Accessing NHS Services for children with SEND

The NHS provides services that everyone can access. 

Due to the varying and often complex needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, it is possible that a range of health professionals (including specialist health professionals) will be involved with you or your child.

If you have concerns or questions about your child’s health, talk to your doctor, health visitor or school nurse.  They can help with a wide range of health issues and any concerns you might have about your child’s development.  They can also refer you to specialist health services depending on your child’s needs.

In order to access any health services, you (or your child / young person) will need to register with a GP.  Some services will also have specific entry criteria.

General or Universal Health Services

There are a range of general health that are available to everybody, without the need for any assessment or referral (although you will probably need to register with them), to help manage their health.  These are often called ‘universal’ services and they include GPs, Pharmacists and Hospitals.

Find details of these services:

Your Health will help you to find your nearest GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician.

Specialist Health Services

Specialist Services support and treat people with certain conditions and normally you will have to be referred to the services by certain professionals or agencies e.g. GPs, schools, etc. Children, young people with a disability, medical condition and/or a special educational need will probably be supported by one or more of these services through their life.

Find details of these services:

Complex Health Needs

With complex medical or health needs it may be necessary for individuals to get some very specialised treatment, medication or therapy which is provided locally, often in the home.

Find details of these services:

NHS Choices

NHS Choices is the online 'front door' to the NHS. It is the country's biggest health website and gives all the information you need to make choices about your health, including listing health services in your area.

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