Here are a list of agencies that are available to support parents and carers of children with additional needs in Bradford; some can be accessed directly and others through school. For details of the full range of support available please go to Bradford’s local offer page at localoffer.bradford.gov.uk.
Parents Forum for Bradford and Airedale works to support parents and carers of children in the Bradford and Airedale district. The forum works to enable better access to information for parents about services and to improve the channels of communication between services, professionals and parents/carers. You can contact them via their website at pfba.org.uk.
The School Nursing Team works with parents, school staff and other agencies to offer support and advice and to refer on to other agencies as appropriate. They can be contacted on 01274 228300.
Early Help support families and communities in Bradford. Early Help is a partnership support approach by the Bradford Children and Families Trust and local agencies that provides children, young people (aged 0–25), and their families with support as soon as difficulties emerge to stop small problems from getting bigger.
AWARE is a parent-run group supporting families and young adults on the autistic spectrum. It is not necessary to have a diagnosis to access their support. They can be contacted via their website: aware-uk.org
Bradford Specialist Teaching and Support Services: Bradford Council through Children’s Services, Education and Learning provides a range of specialist teaching and support services to schools. More information on this service, not known as the Specialist Teaching and Support Service (STaSS) can be found at https://localoffer.bradford.gov.uk/service/1453-Specialist-Teaching-and-Support-Services-(STaSS)- It comprises of the Social, Communication, Interaction and Learning ( SCIL ) Team and the Low Incidence ( Sensory Service ) Team.
SENDIASS: Bradford SENDIASS is for parents and carers of children and young people 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the Bradford area.
The staff help parents and children to work together with schools and the local authority so that they have a good understanding of what support is needed and to make sure that it is put in place. The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offer information, advice and support for parents and will support parents and school with MSP and EHCP process. The service is free, impartial and confidential. The number for the Bradford Office is 01274 513300.
Healthy Minds: sources of support www.healthyminds.services is an online resource for everyone to use and is specifically aimed at encouraging us all to look after our mental health. The online mental health and wellbeing directory gives details of the local services available where you can get support - services are still here to help.