An additional need doesn't need to be a diagnosed health condition, or medical need, although it can of course include those.
An additional need could include:
- Difficulty communicating and interacting with others. This can include speech and language difficulties and finding it hard to engage in social situations;
- Cognition and learning, perhaps not meeting key milestones;
- Social, emotional and health difficulties;
- Sensory or physical needs.
If you feel your child is struggling in any of the above areas, you should discuss this with a health visitor, childcare practitioner, your GP or any other professional you are working with. They will be able to support you with resources and guidance about things you can do with your child to understand more about their needs, and they will be able to refer you onto the next stage of support if necessary.
For example, a childcare practitioner will be able to support with games that can support speech and language development, and they may be able to initiate social situations within your child's early years setting to observe how your child manages them. They will be able to recommend resources to complement any areas of support your child needs. This helps to gather a deeper understanding of your child's ongoing needs, and to establish whether there is a need for a more structured support package to be put into place.
The earlier you mention any concerns to a professional supporting you and your child, the sooner support will be able to be implemented to support your child's progress.
Information, advice and support
All local authorities must, by law, provide an information, advice and support service to support families who want to know more about SEND. This is an impartial, confidential and free service for parents, children and young people, which provides advice about all aspects of SEND support. In Bath and North East Somerset this is the SENDIAS BathNES.
There are also a number of local SEND support groups, caring and mentoring groups, online groups, training sessions and events to support children and young people with SEND and their families, have a look at our services and organisations section, and the below information:
Short Breaks
Short Breaks can offer practical support to families of children and young people with SEND. To find out more please visit our Short Break pages.