SEND: External Support for Parents and Carers
Working Together to Support Your Child
At Trinity School, we recognise that supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a shared responsibility between school, families and external professionals.
We understand that navigating SEND services, accessing specialist advice and finding appropriate support can sometimes feel overwhelming. We are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that every child receives the understanding, guidance and support they need to thrive both in school and beyond.
Alongside the support provided by our dedicated SEND Team, there are a number of external organisations and services available to families. These can provide independent SEND advice, mental health and emotional wellbeing support, parenting guidance, specialist consultations, training opportunities and practical family support.
Many of these services can be contacted directly by parents and carers without needing a referral from school.
Below, we have brought together a selection of useful organisations and resources, including guidance on how to access support independently.
Important – Keeping Our SEND Team Informed
If you access any of the external services or support listed on this page, we would strongly encourage you to inform our SEND Team by emailing senco@trinitysevenoaks.com.
We ask this so that we can:
- Maintain an accurate record of the external support and advice your child has received.
- Develop a fuller understanding of your child's individual needs.
- Keep track of any assessments, referrals, interventions or professional involvement.
- Consider recommendations and strategies suggested by external professionals.
- Use relevant professional feedback to inform your child's SEND provision and support in school.
- Improve communication and coordination between families, school and external agencies.
- Avoid unnecessary duplication of support and ensure that appropriate strategies are considered.
If your child has attended an assessment, received specialist advice or been offered additional support, we would welcome any relevant professional recommendations or reports you are happy to share.
You do not need permission from Trinity School to contact external organisations independently where self-referral is available. However, keeping us informed can help us ensure that the support your child receives is coordinated and effective.
We recognise that some information, particularly relating to mental health or family circumstances, may be sensitive. Families should only share information they are comfortable providing, and relevant information will be handled in accordance with the school's data protection and safeguarding arrangements.
Section 1 – Independent SEND Advice and Family Support
1. Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK)
Independent SEND Advice and Guidance
IASK provides free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support to children and young people up to the age of 25 with SEND, and their parents and carers.
The service can support families with:
- Understanding SEND legislation and parental rights.
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment.
- Understanding SEN Support in schools.
- Preparing for meetings and reviews.
- Understanding reports and professional recommendations.
- SEND disagreements, mediation and appeals.
- Educational transitions and planning for the future.
IASK is particularly useful for parents seeking independent advice about their child's educational needs, statutory processes or the support available through schools and local authorities.
How to access support
Parents and carers can contact IASK directly through its website or by telephone. A referral from Trinity School is not required.
Website: https://www.iask.org.uk/
Telephone: 03000 41 3000
2. We Are Beams
Support for Disabled Children, Young People and Their Families
We Are Beams is a Kent-based charity supporting disabled children, young people and their families.
The charity provides a range of services designed to improve family wellbeing and create opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.
Support may include:
- Family advice, information and practical guidance.
- Support for parents and carers.
- Short breaks and respite opportunities.
- Activities and opportunities for eligible children and young people.
- Support to develop confidence, independence and life skills.
- Information about disability-related services and family support.
How to access support
Parents and carers can contact We Are Beams directly to enquire about available services, eligibility and registration arrangements.
Some services have specific access criteria.
Website: https://wearebeams.org.uk/
Telephone: 01322 668501
3. Kent County Council – SEND Parent and Carer Training
Training, Workshops and Learning Opportunities
Kent County Council provides information about training opportunities, workshops and events designed for parents and carers of children with SEND.
These opportunities can help families:
- Develop a better understanding of their child's additional needs.
- Learn practical strategies to support learning and wellbeing.
- Understand different SEND conditions and associated difficulties.
- Build confidence when communicating with professionals.
- Understand available services and educational processes.
- Prepare for educational transitions.
- Connect with other parents and carers.
How to access support
Parents can explore the training opportunities available through the Kent County Council website and follow the registration or booking information for individual courses.
