SEND SS is made up of specialist staff working for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

We have teams of specialist teachers and teaching assistants in these areas:

• Early years
• Specific learning difficulties
• Speech, language and communication needs
• Complex learning needs
• Social communication needs and Autism
• Physical disabilities
• Visual impairment
• Hearing impairment
• Social emotional and mental health needs

We also have an habilitation officer who works with children with visual impairments, and a speech and language therapist.

Once parents have given their consent, we will meet with staff from your child's school/setting to find out more about your child.

Our staff will find out ...

• what support your child has been receiving from their school/setting and
• how they are progressing.

Once we have had this meeting, we usually observe your child. We may also carry out specialist assessments and talk to or play with your child.

Sometimes this assessment may involve taking photographs and/or making video or audio recordings of your child. We only use these to support staff to meet your child's needs.

If other professionals are involved with your child e.g.Educational Psychologists, Doctors, Health Visitors, Audiologists etc. we will talk to them so that we can work together to help your child.

When we have enough information, we will make recommendations to the school/setting on how they can best meet your child's individual needs.

We often provide training to staff so that they can deepen their understanding of your child's needs and of how to adapt their approach to ensure your child has the best chance to progress.

Sometimes we will demonstrate particular techniques, and work alongside staff so that they develop additional knowledge, skills and confidence to support your child.

Your child's school/setting will keep you informed of SEND SS involvemnet.

If you would like to meet SEND SS staff please ask at your child's setting/school.