The Croydon Locality SEND Support Service (CLSS) is here to help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the right support in their local mainstream schools and nurseries - without needing to wait for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

CLSS is part of Croydon’s wider commitment to early intervention, inclusion, and helping every child achieve their potential. It aims to put support in place quickly and flexibly, using existing school resources and adding extra help where needed.

• Supports schools and nurseries to identify and meet SEND needs from early years to Year 11.
• Provides additional funding (Locality Funding or SENIF in early years) to support your child.
• Encourages schools to work together in local groups (localities) to share resources and expertise.
• Offers advice from Educational Psychologists, therapists, and experienced SEND professionals.
• Helps schools refer for an EHCP assessment if more long-term support is needed.

You, as a parent or carer, are a key part of the process.

 Schools will:

• Work with you to understand your child’s needs.
• Involve you in planning, reviewing, and adjusting support.
• Listen to your child’s views and experiences.

CLSS aims to get support in place sooner, without waiting for formal diagnoses or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

However, if your child’s needs become more complex, your school or nursery may apply for an EHCP assessment, or you can request one yourself at any time.

This is a written agreement between the school, CLSS team, and you as the parent or carer.

 It outlines:

• What support your child will receive.
• How progress will be reviewed.

This agreement is not a legal document like an EHCP, but it can lead to faster, flexible support - often making a big difference early on.

You cannot refer to CLSS directly as a parent, but your child’s school or nursery can make a referral on your behalf if they think your child needs extra support.

To get started:

• Speak to your child’s teacher or SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
• Ask them if CLSS resources or advice might be helpful.
• You can request that your child’s school makes a Locality SEND Support referral.

They will work with the CLSS team to agree on the right help and involve you throughout the process.

• All Croydon mainstream schools and maintained nurseries are part of CLSS.
• Support is personalised and regularly reviewed.
• If your child needs more than CLSS can offer, it can lead to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) referral.
• CLSS does not replace Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) - it offers early, flexible support.
• You can still request an EHCP assessment at any time.

CLSS Brochure 2025

CLSS Detailed Guide for Parents

CLSS Information for School Websites

CLSS Information Letter for SEND Parents