SEND services and teams

What we offer

The Deaf and Hearing Impairment Team (DAHIT) is part of Learning Inclusion.

We support deaf children and young people, and those with a hearing impairment, from the time they are diagnosed until they leave school or further education.

We work with children and young people at home, in early years settings, schools, specialist provisions and further education settings.

We:

• assess children's needs
• give advice to families and education settings
• provide training for staff
• offer direct support for children and young people when needed

The support we provide is based on each child or young person's individual needs. Some children may need regular support, while others may only need help from time to time.

Who we are

We are a team of specialist staff who support deaf children and young people to learn, develop and take part in education.

Our team includes:

• Qualified Teachers of the Deaf (QToD)
• Communication Support Workers (CSW)
• Deaf Instructors (DI)

Who we support

We support children and young people with a diagnosed permanent hearing loss.

This includes:

• deaf children and young people
• children and young people with a hearing impairment
• children and young people who are deafblind or have multi-sensory impairment (MSI)

We do not support temporary hearing conditions, such as glue ear.

What families say

"It was lovely to see you too. Thank you for the visit. Hanah was happy afterwards and she has been learning more about dinosaurs in nursery."

Parent of a nursery child, 2020

"She is fantastic support and nothing is too much trouble for her. She is very supportive in her role and wants the best for him."

Parent of a primary school-aged child, 2019

What is the Early Years SEND Home Visiting Service?

The Early Years SEND Home Visiting Service supports families with young children aged 0 to 3 years who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The service is provided by the Inclusion Advisory Team (IAT), which is part of Leeds Learning Inclusion Service.

SEND Home Visiting Officers work with parents and carers to support a child's learning and development at home. They use the Portage approach, which helps families build on their child's strengths and support their next steps in learning.

How does the service help?

SEND Home Visiting Officers work with families to:

• identify what a child can already do
• set goals for learning and development
• plan activities to support progress
• build confidence in supporting learning at home

Support may focus on areas such as:

• communication and language
• play and learning
• social skills
• physical development
• emotional development

A small-step approach is used to help children develop new skills over time.

What support is available?

After a request is received, the service will assess the child's needs.

Families may be offered:

• home visits
• telephone consultations
• information and advice
• signposting to other services

The type of support will depend on the needs of the child and their family.

If home visits are offered, a SEND Home Visiting Officer will make regular visits and work closely with the family.

Each home visit may include:

• planned learning activities
• child-led play
• time to discuss family needs and concerns

The service also works with other professionals involved in a child's care and support.

These may include:

• health visitors
• educational psychologists
• Integrated Children's Additional Needs (ICAN) teams
• early years settings

The team helps children move into nursery or other early years provision and supports staff with transition planning and individual learning plans.

Who can request support?

Support may be requested by:

• parents and carers
• professionals working with the family, with parental agreement
• health professionals, using a Health to Education Notification (HEN)
• a SENCo in an early years setting, with family agreement

When can a request be made?

A request can be made when:

• the child is aged between 0 and 2½ years
• the child has significant delays in two or more areas of development
• the family lives in the Leeds area

A member of the team will contact parents or carers to explain the outcome of the request and discuss any support that may be available.

Contact details

• Email: SEND@leeds.gov.uk
• Phone: 0113 378 2888

More information

One minute guide: Early Years SEND Home Visiting Service (formerly Portage) | Leeds.gov.uk

What we offer

Educational Psychologists (EPs) help children and young people learn, develop and take part in education.

We work with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25 years old. We work with families, nurseries, schools, colleges and other services to help children and young people achieve the best possible outcomes.

We help people understand a child or young person's strengths and needs. We work with families and professionals to find solutions and agree the right support.

We can:

• provide advice and consultation
• support schools and settings to meet SEND needs
• contribute to Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments
• help plan support for individual children and young people
• provide training for staff
• support schools and settings to develop inclusive practice

Critical incident support

We also support schools, colleges and early years settings after a critical incident.

A critical incident is a serious event that affects a setting or its community. This may include a death, bereavement or another significant event.

We provide short-term support to leaders and staff. This can include advice about:

• communicating with families and staff
• practical arrangements
• supporting children, young people and adults with their emotions

Who we are

We are qualified Educational Psychologists who use psychology to support children and young people with SEND.

Educational Psychologists have specialist postgraduate training in educational psychology. They are trained in child development, learning, assessment and research. They are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and regularly update their knowledge and skills through professional development.

Our team also includes:

• Trainee Educational Psychologists, who are completing a three-year doctoral training programme to become qualified Educational Psychologists.
• Assistant Educational Psychologists, who have a degree in psychology and experience of working with children and young people in education, health, social care, youth justice, childcare or community settings.

Together, we work with children and young people, families, schools and other professionals to support learning, development and wellbeing.

Why work with us

As part of the Leeds SEND Service, we understand local services, schools and communities.

We:

• help promote inclusion
• support schools and settings to develop their SEND practice
• offer specialist knowledge and expertise
• work closely with other services
• understand local and national SEND processes
• build positive relationships with children, families and education settings

What people say

"Our EP was amazing at helping to problem solve and be solution focused."

SENCO

"It is always so hard to get people to understand the challenges we face daily, and you have captured all aspects in the report you have written."

Parent of a child with SEND

"Heartfelt thanks for the training, your time and expertise once again. We had an amazing session and made many changes based on the knowledge you shared. Everyone agreed it encouraged us to think differently and have meaningful discussions."

SENCO

"You have been incredibly supportive this year. Patient, professional and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure children get the support they need."

SENCO

More information

One-minute guide to Educational Psychology: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/one-minute-guides/educational-psychology 

The Inclusion Advisory Team (IAT) helps children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from birth to age 25.

The team works with nurseries, schools, colleges and other education settings to help make sure children and young people can take part in learning and achieve their best.

What does the team do?

The IAT gives advice, support, training and resources to education staff. This helps staff:

• understand SEND
• identify strengths and needs
• remove barriers to learning
• support inclusion
• improve outcomes for children and young people

The team works closely with education settings to find solutions and provide support. Their approach is based on working together and building positive relationships.

A small team of SEND home visiting officers supports children under 3 years old and their families at home.

Areas of expertise

The IAT includes specialists in:

• Cognition and Learning
• Communication and Interaction (including Autism)
• Early Years
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

Keeping skills up to date

The team takes part in regular training and professional development. This helps ensure their advice and support are based on current research and national guidance.

More information

Inclusion Advisory Team (IAT) One Minute Guide

Learning Inclusion Service Guidelines for Specific Literacy Difficulties: Dyslexia

These guidelines help schools, colleges and other education settings support children and young people with dyslexia.

They have been written for education staff in Leeds to improve their understanding of dyslexia and to help them provide the right support. The guidance can be used whether a child or young person has a diagnosis of dyslexia or not.

The guidelines have been updated using current research and the latest advice and guidance.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects reading, writing and spelling.

People with dyslexia may find some aspects of learning more difficult. For example, they may find it harder to read words, spell accurately or write down their ideas.

Children, young people and adults with dyslexia also have many strengths and talents. Every person with dyslexia is different and will have their own skills and abilities.

Downloads

Click here to download the Leeds Inclusion Service guidelines.

Click here to download the parental guide. 

Click here to download the guidelines for specific learning difficulties in maths / dyscalculia 

What does SENSAP do?

The Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) service helps make sure children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) get the support they need.

SENSAP works with families, education settings and other professionals. The service follows national laws and guidance about SEND support.

SENSAP teams

SENSAP has three main teams:

• Funding for Inclusion (FFI)
  This team provides funding to schools, nurseries, colleges and other education settings to help meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.
• Education, Health and Care (EHC) Casework Team
  This team manages Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and EHC plans. They also review plans and support specialist and resourced SEND placements.
• SEN Monitoring and Quality Assurance Team
  This team works with schools and education settings to help improve SEND support and inclusive practice.

About the service

SENSAP is part of Leeds City Council's Learning Inclusion services.

The team works across Leeds to support children, young people and families. Staff work in schools, education settings, communities, council offices and from home.

Service improvement

SENSAP has been making changes to improve its service.

The team recognises that, in the past, some families and education settings experienced delays and communication difficulties. Work is taking place to increase staffing, improve processes and provide a better service.

These improvements are helping SENSAP respond more effectively and support children, young people and families more quickly.

The service thanks families, young people and education settings for their patience while these improvements continue.

More information

• Read the SENSAP One Minute Guide: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/one-minute-guides/sensap 

How we can help

The Visual Impairment Team (VIT) supports children and young people with a visual impairment from birth to 25 years old.

We work closely with families, nurseries, schools and colleges. We can provide support from the time a visual impairment is diagnosed until a young person leaves education.

Support can be provided at home, in an early years setting, school or college.

We assess each child or young person to understand what support they need to learn, develop and become more independent.

We can help with:

• Braille
• touch typing
• using low vision aids
• making the best use of their vision
• mobility and independence skills

Our support is free for early years settings, state-funded schools and Leeds City College. Independent schools may be charged for this service.

Other specialist services

We also work with other specialist staff, including:

Mobility and Rehabilitation Officers

They help children and young people:

• move around safely
• develop travel skills
• become more independent
• learn to walk safely and use public transport

Children and Families Officers

They support young children at home and in education settings. They help children learn and develop through play and everyday activities.

Learning Resources Officers

They create accessible learning materials and help schools make lessons inclusive for children and young people with a visual impairment.

