At Severnbanks Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child—regardless of ability—feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. We understand that navigating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be a journey, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Our SEND provision is designed to be inclusive, responsive, and child-centred. We work closely with families to identify needs early, provide tailored support, and celebrate every achievement—big or small. Whether your child needs help with learning, communication, behaviour, or emotional wellbeing, we aim to create a nurturing environment where they can flourish.

We also collaborate with a range of trusted external agencies to ensure our pupils receive the most appropriate and specialist support. These include:

• Speech and Language Therapy Services

• Educational Psychology Service

• Occupational Therapy

• Gloucestershire Advisory Teaching Service (ATS)

• School Nursing Team

• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

• Early Help and Social Care Teams

• Play Therapists

• External professionals such as paediatricians and specialist outreach teams

Together, these partnerships help us tailor interventions, access expert advice, and ensure your child’s needs are met holistically.

We encourage open communication and welcome you to reach out to our SENDCo or class teachers if you have any questions, concerns, or would simply like to talk through your child’s progress. You are not alone—and we’re here to support you.

 

Useful Parent Contacts

Families may also access support from a range of external agencies, including local charities, family support services, mental health organisations, and specialist SEND networks that offer guidance, resources, and practical help tailored to individual needs.

IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice)

A national charity providing free legal based advice to families/carers who have children with special educational needs. All advice is given by trained volunteers.

Phone: 0800 0184016

 

SENDIASS Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire’s parent/carer support group provides free, confidential, impartial advice and helps parents play an active and informed role in their child’s education.

Web: http://sendiassglos.org.uk/

Phone (free from a landline): 0800 158 3603

Phone (from a mobile): 01452 389345

 

Glosfamilies Directory

This online directory can help families/carers to find a lot more information about the wide range services they may need. From parenting and special needs advice to health and money worries.

Web: http://www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/gloucs/glosfamilies/home.page

Alternatively you can call the Family Information Service: 0800 542 0202

 

I Can

This charity can give you lots of advice and information about helping your child with their speech and language. It even has an assessment that you can do at home for your child’s speech.

Web: http://www.ican.org.uk

 

The National Autistic Society

This charity gives you lots of information and advice about the Autistic Spectrum.

Web: http://www.autism.org.uk

If your child has a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, please speak to the SENDCo for parent support groups and support. There are special parent training courses that can give you advice and strategies to help deal with Autistic Children.

Early Bird - for parents of children who are under 5 when they are diagnosed

Early Bird Plus - for parents of children who are between 4 to 8 when they are diagnosed

There are also opportunities for parents to attend Total Communication training which covers all areas  of communication including Makaton (as used by Mr Tumble on Cbeebies) and visual symbols.

Total Communication

Training for parents - makaton http://www.totalcommunication.org.uk/gtc-course-one-training/

Understood – for learning and attention issues www.understood.org

Unique - for families who are affected by a rare chromosome or gene disorder https://rarechromo.org/families/

Funding Grant Support for Families of Disabled Children - 

Through the Support for Families with Disabled Children programme you can apply for items that will help meet your child’s additional support needs and make family life easier.

For example, you could request a kitchen appliance like a fridge, cooker, or washing machine, clothing or bedding for your child, sensory or play equipment, technology items such as tablets and laptops, or even a much-needed family break.

Eligibility

You can apply for an SFDC grant every 24 months. To be eligible, you must also be:

• The main carer for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or younger 
• Resident in England
• In receipt of benefits, or on a low income from working

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/families-in-partnership-newsletters/families-in-partnership-newsletter-december-2023/funding-grant-support-for-families-of-disabled-children/