Bath and North East Somerset Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership (BCSSP) have lots of safeguarding resources for professionals working with children, have a look under the I am a Professional section.
- Educational Psychology Service (EPS) information
- Early Years SENCo information*
- School SENCo information*
- Guidance on Section 23 - Identifying children and young people with SEND
*Please note the above two sections are password protected, you will need to register to gain access.
For details of all the Short Breaks offered to children/young people in B&NES who are disabled or have a SEND see our dedicated Short Breaks page.
BAPP Holiday Playschemes are inclusive holiday opportunities for young people with SEND and their families.
Have a look at the Children’s Workforce Training on the Learning Zone and The Hub for details of training for professionals working with children and young people in B&NES.
ath Area Play Project (for Short Break information)
enquiries@bathareaplayproject.co.uk
01225 832497
Single Point of Access for Children's Services
To refer to any children's services provided by B&NES Community Health Services, you should follow the following route:
- Telephone: 0300 247 0055
- Email: hcrg.bathnesspa@nhs.net
HCRG Children's Learning Disability Services
0300 247 0055
Community Learning Disabilities Nursing Service
01225 831 721
Disabled Children’s Team
Raj_Atwal@bathnes.gov.uk or Kristy_Tyack@bathnes.gov.uk
01225 396989
Early Years Area SENCo Team
area_sencos@bathnes.gov.uk
01225 396912
SEN Team
Contact the SEND Service
01225 394306
Sendias Bathnes
sendias@bathnes.gov.uk
01225 394382
Specialist Autism Support Service
SASS@fossewayschool.com
01761 412198
Disability Access Funding (DAF)
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is for early years providers to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The DAF aids access to early years places by, for example, supporting providers in making reasonable adjustments to their settings, purchasing specialist equipment and/or seeking specialised training that would support providers to meet the child’s needs. 3 and 4 year olds will be eligible for the DAF if they meet the following criteria:
- the child is in receipt of child disability living allowance (DLA) and;
- the child receives their three year early years entitlement.
For more information regarding the funding and how to request payment can be found on the DAF page.
Early Years Childcare Funding
Find out more about funded childcare early years entitlement on our Childcare Costs pages.
Benefits and Funding
Support parent carers by signposting to information about benefits and funding they may be able to access.
You can find details of Ofsted registered childcare providers (Nursery, Childminder, Breakfast, Afterschool and Holiday Clubs) in Bath and North East Somerset on the Children and Families section of the website.
Bright Start Children's Centre Portage
Bright Start Children's Centre Portage is a 10-12 week home-based educational programme supporting parents with children (0 – 5 years) with Special educational Needs and or Disabilities (SEND) to further develop their play, communication, relationships, and learning.
We offer one to one support in a parent/carers home with one of our Portage-trained Outreach Workers.
This includes:
- Developing suitable play activities that they can continue to use with their child in the home;
- Setting small, achievable targets for their child specific to their individual needs;
- Working alongside an assessment tool to monitor the child’s progress and achievements;
- Signposting parent/carers to other services available.
The child’s learning and development is captured through a ‘Learning through Play’ Diary and ACE (Accounting for Lifelong Learning) Toolkit, which focuses on each child's strengths.
Working with other professionals to ensure a joined up approach for parent/carers and their child.
To find out more about Portage Home Learning visit or contact your local Bright Start Children's Centre:
Radstock Hub
Hope House Centre, 10 Waterloo Road, Radstock BA3 3EP
Telephone: 01225 396660
Keynsham Hub
65 West View Road, Keynsham BS31 2UE
Telephone: 01225 395400
Email: brightstartcc@bathnes.gov.uk
www.facebook.com/BrightStartChildrensCentres/
Alternatively visit our website; www.bathnes.gov.uk/childrens-centres to download a 'Request for Support' form.
SEND Education Strategy 2020-2023
Please see below our B&NES SEND Education Strategy 2020-2023, outlining our priorities for SEND in the local area over the next three years.
Local First Framework
West of England Local First Framework
B&NES Local First 2023/24 - Parent Carer guide
Downloadable versions: