Referral Process & External Services

We are committed to ensuring that every child receives the right support at the right time. Where additional needs are identified, we follow a graduated approach, working closely with families and professionals to understand and support each child’s needs.

Many children’s needs can be supported within school. However, where further advice or specialist input is required, we may work with external agencies to provide additional assessment, guidance or targeted support.

Parents and carers are fully involved in this process and referrals are discussed and agreed together, unless doing so would place a child at risk.

Specialist Services We Work With

We have access to a wide range of professional services across Southampton, including:

• Occupational Therapy (OT) – supports children with sensory processing, motor skills and everyday functional skills.

• NHS Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) – supports children with speech, language and communication needs.

• School Nursing Team – provides advice and support around health, development, sleep, toileting and healthy lifestyles.

• Educational Psychology Service – works with school and families to understand learning, behaviour and emotional needs and recommend strategies.

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) – specialist NHS mental health support, including pathways for ADHD assessment and the Autism Assessment Service.

• SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) – offers impartial advice and guidance for parents and carers of children with SEND.

• Southampton Inclusion Partnership (formerly SAOS) – provides outreach advice and support for inclusion and additional needs in schools.

• Simon Says – charity supporting children and families experiencing bereavement.

• Education Support Officer (ESO) – supports families with attendance and engagement in education.

• No Limits – local charity offering counselling and wellbeing support for children and families.

• Young Carers Service – supports children who help care for a family member.

• Specialist Teacher Advisory Service – provide a statutory service for families and schools around children and young people with sensory impairment, aged 0-25yrs, in Southampton, following hospital referral.

Working in Partnership

We work collaboratively with families, health professionals and Southampton Local Authority services to ensure support is coordinated and appropriate. Recommendations from external professionals are used to adapt teaching, provide targeted interventions and support children’s wellbeing and learning.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, learning or wellbeing, please speak to  Kim Abbott (SENCo) who will be happy to discuss support and next steps.

Parent Self-Referral to CAMHS

In some situations, families may notice behaviours or emotional difficulties at home that are not seen in school. Parents and carers are able to self-refer to CAMHS if concerns are mainly present outside of the school environment.

CAMHS can offer advice, assessment and support for children experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties.

🔗 https://hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk/referral/

If you are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, Kim Abbott is happy to discuss this with you and help guide next steps.