- For residents
- Schools, learning and early years
- Adult courses and learning
- Subsites
- SEND Local Offer
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Support for children with complex medical needs
Support for children under 18 who need a tailored package of care because of disability, accident or illness.
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Health services for children and young people with SEND
The different health services for children with SEND and how to access them.
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Hospital passports
What is a hospital passport and how to get one for your child.
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Learning disability nurses
What are learning disability nurses and how to get more information about the service.
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Bristol Hospital Education Service
Education services for children who aren't in mainstream education because of health needs.
Information for parents and carers to help young adults with SEND take their first steps into work when they leave school.
Who can help your child look for work
Careers advice
If your child isn't sure what type of work they'd like and they're aged 13 to 19, their school, college or other education provider must offer them face-to-face careers guidance. If your child hasn't had any careers advice you can contact their education provider and ask to speak to the careers adviser.
Contact the post-16 participation team
Either you or your child can email post16participation@bristol.gov.uk for support with options after 16 years old. They can help with signposting to opportunities and support.
The National Careers Service
Provides confidential and impartial advice to help young people make decisions about work. Find out how to contact the National Careers Service Go to https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ (opens new window) if your child is over 19.
Speak to a Disability employment adviser
Contact JobCentre plus Go to http://los.direct.gov.uk/default.aspx (opens new window) and ask to speak to a disability employment adviser. They can advise your child on job seeking, training and new skills, and government schemes.
Local organisations
There are organisations in Bristol who can support your child to find work.
PLUSS Go to https://www.pluss.org.uk/locations/bristol-employment-services (opens new window)
Supports people over 16 years old with disabilities and other disadvantages to move towards and into employment.
One Front Door Go to https://onefrontdoor.org.uk/ (opens new window)
This is an information service to show work opportunities for anybody looking for employment.
Look for disability friendly employers
Employers committing to the Disability Confident scheme promise to:
- actively look to attract and recruit disabled people
- provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process
- offer an interview to all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role they've applied for
GOV.UK has more information about the this scheme.
There are also national organisations who can help.
Specialist Employability Support Go to https://www.gov.uk/specialist-employability-support (opens new window)
Provides mentoring and training to help you into work if you're disabled and can't use other employment programmes. You can apply if you can't get the specialist help you need from other government programmes or, such as Access to Work and Work Choice.
Remploy Go to http://www.remploy.co.uk/ (opens new window)
Leading provider of specialist employment services for disabled people.
Mencap Go to https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/services-you-can-count/employment-services (opens new window) has produced four easy-read guides Go to https://www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved/learning-disability-week/finding-work-easy-read-guides?q=finding-work-easy-read-guides (opens new window) for job seekers with learning disabilities. The guides cover:
- finding a job or work experience
- application forms and CVs
- going to a job interview
- starting work
Scope Go to http://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/work/jobseekers (opens new window) has employment tips and information about the law that protects disabled job seekers.
Support to Work is an online and telephone support programme for disabled people in England and Wales who are applying for jobs.
Phone: 0300 222 5742
Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm.
Useful information on CVs and applying for jobs
Disablity Rights UK Go to http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/careers-and-work-disabled-people (opens new window) has information about applications and interviews.
National Autistic Society Go to http://www.autism.org.uk/about/adult-life/work.aspx (opens new window) runs employment support services for adults.
Life skills and internships
Whizz Kidz Go to http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-help/young-people/work-placements (opens new window) offer a range of work placements and internships for young people who use wheelchairs aged 14 to 25.
Read our Guide to supported internships, apprenticeships and traineeships.
You can also find advice on getting a job on Bristol City Council's website in the jobs and training section and see the council's apprenticeships website.
Employment rights
If your child is disabled, employers have a duty to change their procedures and remove the barriers they face because of their disability. This means your child can work and apply for jobs in the same way as somebody who's not disabled.
The Equality Act 2010 Go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance (opens new window) calls this the duty to make reasonable adjustments. Find out more about what the Equality Act says employers must do under this duty on the Citizens Advice website Go to https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/discrimination-at-work/what-are-the-different-types-of-discrimination/duty-to-make-reasonable-adjustments-at-work-what-must-employers-do/ (opens new window).
Read GOV.UK's guidance about employing disabled people and people with health conditions Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employing-disabled-people-and-people-with-health-conditions/employing-disabled-people-and-people-with-health-conditions (opens new window).