Website:
4. Sharing Parenting – Outside the Box (SEND)
Parenting Support for Families of Children with Additional Needs
Sharing Parenting offers a programme called Outside the Box, designed for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
The programme aims to support parents in understanding their children's individual needs and developing practical approaches to everyday challenges.
Topics may include:
- Understanding and responding to additional needs.
- Developing positive relationships.
- Exploring strategies to support behaviour and communication.
- Recognising and celebrating children's strengths.
- Building parental confidence.
- Sharing experiences with other parents and carers.
- Developing practical strategies to support family wellbeing.
How to access support
Parents and carers can visit the Sharing Parenting website to find information about the Outside the Box programme, upcoming courses and booking arrangements.
Website:
https://www.sharingparenting.com/for-parents/sharing-parenting-courses/outside-the-box/
5. Whole School SEND – Resources for Parents and Carers
SEND Information, Guidance and Educational Resources
Whole School SEND provides information and resources to support inclusive education and strengthen partnership working between families and schools.
Its Parents and Carers section includes guidance relating to:
- Understanding SEND support in schools.
- Building effective relationships with teachers and SEND professionals.
- Preparing for meetings about a child's additional needs.
- Understanding inclusive educational approaches.
- Supporting transitions between educational stages.
- Supporting children returning to school following absence.
- Developing confidence when discussing educational provision.
How to access support
Families can access the online information, guidance documents and resources directly through the Whole School SEND website.
Website:
https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk/parents-and-carers
Section 2 – Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Support
We recognise that children's emotional wellbeing and mental health are fundamental to their development, happiness and success in school.
Children and young people may experience difficulties with anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, self-esteem, friendships, social situations, school attendance or other aspects of their mental health.
There are a number of external services that families can access directly, including online wellbeing support, community-based therapeutic services and specialist NHS mental health services.
6. NHS – Mental Health Support for Children and Young People
Understanding How to Access Mental Health Support
The NHS provides information for parents, carers and young people about recognising mental health difficulties and accessing appropriate support.
Families may wish to seek advice where a child is experiencing:
- Anxiety, persistent worry or panic.
- Low mood or ongoing sadness.
- Emotional distress.
- Difficulties managing feelings or behaviour.
- Withdrawal from friendships or activities.
- Mental health difficulties affecting school attendance.
- Concerns about self-harm or emotional safety.
How to Access or Self-Refer for Mental Health Support
Step 1 – Identify Your Concerns
Consider the difficulties your child is experiencing, when they began and how they affect their everyday life.
Step 2 – Explore Available Services
Visit the NHS mental health support webpage to understand the types of support available for children and young people.
Step 3 – Check Local Referral Arrangements
Some mental health services allow parents, carers or young people to make a direct self-referral. Other services require a referral from a GP or another professional.
Step 4 – Make Contact
Where self-referral is accepted, complete the relevant online form or contact the service directly.
You may be asked to explain the concerns, their impact and what support your child has already received.
Step 5 – Follow the Advice Provided
The service will advise on the next steps, which may include an assessment, further information or signposting to another organisation.
Parents can also contact their GP to discuss concerns and seek advice about appropriate services.
NHS guidance:
7. Kooth / Soluna – Online Mental Health Support
Free, Confidential Online Support for Young People
Kooth provides digital mental health and emotional wellbeing support for young people.
In Kent and Medway, the updated digital service is known as Soluna by Kooth and supports young people aged 10 to 25.
The service offers:
- Online conversations with qualified mental health practitioners.
- Self-help resources and wellbeing activities.
- Support with anxiety, stress and low mood.
- Guidance relating to friendships, relationships and self-esteem.
- Opportunities to explore emotions and coping strategies.
- Moderated online peer support.
This can be particularly helpful for young people who may feel more comfortable expressing their emotions online.
How to Access Support
Young people can access Kooth / Soluna directly without requiring a referral from school or a GP.
- Visit the Kooth website.
- Follow the information for accessing the service in Kent.
