Family resources
Welcome parents, carers and families – navigating the SEND world together
This space has been created especially for families who are navigating through the world of SEND. Whether you’re just beginning to explore support for your child, or you’re already walking this path, you matter, and you’re always welcome here.
Our aim
Our aim is simple: to bring together the very best resources, insights and guidance in one accessible place.
Originally built to support schools and early years settings, this project has grown into something bigger - and we knew we needed a dedicated space for families too.
What's included
In this section you will find:
- a brand new Padlet full of support links, recommended books, helpful tools and fascinating research
- clear explanations of how SEND support works in settings and schools
- guidance and practical resources to help you feel confident and informed
- a space designed to help you connect, learn, explore and feel supported
What to do if you are worried about your child’s learning
If you have concerns about your child’s learning or development, you are not alone - and support is available.
This practical guide is designed for parents and carers of children and young people from early years through to college. It explains what to do if you’re worried, who to talk to, and how schools and settings should respond.
The booklet clearly outlines what special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) mean, the graduated response of support, and how children can be supported without needing a formal diagnosis.
It also highlights the importance of partnership working, helping parents, carers, children and professionals work together to identify strengths, address needs, and ensure the right support is in place at the right time.
This resource empowers families with clear information, reassurance, and practical next steps helping every child to achieve well and feel supported in their learning journey.
Handouts for parents
You can find further resources from University Hospital Dorset and Child Development Centre. The strategies in their handouts are designed for parents or carers to help their child.
Parents are encouraged to choose strategies which are most appropriate for their child and may need to explore a range of other approaches.
Our Guides
Our guides have been pulled together with input from The Educational Psychology Service with reference to evidence-based research.
Please feel free to use, share and collaborate. Although this section is designed with families in mind, you’re welcome to explore the whole website which includes a range of videos, resources and support - there’s so much here that we hope will empower and inspire you.
Padlet resources
Visit our new Padlets, where we have collated a range of helpful resources.
SENDiass4BCP
Providing free, impartial, and confidential information, advice and support for children and young people (up to the age of 25) with SEND, and their parents/carers, living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Parent Carers Together
Parent Carers Together is a group of parents and carers of disabled children who are working together to make sure the services in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole meet the needs of children with SEND and their families.
They do this by gathering the views of local families and then working in partnership with local authorities, education settings, health providers and other providers to highlight where local services, processes and commissioners are working well or challenge when changes or improvements need to be made.
The forum welcomes more parents and carers to join them and get involved.