This guide provides information about options for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to help them move into paid employment.
The law says that all young people must be in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. This might be:
- full time education in a study programme for young people over 16 (including a supported internship)
- volunteering or a paid job, with part-time study
- a traineeship
Supported internships are for young people with SEND, aged 16 to 24 who have an EHCP and would like to move into employment.
They are types of study programme that help young people with SEND to learn the skills they need to get a job. What makes it different is that young people do most of their learning at work on the job supported by an expert job coach.
What a supported internship involves
Supported internships are structured, work-based programmes that will last at least six months. Internships are personalised to the needs of the young person. They don't need any qualifications to do one, but commitment to find paid employment is very important.
Young people won't get paid, but should be supported to find a paid job at the end and will benefit from the skills they gain. Your child may also study for qualifications that will help them move into work, as well as English or maths if they don't have a grade C or four at GCSE.
Visit the Preparing for Adulthood website for more information about supported internships Go to https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/downloads/supported-internships (opens new window)
Where you can do a supported internship in Bristol
Your child can do a supported internship in Bristol with:
- Project Search at City of Bristol College Go to http://www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/courses/supported-internship/project-search/ (opens new window)
- Into Catering at City of Bristol College Go to http://www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/courses/supported-internship/into-catering/ (opens new window)
- Bristol Supported Internship programme (the above 3 are City of Bristol College) Go to http://www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/courses/supported-internship/bristol-supported-internship-programme-b-sip/ (opens new window)
- Mencap Go to https://www.mencap.org.uk/interns-and-outcomes (opens new window)
Who can help your child choose the most suitable internship
Your school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) will be able to talk to you and your child to see what kind of supported internship might be right for them.
A traineeship:
- is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship
- can last up to six months
- offers young people support to improve their Maths and English alongside training
You don't need an EHC plan to do a traineeship.
If your child has an EHC plan:
- it stays with them while they're doing a traineeship
- the provider of the traineeship will be named in the plan and they must meet the needs specified in your child's plan
Young people can apply if they:
- are aged between 16 and 24
- are qualified below Level three Go to https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels (opens new window) (below A level)
- have limited work experience
Where you can find out more about traineeships
Search for a traineeship Go to https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship (opens new window) near you on the GOV.UK website, which also has information to help your child decide if they might be suitable Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traineeships-are-they-for-me (opens new window).
You can also contact your local college or training provider to see if they're offering traineeship opportunities.
Apprenticeships:
- generally combine training in a job with study
- are available at different levels, from level two to seven
- can take between one and five years to complete, depending on the level
Apprentices work alongside experienced staff and earn a wage.
EHC plans
If your child has an EHC plan, they can keep it while on an apprenticeship. The provider of the apprenticeship will be named in your child's plan and this will be reviewed annually.
In some cases, the provider can apply to the Education Skills and Funding Agency directly for funding, such as if they can't pay for your child's additional needs through core funding.
How to apply
Your child can apply for an apprenticeship while they're still at school or when they're in college. To start one, they'll need to be:
- 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
- living in England
- not in full time education
Apprenticeships are advertised:
- on the government's apprenticeship website Go to https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship (opens new window)
- on our apprenticeships site
- for Reflections training academy Go to https://www.reflectionstraining.co.uk/hairdressing-apprenticeship-bristol-birmingham/ (opens new window) (hairdressing and barbering)
Disability Rights UK has written a guide on apprenticeships for disabled people.
More information
About apprenticeships on our Apprenticeships site
The GOV.UK website Go to https://www.gov.uk/education/apprenticeships-traineeships-and-internships (opens new window) has more information on apprenticeships.
Volunteering means giving your time and skills to help others without being paid. It could help your child gain experience so they're able to get a job.
Scope has information on the benefits of volunteering Go to https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/volunteering-develop-your-skills/ (opens new window).
How to find volunteering opportunities
Your child can find work experience or volunteering placements by contacting the organisation or workplace they'd like to volunteer with.
Whizz Kidz can help you find work placements and work skills days Go to http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-help/young-people/work-placements (opens new window) if your child uses a wheelchair.
What support your child can get on a volunteering placement
If your child is disabled, their rights are protected under the Equalities Act 2010. This means an organisation should not discriminate against them based on their disability and should consider how they can make reasonable adjustments to accommodate them in a volunteer placement.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission has information on how organisations should treat volunteers Go to https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/how-your-organisation-should-treat-volunteers (opens new window).