- Register for the free online service.
- Explore the available resources or request a text-based conversation with a practitioner.
Website: https://www.kooth.com/
Please note that Kooth / Soluna is not an emergency mental health service.
8. Kent Therapeutic Alliance and Kent Therapeutic Support Service
Emotional Wellbeing and Therapeutic Support
Kent Therapeutic Alliance and Kent Therapeutic Support Service provide emotional wellbeing support for children and young people experiencing mental health and emotional difficulties.
Support may be available for difficulties including:
- Anxiety and low mood.
- Emotional regulation.
- Anger and managing difficult feelings.
- Low confidence and self-esteem.
- Friendship and relationship difficulties.
- Exam-related stress.
- Bullying.
- Emotional distress affecting daily life.
- Developing coping strategies and emotional resilience.
Depending on individual needs and the support available, services may include group-based interventions, individual support, online sessions or telephone contact.
How to Self-Refer
Parents, carers and young people can make a direct request for support through the KTATSS website.
Step 1: Visit the website.
Step 2: Find the information about making a referral or requesting support.
Step 3: Complete the referral form using the available online, telephone or paper-based options.
Step 4: Explain the emotional or mental health difficulties and the impact on everyday life.
Step 5: The service will review the referral and advise on the most appropriate support pathway.
A referral from Trinity School is not required where the service accepts self-referrals.
Website: https://ktatss.co.uk/
9. Kent and Medway NHS – Specialist Children's Mental Health Services
Specialist Mental Health Assessment and Support
Specialist NHS children's mental health services support children and young people whose mental health difficulties are significantly affecting everyday life.
This may include challenges with:
- Attending school.
- Maintaining friendships.
- Participating in everyday activities.
- Managing distressing thoughts or feelings.
- Emotional wellbeing and daily functioning.
- Coping with significant mental health concerns.
How to Request Specialist Mental Health Support
Parents, carers and young people can use the Kent and Medway NHS specialist mental health request pathway.
Step 1 – Visit the NHS Kent and Medway Website
Open the children and young people's mental health information page.
Step 2 – Find Specialist Mental Health Support
Scroll to the section titled Specialist mental health support.
Step 3 – Complete the Request Form
Follow the online form for children and young people who are not already receiving support from the specialist mental health service.
Step 4 – Explain the Concerns
Provide details about your child's mental health difficulties, how they affect everyday life and any support already received.
Step 5 – Await Review
A mental health professional will review the request and consider which service or support pathway is most appropriate.
If specialist NHS support is not the most suitable option, the service may recommend alternative support.
Kent and Medway NHS – Children and Young People:
https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/children-and-young-people
Section 3 – Educational Psychology and School Attendance Support
10. Kent Educational Psychology Service – Parent Consultation Line
Free Consultation with an Educational Psychologist
Kent Educational Psychology Service offers a Parent Consultation Line, providing parents and carers with an opportunity to discuss concerns relating to their child's learning, development and wellbeing.
The service offers a free 30-minute telephone or video consultation with an Educational Psychologist, subject to availability.
Parents and carers may wish to discuss:
- Social and emotional difficulties.
- Concerns about learning.
- Behavioural concerns.
- Family relationships.
- Daily routines, including sleep.
- Strategies to support wellbeing and learning.
The purpose of the consultation is to provide advice and guidance to help parents understand their child's needs and consider practical next steps.
How to Access the Consultation Line
Parents and carers can contact the service directly by email.
Email: kepscommunitysupport@kent.gov.uk
Please include:
- Your name.
- Your telephone number.
- A convenient time to call (morning or afternoon).
- Your child's educational phase, for example secondary school.
- A brief explanation of the concerns you would like to discuss.
The service aims to respond within 10 working days, subject to availability.
We encourage parents who use this service to share any relevant recommendations or strategies with Trinity's SEND Team so that these can be considered when reviewing support in school.
