Information

Support & advice services.

Here's some helpful links to Support & Advice for Parents & Carers.


Please Contact Us if there is something you think would be helpful on this page.

Support & Advice

Information Advice and Support Service

IASS helps parents and carers, children and young people who have difficulties with learning, and or a disability from birth to 25 years. We offer a confidential service which gives parents, children and young people impartial advice and information to make informed decisions.

Email iasservice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

or visit   livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/1279  for more information.


NHS Digital Flags

The Reasonable Adjustment Flag is a national record that shows a person needs accommodations and may include details about their impairments and necessary adjustments.

click here for the Digital Flag Leaflet


Cheshire West & Chester Mental Health Services

Information regarding mental health services. Some need a referral and some are self referral. It is based on the THRIVE model e.g. Signposting, Getting Help, Getting More Help and Getting Risk Support 

click here  for the  THRIVE DOCUMENT


ARFID

ARFID (Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is described as a lack of interest in eating, food avoidance based on sensory preferences (textures /smells etc), or fears of what might happen whilst /after eating (such as choking / vomiting). 

click here  for the  ARFID Information Leaflet

click hereforresources aimed at Autistic children and young people and those with intellectual disability who have diagnosed or suspected ARFID.


Sensory Processing Webinar

Occupational Therapy Webinar on strategies to support families where their child/young person has difficulties with sensory processing

click here  to watch the  Webinar


Sensory Processing Difficulties

The Sensory Service is a multi-disciplinary team based at the Ryegate Children’s Centre in Sheffield. We aim to help parents, carers, school staff and young people to have a better understanding of sensory processing and how this impacts on every day life. We provide information and advice on how to adapt activities and the environment to support children’s sensory needs. The team includes Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy.

click here to access the website


Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour

click here to access PDF information document


Supporting Online Justice Project and the SEND Tribunal

Produced by the Supporting Online Justice project as a resource to help lay users of the justice system access and participate in online hearings for the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal, available with subtitles in six languages along with a British Sign Language version. 

click here to watch the video

click here to watch the BSL video


Digital Story - Supporting my Family – Team around the family (TAF)

A single mum shares her experience of the 'Team around the family' support she accessed in Cheshire West & Chester.

click here to watch the video


Contact

For families with disabled children contact.org.uk

HELPFUL GUIDE FOR FAMILIES WITH DISABLED CHILDREN FROM CONTACT - CLICK HERE


IPSEA   Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

Free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We also provide training to parents and carers, professionals and other organisations.

www.ipsea.org.uk


Mencap

Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability. Valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

www.mencap.org.uk

Mencap has launched its new ‘easy read’ GP Learning Disability Register resources which are designed to support people with a learning disability from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. These resources are specifically aimed at people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, alongside their families and carers. The resources are now available in ten different languages; English, Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Urdu, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Italian and Spanish. Their easy read format means the information is accessible for people with a learning disability and autism.

click here for more information and to access the translations


NNPCF

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums.

nnpcf.org.uk


Jargon Buster

A-Z of terms used by professionals and services.

livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Information/Jargon_Buster


The People's Choice Group

For adults with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions in Cheshire West and Chester.We provide working sessions to give people a bigger voice on issues that are important and we link with the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board.We provide social sessions to stop people feeling so isolated.Visit our Members & Sessions page for more information.

 https://www.peopleschoicegroup.co.uk/


Transport to and from school – a guide for parents and carers in England

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transport/school-transport/england


The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism

This training will ensure staff working in health and social care receive learning disability and autism training, at the right level for their role. They will have a better understanding of people’s needs, resulting in better services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

hee.nhs.uk/our-work/learning-disability/oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-learning-disability-autism


National Autistic Society - Report on the Experiences of autistic young people in the youth justice system.

CLICK HERE to view the Youth Justice Report

CWaC Newsletter
By Joanne Southall December 7, 2025
The Live Well Newsletter will be published bi-monthly to provide you with latest updates and information. It is also your opportunity to get involved, have your say and improve our Live Well/Local Offer Cheshire West Website.
Parent Carer Forum November Newsletter
By Lucy Kennerley December 7, 2025
This month we hosted our first in-person forum all about neurodiversity. It was lovely to meet many new parents and carers! There was a Local Area Ofsted Inspection which we shared parent carer experiences to Ofsted Inspectors. You can find out more about the process in our latest blog here.
By Lucy Kennerley November 6, 2025
PCF CWaC October Newsletter - all the latest about SEND Services and support in Cheshire West & Chester.
September Newsletter
By Lucy Kennerley September 26, 2025
This month’s newsletter includes updates on local services, events, and SEND news for families. Take a look and stay connected with your SEND community!
July newsletter
By Lucy Kennerley July 30, 2025
PCF NEWS In order to keep you up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, we have created a new BLOG area on our website
The latest Cheshire West and Chester Council SEND Newsletter is out.
By Joanne Southall July 23, 2025
Introduction from Amanda Perraton, Executive Director for Children and Families. Includes updates and stories from SEND services at CWaC.
Show More
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026
By Joanne Southall December 10, 2025
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026 - Your feedback will shape future SEND services across health, education, social care and the community.
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026
By Joanne Southall December 10, 2025
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026 - Your feedback will shape future SEND services across health, education, social care and the community.
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026
By Joanne Southall December 10, 2025
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026 - Your feedback will shape future SEND services across health, education, social care and the community.

Keep up to date with other information, news and events for parents/carers on our website. You can also find us on Facebook. See our past and present news right here.

Click on the articles...

Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026
By Joanne Southall December 10, 2025
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026 - Your feedback will shape future SEND services across health, education, social care and the community.
CWaC Newsletter
By Joanne Southall December 7, 2025
The Live Well Newsletter will be published bi-monthly to provide you with latest updates and information. It is also your opportunity to get involved, have your say and improve our Live Well/Local Offer Cheshire West Website.
3rd of December is the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’
By Vanessa Usai December 7, 2025
Wednesday the 3rd of December is the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’. It is an annual celebratory day aiming to raise awareness of disability and promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
Parent Carer Forum November Newsletter
By Lucy Kennerley December 7, 2025
This month we hosted our first in-person forum all about neurodiversity. It was lovely to meet many new parents and carers! There was a Local Area Ofsted Inspection which we shared parent carer experiences to Ofsted Inspectors. You can find out more about the process in our latest blog here.
‘Partnership for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools’ (PINS)
By Vanessa Usai December 7, 2025
The second year of the ‘Partnership for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools’ (PINS) project is now underway in three mainstream primary schools in Cheshire West and Chester. 
By Lucy Kennerley December 4, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined our Early Years, Sleep and Toileting Forum this week.
If you or someone you care for has a disability, you’ve probably heard about Reasonable Adjustments
By Joanne Southall November 26, 2025
If you or someone you care for has a disability, you’ve probably heard about Reasonable Adjustments and Digital Flags in the news. Here’s what they mean and what’s happening locally in Cheshire West.
By Lucy Kennerley November 26, 2025
Over the past few weeks, Cheshire West and Chester has been fully immersed in the new Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) Area SEND inspection.
neurodivergent children and families across Cheshire West
By Joanne Southall November 19, 2025
On 13th November 2025, parents, carers, professionals, and partners gathered at Hartford Golf Club to share ideas and improve support for neurodivergent children and families across Cheshire West.
Neurodiversity Profiling Tool pilot Study Team would really value your views.
By Lucy Kennerley November 19, 2025
The Centre for Autism Neuro Developmental Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities (CANDDID) study team are evaluating the Neurodiversity Profiling Tool pilot and would really value your views.
Show More