- Government Guidance - Equality Act 2010: What do I need to know? A summary guide for voluntary and community sector service providers Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/85028/vcs-service-providers.pdf (opens new window)
Young people with a disability or health condition who are on or about to start a work experience placement in a support internship or traineeship can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions' Access to Work Go to https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work (opens new window) fund for:
- funding travel to and from their work placement
- the costs of job coaches
- specialist equipment for days that a young person is at the employer's workplace
The Preparing for adulthood website Go to https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/downloads/supported-internships/access-to-work-fund.htm (opens new window) has more information about the Access to work grant.
Bursaries of up to £1200 are also available for students in further education, training or unpaid apprenticeships. The GOV.UK website Go to https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund (opens new window) has information on what's available, eligibility and how to apply.
Personal independence payment (PIP) Go to https://www.gov.uk/pip (opens new window) is for people who need help taking part in everyday life or who find it difficult to get around.
When to start planning, what to consider when searching for housing, financial help and advice on living independently.
Start planning early
Between 16 and 18 your child will start to move from child health and social care services to adult services, including housing.
Planning should start at the Preparation for adulthood review, which happens in Year 9 of school (13 to 14 years old).
Things to think about
Some young adults want to stay at home with their parents or carers, others prefer to get a place to live on their own or with their friends.
You should think about what the young person wants such as:
- living on their own or with someone
- renting, buying or living in a supported housing environment
- living somewhere quiet or in a busy town centre
What is suitable for your child will depend largely on how complex their needs are.
You'll also need to think about:
- housing costs
- managing a budget
Types of housing
Mencap's housing FAQ web page gives an overview of housing options, and details the advantages and disadvantages.
Renting
Private renting is an option for young people with mild disabilities. You can search for properties on local letting agencies or online property websites.
You can apply for a council or housing association property, but you're likely to join a long waiting list and you're not guaranteed to get a property.
Buying a home or shared ownership
Shared ownership offers you the chance to buy a share of your home (between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share at a reduced rate.
The guide to shared ownership for disabled people on the MySafeHome website has information about this option.
You can get advice on how to get a mortgage and your legal rights from Money Advice Service. Scope has answers to questions about mortgages for disabled people.
Residential care
A residential care home means your child will have their own room in a building shared with other people. They'll have constant care and meals are included.
All residential care homes are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
You can use the Carehome website to search for residential care homes in the Bristol area.
Supported housing
Supported housing is usually shared and has support teams to help residents live independently. There are three types of supported housing:
- living alone
- shared accommodation
- cluster flats or housing networks (several flats in one building with a support worker in one flat)
Apply for supported housing through our Supporting People programme.
Buckley Court: supported living for deaf people
Buckley Court is a purpose-built supported housing property for deaf or deaf-blind adults. It has eight one-bedroom flats and two of these flats on the ground floor have disabled access.
Bristol Shared Lives
Shared Lives is where an approved carer shares their home and family life to give care, support and housing. Carers can fill in the Bristol Shared Lives online form to register their interest in providing this service.
Disabled adaptations to your home
Once you and your child have reached a decision you can start thinking about making adaptations and ways to pay for them.
Your council tax bill may be reduced if you live in a property where changes have been made to help a resident child or adult who has a disability.
If you're a tenant you'll need permission from the landlord before any work takes place. However, the Equality Act 2010 requires landlords or managers of a property to make reasonable adjustments or provide extra services.
The Citizens Advice website explains what this duty to make reasonable adjustments to housing is.
If you're a council tenant, you can get help to use or move around your council home.
Financial help
Our pdf Financial Assistance Schedule (567 KB) details the grant products currently available and a Disabled Facilities Grant may be available to you. All the details about how much you can get and eligibility are on the GOV.UK website.
A Disabled Facilities Grant won't affect your other benefits.
If the Disabled Facilities Grant or other benefits you get doesn't cover the full cost, you may be able to get a low interest rate loan to meet the difference from our partner Wessex Home Improvement Loans.
You can also contact WE Care and Repair, a not-for-profit organisation that can help arrange any repair and make affordable adaptation to your home.
GOV.UK has an alphabetical list of all carers and disability benefits. You should check what other forms of support are available, such as:
- Housing benefit
- Personal Independence Payment
- Universal credit
Advice on living independently
There are resources available. You can:
- share tips and advice with other parents of disabled children on the Whizz-Kids and Mumsnet forum.