11. Kent Educational Psychology Service – Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA)
Supporting Children Experiencing School-Related Anxiety or Distress
Some children and young people experience significant emotional difficulties associated with attending school.
These difficulties are sometimes referred to as Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA).
A child experiencing EBSA may demonstrate:
- Anxiety or distress before attending school.
- Difficulties leaving home or entering the school environment.
- Physical symptoms associated with anxiety.
- Emotional difficulties relating to particular lessons or social situations.
- Concerns about friendships, bullying or relationships.
- Sensory or environmental difficulties.
- Reduced attendance linked to emotional wellbeing.
Kent Educational Psychology Service provides guidance and resources to help families and schools understand and respond to these difficulties.
Resources include:
- Guidance on understanding barriers to attendance.
- Parent webinars and information.
- Strategies for supporting children experiencing school-related anxiety.
- Guidance on listening to children's views and experiences.
- Approaches to rebuilding confidence and attendance.
- Resources to support positive working relationships between home and school.
How to Access Support
Parents can access the EBSA information and resources directly online.
Website:
If your child is experiencing emotional difficulties attending school, please also contact the Trinity SEND Team.
We recognise the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for attendance difficulties and working collaboratively to identify appropriate support.
12. Kent PRU and Attendance Service (KPAS)
Attendance, Inclusion and Reintegration Support
Kent PRU and Attendance Service works with schools and professionals to promote regular attendance and educational inclusion across Kent.
The service provides information and guidance relating to:
- School attendance.
- Persistent absence.
- Attendance intervention processes.
- Supporting educational inclusion.
- Pupil Referral Units and alternative provision.
- Exclusion and reintegration.
- Attendance responsibilities and procedures.
Attendance difficulties can arise for a variety of reasons, including emotional wellbeing, SEND, health concerns, social difficulties or circumstances affecting family life.
At Trinity, we aim to understand the reasons behind difficulties attending school and work collaboratively with families to explore appropriate strategies and support.
How Parents Can Access Attendance Support
Step 1: Contact Trinity School to explain the attendance difficulties.
Step 2: Share any relevant emotional, medical, social or SEND-related concerns.
Step 3: Work with the school to identify barriers and consider appropriate support.
Step 4: Where necessary, school may seek additional advice or involvement from Kent PRU and Attendance Service through the appropriate professional referral pathway.
Parents can independently access the published KPAS guidance and contact information.
Website:
https://www.kelsi.org.uk/kent-PRU-and-attendance-service-KPAS
Please note: The formal KPAS attendance intervention referral pathway is primarily used by schools and professionals. Families should normally contact school first regarding attendance concerns.
Section 4 – Early Help and Family Support
13. Kent County Council – Early Help and Preventative Services
Practical Support for Children, Young People and Families
Kent Early Help and Preventative Services provide support for children, young people and families experiencing difficulties that may benefit from additional advice or practical assistance.
Early Help aims to identify difficulties at an early stage and provide appropriate support before concerns become more significant.
Support may be relevant where families are experiencing:
- Difficulties managing children's behaviour.
- Emotional wellbeing concerns.
- Challenges within family relationships.
- Parenting difficulties.
- School attendance concerns.
- Financial pressures affecting family life.
- Bereavement or significant changes in family circumstances.
- Difficulties accessing community services.
- Multiple challenges affecting family wellbeing.
Early Help focuses on working collaboratively with families to understand concerns, identify strengths and develop practical solutions.
How Parents and Carers Can Request Early Help
Parents and carers can independently seek advice and support through Kent Family Hubs.
Step 1 – Identify the Support Required
Consider what challenges your family is experiencing and what additional help may be beneficial.
Step 2 – Contact Your Local Family Hub
Kent Family Hubs provide advice and support for families with children and young people, including those with SEND.
Step 3 – Request a District Conversation
A District Conversation allows families to discuss their needs and identify appropriate services and support.
Families can request a District Conversation through the relevant Family Hub referral helpline.
