support

June 8, 2026
Tell us about your Family's experience of Mental Health support Services in Southend-on-Sea.

Southend SEND Independent Forum Response to the SEND Reform Consultation

May 19, 2026
We know that many parent carers across Southend share the same frustrations when it comes to accessing the right support for children and young people with SEND. Southend SEND Independent Forum has submitted a detailed response to the Government’s SEND Reform Consultation, drawing directly on the lived experiences of local families.  Our submission has been shaped by the experiences, views, and feedback shared by parent carers across Southend. Through conversations with families, community engagement, online discussions, and direct feedback, we have highlighted the challenges many children and young people with SEND continue to face, alongside practical recommendations for improving support and outcomes. We would like to thank every parent carer who took the time to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. Your voices have been central in helping us reflect the realities facing families in Southend and strengthen this response. Our response highlights the areas that parent carers tell us matter most — including early identification and support, inclusive mainstream education, EHCPs, transitions, communication with families, and genuine co-production. It also sets out practical recommendations for creating a SEND system that is more consistent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of children, young people, and their families. While there are examples of good practice, families continue to face significant challenges in securing timely and appropriate support. We believe meaningful reform must focus on improving outcomes, reducing inequalities, and ensuring children and young people with SEND can access education and opportunities on an equal footing with their peers. You can read our full consultation response here:

Healthy Parent Carer Programme

May 5, 2026
Healthy Parent Carer Programme – Booking Now Open! We’re so pleased to share that SSIF has been accredited to deliver a brand-new 6-week programme dedicated entirely to your health and wellbeing. As parent carers, you spend so much time looking after everyone else. This programme is a chance to focus on you — to breathe, recharge, and connect with others who truly understand your journey. Starts Monday 8th June 2026 Only 14 spaces are available to keep the group supportive and personal. Over the 6 weeks, we’ll explore ways to: Make time for yourself Connect with other parent carers Learn simple self-care and stress-management strategies Prioritise your own wellbeing Find a little more calm and balance Our sessions are run for Parent Carers, by Parent Carers — a safe, understanding space where your wellbeing really matters. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, and there’s an onsite café at the Civic Centre. Parking can be limited, so please allow extra time if you're driving. To help you truly switch off and focus on yourself, babies and children can’t be accommodated during the course. Find out more: www.healthyparentcarers.org Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../healthy-parent-carers-6... - Or Scan the QR Code on the poster.

Southend-on-Sea takes home a National SEND Award 2026!

May 5, 2026
Southend-on-Sea takes home a National SEND Award 2026! We are incredibly proud to share that the Southend SEND Local Offer Team and Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) have jointly won the Council for Disabled Children 2026 award for Accessible and Inclusive Communications Strategy for SEND. This national recognition celebrates the power of partnership and a shared commitment to improving how families access information and support. At the heart of this achievement are Southend families. Everything we do is shaped by listening, learning, and working alongside parent carers to make sure information is not only available, but genuinely accessible and meaningful. From co-produced resources and varied communication formats, to opportunities for face-to-face conversations, our focus has always been on making it easier for families to find the right support at the right time. This award reflects the dedication, passion and collaboration of everyone involved — from families and practitioners to local partners who continue to champion inclusive communication across our community. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved when we work together with a shared purpose. We would also like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the award finalists. The stories, projects and innovations shared were truly inspiring and highlight the incredible work happening across the country to support children and young people with SEND and their families.  We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue strengthening the way we work alongside families, improving how information is shared and ensuring support is easier to access for everyone who needs it.