Caring for a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can come with extra challenges - and sometimes families need some extra support along the way.

In Croydon, you don’t have to wait for a crisis to get help. The Early Help and Children’s Social Care teams work together to support children, young people and families when life gets difficult, or when extra care is needed to keep everyone safe, happy and well.

Early Help is support for families who may be struggling but don’t need social care involvement. It’s there to help before problems become more serious.

This support could be for:

• Managing your child’s behaviour at home or in school.
• Help with routines, housing, or money worries.
• Support with parenting or family relationships.
• Finding services for your child with SEND.
• Help during stressful times like a family illness, bereavement or separation.

A team of professionals will work with you to create an Early Help Plan, based on your family’s needs.

They will work alongside you to find the right support.

Children’s Social Care helps families when children have more complex needs or may be at risk.

If your child has a disability or additional needs, SEND Social Care can:

• Help with a Child and Family Assessment.
• Provide practical support at home.
• Offer short breaks (respite care) to give you and your child a break.
• Help with personal care, equipment, or specialist services.
• Provide a social worker for your child if needed.
• Link you to services for siblings or young carers in the family.

You can ask for Early Help or a Social Care assessment by:

• Speaking to a school, nursery, GP or health visitor.
• Talking to your SENCo or another professional who supports your child.
• Contacting the Croydon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) directly if you need urgent support.

Croydon MASH: 0208 255 2888

Email: childreferrals@croydon.gov.uk

Website: Early Help Family Solutions referrals | Croydon Council

If it’s not urgent, you can speak to your child’s school or health team who will guide you through next steps.

Support for families in Croydon includes:

• Croydon Early Help teams
  
• Children with Disabilities (CWD) Social Care Team
  
• Short Breaks and Respite Services
  
• Family support workers
  
• Links to housing, benefits, and emotional wellbeing services
  
• Help for young carers and siblings