Sevenoaks Family Hub referral line: 03000 41 83 30
Step 4 – Discuss Your Family's Circumstances
A member of the Family Hub team can help identify the most appropriate type of support.
Step 5 – Agree the Next Steps
This may include advice, access to local services, family support or consideration of a more formal Early Help assessment.
Where more intensive Early Help intervention is required, this follows Kent County Council's established request-for-support process.
Further Information
Kent Early Help and Preventative Services:
Kent County Council – Early Help for Families:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/early-help-support-for-families
Kent Family Hubs:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/kent-family-hub
District Conversations:
https://www.kelsi.org.uk/support-for-children-and-young-people/district-conversations
Parents do not need to wait until difficulties become severe before seeking advice.
Early Help services aim to provide timely support and strengthen outcomes for children and families.
Sharing External Support and Professional Advice with Trinity School
We recognise the important role that parents, carers and external professionals play in understanding and meeting children's individual needs.
If your child accesses any of the services listed on this page, we would strongly encourage you to inform our SEND Team.
This includes situations where your child has:
- Received independent SEND advice.
- Been referred to a mental health service.
- Started counselling or therapeutic support.
- Attended an Educational Psychology consultation.
- Received professional recommendations or a specialist report.
- Accessed Early Help or family support.
- Received external advice regarding attendance.
- Participated in an intervention or programme outside school.
- Been placed on a waiting list for an external assessment or service.
What Information Should You Share?
When emailing the SEND Team, it would be helpful to include:
- Your child's name and year group.
- The name of the external organisation or service accessed.
- The type of support or advice received.
- Whether support is ongoing, completed or awaiting an appointment.
- Any relevant recommendations or strategies that may be helpful in school.
- Copies of relevant reports or professional advice, where you are happy to share them.
We understand that some services provide confidential support, particularly counselling and mental health services. You are not expected to share private details of therapy sessions. Any information shared should respect your child's privacy, wishes and applicable confidentiality requirements.
Why Is This Important?
Sharing relevant information enables Trinity's SEND Team to build a clearer understanding of your child's needs and the support they are receiving.
It allows us to consider whether recommendations from external professionals should inform:
- Classroom strategies and reasonable adjustments.
- SEND support planning and reviews.
- Pastoral and emotional wellbeing support.
- Communication between home and school.
- Targeted interventions.
- Support relating to attendance and engagement.
- Ongoing monitoring of a child's progress and wellbeing.
We want to avoid families receiving conflicting advice or support that is unnecessarily duplicated.
By working together and sharing relevant professional recommendations, we can provide a more joined-up approach to meeting your child's needs.
Please email: senco@trinitysevenoaks.com
Urgent Mental Health Support
The external organisations and services listed on this page do not all provide emergency assistance.
If you are concerned that a child or young person requires urgent mental health support, please seek appropriate professional assistance.
NHS 111
Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health advice.
Emergency Services
Call 999 if a child or young person is in immediate danger or there is an immediate risk to life.
Childline
Telephone: 0800 1111
Free, confidential support for children and young people under the age of 19.
Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123
Free emotional support, available 24 hours a day.
Please do not rely on the school email inbox for an immediate response to a mental health emergency.
Our Commitment to Families
At Trinity School, we believe that strong communication, mutual understanding and effective partnership working are essential to supporting children and young people with SEND.
We recognise that every child is unique and that their needs may change over time.
Our aim is to work alongside parents, carers and external professionals to ensure that the support provided is informed, appropriate and responsive to each child's individual circumstances.
We encourage families to explore the resources on this page and access the services that may benefit their child.
If you do access external support, please keep our SEND Team informed so that we can work together, consider relevant professional advice and continue to provide the most appropriate support for your child in school.
Contact the Trinity School SEND Team
For further information, guidance or to discuss your child's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, please contact:
Trinity School SEND Team
Email: senco@trinitysevenoaks.com
Working together to ensure every child is understood, supported and able to achieve their potential."