How to refer a child or young person

Referrals are usually made by health professionals when a child is diagnosed, or by a school or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo).

Parents and carers can also make a referral. Consent from a parent or carer is needed before support can begin.

To make a referral, call:

• 0113 378 2888
• 0113 378 5296

You can also contact:

Ellen Maher
Area Lead Teacher of the Visually Impaired
City Lead Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Learning Inclusion Service (VIT)
Leeds City Council
AC-VIT
PO Box 911
Civic Hall
Leeds
LS1 9WJ

• Admin Team: 0113 378 2888
• Mobile: 07891 270 446
• Email: ellen.maher@leeds.gov.uk

If a family is moving to Leeds and has a child or young person with a visual impairment, they can contact the admin team for advice and support.

What does the Virtual School do?

The Virtual School helps improve education for children and young people who:

• are in care (looked after children)
• were previously in care through adoption, special guardianship or child arrangements orders
• have a social worker now or have had one in the past

Some children and young people have faced difficult experiences that can affect their learning, attendance, confidence and wellbeing. The Virtual School works with schools, families and professionals to help children and young people achieve their best.

The school or education setting remains responsible for the child's education. The Virtual School provides advice, guidance and support to help meet their needs.

How does the Virtual School help?

The Virtual School works with:

• schools and colleges
• social workers
• foster carers, kinship carers and adoptive families
• residential care settings
• SEND services
• adoption support services
• other Virtual Schools

The team helps by:

• supporting school attendance
• helping children and young people make progress in their learning
• promoting high aspirations and positive outcomes
• making sure children and young people are listened to
• providing training and advice for education staff
• supporting inclusive practice in schools and settings

Support for children in care

The Virtual School:

• helps children and young people access the right education provision
• supports schools to create high-quality Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
• helps make sure Pupil Premium Plus funding is used effectively
• provides training and support for Designated Teachers
• runs local networks for Designated Teachers
• supports schools to understand the impact of trauma, attachment and early life experiences on learning
• promotes inclusive practice and SEND support
• helps children and young people have a voice in decisions about their education

For children aged 3 and 4, additional support may be available through specialist programmes such as LEAPlets.

Support for previously looked after children

The Virtual School also supports children and young people who have left care through:

• adoption
• special guardianship orders
• child arrangements orders

The team provides:

• advice for parents, carers and families
• guidance for schools and education settings
• support through partnerships with adoption, kinship and family support services

Support for children who have a social worker

The Virtual School has a role in helping improve education outcomes for children and young people who have, or have had, a social worker.

The team works with schools, social care and other services to:

• improve understanding of the barriers some children face
• support good attendance and engagement in education
• promote learning as a protective factor
• help services work together effectively
• provide training and professional networks for safeguarding leads

Who is in the team?

The Virtual School team includes education professionals with experience in:

• teaching
• school leadership
• special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• inclusion
• learning support
• early years education
• post-16 education

The team includes:

• PEP Coordinators, who support children and young people when they first enter care
• Advisers and Consultants, who provide advice and support to schools and services
• Senior Inclusion Leads, who help schools develop inclusive practice
• Youth Justice Education Officers, who support children involved with youth justice services
• Attendance Managers, who help improve school attendance

Why work with the Virtual School?

The Virtual School provides free training, advice and resources for schools, education settings and services.

Training is designed to help professionals understand the needs of children and young people and provide effective support. Training materials and resources are regularly updated to reflect current guidance and research.

The team works closely with schools and services across Leeds to help children and young people achieve the best possible outcomes.

Contact details

• Email: virtualschool@leeds.gov.uk 

What is SEND Funding?

SEND funding helps schools, nurseries, colleges and other education settings support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

High Needs Top Up Funding is provided to support children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan and need extra support in their education setting.

Changes were made to SEND and inclusion funding arrangements in Leeds from summer 2024. These changes replaced Funding for Inclusion (FFI).

Find out more about these changes on the SEND and Inclusion Transformation page.

Who is in the SEND Funding Team?

The SEND Funding Team works to help make sure children and young people receive the support they need to learn and take part in education.

The team provides advice, guidance and training for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) and education settings about:

• Early Years SEND Inclusion Funding (EY SENDIF)
• SENDIF+
• High Needs Funding

The team also helps education settings make sure funding is used effectively to support children and young people with SEND.

How does the team help?

The SEND Funding Team:

• provides training and guidance about SEND funding
• supports SENCos with funding applications
• offers advice on Early Years SEND Inclusion Funding (EY SENDIF)
• helps education settings understand funding processes
• supports the effective use of SEND funding

Free briefing sessions are available. Education settings can also arrange tailored paid sessions for additional advice and support.

Contact details

• Email: SEND.Funding@leeds.gov.uk