- join Mencap's FamilyHub online forum and ask questions to experts
- get information and training on independent living from the Disabled Living Foundation or FitzRoy
- Shelter details a person's rights when they live in supported housing
What the Annual Health Check is and what happens if your child moves to adult health services, what support and sources of information are available to you and your child.
Many local health services are for people of all ages and different conditions. Your child might not need to move between services.
However, it's possible that your child will be moving to adult health services if they get specialist services related to their disability.
Annual health check for children with SEND
From the age of 14 your GP will invite your child to a free annual health check if they've been assessed as having either:
- moderate, severe or profound learning disabilities
- or a mild learning disability with complex health needs
Your child doesn't have to have the health check, but it can help find problems that could go undetected if they don't. If your child hasn't been invited for one, and you think they should have, speak to your doctor.
You can learn more about Annual Health Checks on the NHS Choices website Go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/annual-health-checks/ (opens new window).
The Annual Health Check is also an opportunity to review any changes that will take place in the health care your child get when your turn 18 years old.
When and how to plan the transition to adult health services
If your child has health services that are specifically for children, they'll normally transfer to adult services at 18 years old.
Planning for your child transferring to these services usually starts when your child is around 14 years old, or in Year 9 at school.
Transition from child health services to adult health services means the professionals and services that support your child will change when they turn 18.
Your child will have lots of written information about their health needs and teams will use this information to prepare your child's move to adult health services.
Moving to adult health services also means that:
- your child can make their own appointments
- you or your child may have to pay for prescriptions
- your GP can ask questions directly to your child without you around
Preparing for adulthood Go to https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/downloads/good-health (opens new window) has details on the support your child can get to manage their own health, including information on:
- moving from child to adult mental health services
- young people's rights when using the NHS
- how the healthcare system works
Move to Adult Mental Health services
If your child receives support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), this will end when they reach 18 years old. Your CAMHS worker will look at transferring care to Adult Mental Health services if they think your child needs ongoing support.
The age at which the process of moving to adult services starts can differ but your child should be told at least six months in advance. The Young Minds Go to https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/ (opens new window) website has guidance on how people move from CAMHS to adult services.
Specialist health services from age 18
The Community Learning Disabilities Team (CLDT) Go to http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/nhsservices/services/learning-difficulties/ (opens new window) provides specialist health services directly to people with learning disabilities from age 18 and can start helping during the transition period when your child reaches 17. They must be registered with a Bristol GP to access these services.
There are three CLDT teams in Bristol you can contact depending on where you live.
Relationships and sexual health
You can find information about puberty, sex and relationships for people with a learning disability:
- Unity Sexual Health Go to https://www.unitysexualhealth.co.uk/accessing-service-learning-difficulties/ (opens new window) website has a section providing advice about topics such as relationships, contraception and finding a doctor or nurse in Bristol to talk about sexual health
- the Family Planning Association Go to https://www.fpa.org.uk/our-views/ (opens new window) has a training programme to support adults and young people with learning disabilities to understand sexual health issues
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Luv2meetU is a friendship and dating agency for people with a learning disability or autism aged 18 and over. It supports people to make friends, share interests and develop relationships.
Safeguarding
Disabled people can be vulnerable and find it harder to protect themselves, get help or remove themselves from an abusive situation.
Anyone can raise a concern and report suspected abuse.
Healthy living
The Well Aware website has information on services in Bristol about health and wellbeing.
NHS Choices Go to https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/ (opens new window) has advice, tips and tools on eating well, healthy weight and exercise
Substance misuse
The Bristol Youth Links team Go to https://www.bdp.org.uk/youth-group/ (opens new window) can provide support if your child has problems with drugs or alcohol or help young disabled people whose parents or carers have a problem with substance abuse. Their services are available until the young person is 25 years old.
You can also contact the Young People's Substance Misuse Treatment Service Go to http://cchp.nhs.uk/cchp/explore-cchp/young-peoples-substance-misuse (opens new window) if your child has complex mental health needs until they are 18 years old.
Page 8 of 15
- Schools, learning and early years
- School admissions
- School closures
- Find a school
- School term and holiday dates
- Early years and childcare
- Special educational needs and disability
- Education outside mainstream schools
- Free school meals and school travel support
- Adult courses and learning
- Information for young people in Bristol
- Children in care or previously looked after children
- Governing schools and academies
- What the council spends on schools
- Complain about a school