Age 4 to 10

Education

All schools in Lancashire will include learning opportunities aimed at raising aspirations, future careers and the world of work for all children.

Children at the beginning of this stage are learning and doing:

  • numeracy
  • real world visits (libraries, museums, fire stations, farms )
  • ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’
  • meeting role models

Schools and education settings will become involved to help with any additional needs of a child. The school may offer SEN Support if your child has additional needs.

Your school will assess if an education, health and care (EHC) plan should be applied for. As a parent or guardian you can also request this for your child. These plans are for if help is needed for a child that isn't normally available in school.

From around the age of 7, children will be encouraged to talk about different careers and education options.

You and your child should begin to look at secondary schools in the local area from around Year 4.

You can find out more about support at school, specialist educational support and choosing a school for your child with SEND in the primary and secondary education section.

Friendships and leisure opportunities

From the age of 4, children will have opportunities to:

  • take part in team activities
  • go to after school clubs
  • do weekend activities
  • make friends and have a friendship group

If your child has SEND, they may be eligible to apply for Break Time activities. These are activities designed for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities whilst giving their parent carer a break. Your child may also be eligible for the holiday, activities and food (HAF) programme.

There are lots of groups available at your local Family Hub, some of which are created for children with SEND, such as Colourful Footsteps. The groups will offer you advice and guidance plus the chance for you and your child to make new friends.

See what's on across all services at Lancashire County Council for events at libraries and Family Hubs.

If you use Facebook, follow "Lancashire Local Offer" on Facebook. There is lots of information about groups, events, activities and support for families of children with SEND.

Family support

Early help is offered if a child's needs can be met without the involvement of a social worker. This could be through the Children and Family Wellbeing Service, school, or another organisation.

Call 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722 for more information.

If your child has an education, health and care needs assessment, their social care needs will be considered. You may wish to ask for a social care assessment of your child's need at this time.

A social worker will complete an assessment which involves collecting information about your child and family. Following an assessment, the social worker will, with your help, agree a plan of action. This could be:

  • providing some advice
  • recommending other services
  • agreeing a plan of support

Health

Your child may benefit from support from health services such as Child Action Northwest, or the school nurse service. You can also search the SEND Directory for health services and signposting such as speech and language support, child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS), and children's hearing services. Depending on your child's needs, key health professionals working with your child may include a paediatrician, CAMHS worker or a specialist nurse.

Health practitioners will make reasonable adjustments for children and young people with SEND attending health appointments. This can include:

  • using pictures, large print or simpler words to say what's happening
  • putting an appointment at the beginning or the end of the day if you find it hard to wait in a busy waiting room
  • booking longer appointments or having a carer with you.

Children from around age 4-10:

  • can manage minor health needs such as asthma
  • can have an obesity check
  • can tell you about any pain or health problems
  • should have regular dental check ups.

Between the ages of 14 and 16, health practitioners will begin to ensure that you and your child and are aware of any services which may transfer to ‘adult based care’. They will also start transition planning. You can read more about this in the health section.