Milton Keynes Community Support Library

Volume 7 – 

Children, Young People, Families, SEND & Education

Part 1 – Emergency Contacts & Crisis Support

This handbook is an independent signposting guide to help families, carers and professionals find appropriate support.

Emergency Action

• Call 999 immediately if a child is in immediate danger.
• Contact Milton Keynes Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) if you are concerned about a child's welfare.
• Contact NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.
• If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.

Safeguarding Referral Checklist

• Child's name and date of birth
• Address
• Parent/carer details
• Description of concerns
• Immediate risks
• Other agencies involved

Quick Action Guide

• Immediate danger: 999
• Child protection concern: MASH
• Urgent health advice: NHS 111
• Parenting support: Family Hub / Early Help
• SEND advice: SEND Information, Advice and Support Service

Part 2

Family Hubs, Early Help & Parenting Support

This section explains the local early support available to children, young people and families. Early Help aims to provide assistance before problems become more serious.

Family Hubs

Family Hubs bring together services for parents, carers, babies, children and young people. They can provide parenting advice, infant feeding support, health visiting, activities, and links to other local services.

Early Help

Early Help supports families facing challenges such as behaviour, school attendance, finances, housing, emotional wellbeing or parenting. Support is voluntary and focuses on improving outcomes before statutory intervention is required.

Health Visiting

Health Visitors support families from pregnancy through the early years, offering developmental checks, feeding advice and health guidance.

School Nursing

School Nurses provide health advice, emotional wellbeing support, healthy lifestyle guidance and signposting for school-aged children.

Parenting Support

Parents may be able to access evidence-based parenting programmes, one-to-one support and group sessions through local family services.

When to consider an Early Help referral

• Persistent school attendance concerns
• Behaviour difficulties at home or school
• Emotional wellbeing concerns
• Housing or financial pressures affecting the family
• Parents requesting additional support

Professional Tip

Where appropriate, encourage families to engage with support early. Early intervention can often prevent issues from escalating and improve long-term outcomes.

Part 3

Children's Health, Wellbeing & Specialist Services

This section introduces the main health and wellbeing services that support children and young people in Milton Keynes. Families should usually speak to their GP, Health Visitor, School Nurse or school if they are unsure which service is most appropriate.

Children and Young People's Mental Health

Children experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties may be supported by school wellbeing teams, GPs, community services and specialist CAMHS where appropriate.

Speech and Language Therapy

Supports children with speech, language and communication needs through assessment, advice and therapy.

Occupational Therapy

Helps children develop everyday living, sensory processing and motor skills to improve independence.

Physiotherapy

Supports children with movement, mobility and physical development needs.

Community Paediatrics

Provides assessment and ongoing care for children with developmental, neurodevelopmental and complex health needs.

Healthy Child Programme

Offers health promotion, developmental reviews and advice to families from pregnancy through childhood.

When to seek support

• Concerns about speech or communication
• Developmental delay
• Persistent emotional or behavioural concerns
• Mobility or coordination difficulties
• Concerns raised by school or nursery

Professional Signposting

Many services require referral by a GP, Health Visitor, School Nurse or another health professional. Families should ask whether self-referral is available where appropriate.

Part 4

SEND, EHCPs & Additional Needs

This section provides an overview of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the support available to children and young people.

Understanding SEND

Children and young people with SEND may need extra help with learning, communication, physical needs, sensory needs or social, emotional and mental health. Schools should identify needs early and work with families to provide appropriate support.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

An EHCP is a legal document for children and young people whose needs cannot be met through the support ordinarily available in education settings. It brings together education, health and social care support.

Role of the SENCO

Every school should have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who helps coordinate support, works with families and liaises with external professionals.

Autism & ADHD

Children may benefit from assessment, reasonable adjustments, educational support and access to specialist advice where appropriate.

SEND Information, Advice and Support

Independent information, advice and support services help parents, carers and young people understand SEND rights, the EHCP process and available support.

When to seek additional support

• Concerns raised by parents, carers or school
• Limited progress despite additional support
• Communication or interaction difficulties
• Physical or sensory needs
• Social, emotional or mental health needs

Good practice

Families should be involved in decision-making at every stage. Keep copies of reports, meeting notes, support plans and correspondence to help monitor progress and prepare for reviews.

Part 5

Education, Attendance & Post-16 Support

Education plays a key role in children's development. This section outlines support available for school attendance, inclusion, alternative education pathways and planning for post-16 education.

School Admissions

Parents should apply through the local authority admissions process. Schools can provide information about admissions, appeals and waiting lists.

School Attendance

Good attendance supports learning and wellbeing. Schools should work with families where attendance becomes a concern and identify barriers early.

Alternative Provision

Some children may require education outside a mainstream setting for a period of time due to individual circumstances or additional needs.

Elective Home Education

Parents choosing to educate their child at home remain responsible for providing a suitable education. Local authorities may offer advice and guidance.

Post-16 Education

Young people can progress to sixth form, college, apprenticeships, supported internships or employment with training.

Careers Guidance

Schools and colleges should provide impartial careers information to help young people make informed decisions.

Useful reminders for families

• Keep copies of school correspondence
• Attend review meetings where possible
• Speak to the SENCO if additional support is needed
• Seek advice early if attendance becomes difficult
• Ask about financial help with meals, transport or uniforms if required

Part 6

Youth Services, Young Carers & Positive Activities

Positive activities and supportive relationships help children and young people develop confidence, resilience and life skills. This section highlights the types of opportunities available and how professionals can encourage engagement.

Youth Services

Youth services offer safe places where young people can socialise, develop skills, receive advice and take part in positive activities.

Young Carers

Young carers provide regular care or emotional support to a family member. They may be entitled to an assessment, practical support and opportunities for breaks from caring.

Holiday Activities

Holiday activities can help children remain active, social and engaged during school holidays. Some programmes also provide healthy meals for eligible children.

Volunteering

Volunteering enables young people to gain confidence, practical experience and new skills while contributing to their local community.

Sports, Arts and Community Activities

Participation in sport, music, drama, creative arts and community groups supports wellbeing, friendships and personal development.

Signs a young person may need extra support

• Social isolation
• Reduced school attendance
• Low confidence or anxiety
• Caring responsibilities affecting education
• Lack of positive activities outside school

Good Practice

Ask young people what activities interest them and involve them in choosing support. Strength-based conversations can improve engagement and long-term outcomes.

Part 7

Children's Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health

Good emotional wellbeing helps children and young people develop healthy relationships, learn effectively and cope with life's challenges. Early support can prevent problems from becoming more serious.

Understanding Emotional Wellbeing

Children may experience periods of stress, anxiety or low mood. Listening, early support and access to appropriate services can make a significant difference.

Anxiety and Low Mood

Persistent worry, withdrawal from activities, changes in sleep or appetite and difficulties at school may indicate that additional support is needed.

Self-harm Awareness

Self-harm should always be taken seriously. Encourage open conversations, seek medical advice where appropriate and follow safeguarding procedures if there is immediate risk.

Eating Disorders

Changes in eating habits, weight, exercise patterns or body image concerns should be assessed promptly through health professionals.

Bereavement and Loss

Children grieve differently depending on their age and experiences. Honest communication and appropriate support are important.

Healthy Lifestyle

Good sleep, physical activity, healthy eating, positive friendships and reducing screen time can all contribute to emotional wellbeing.

When to seek urgent help

• Thoughts of suicide
• Serious self-harm
• Psychosis or severe distress
• Immediate risk to life

Professional Reminder

If there are immediate safeguarding concerns or a risk to life, contact the emergency services. For non-emergency concerns, encourage families to seek support from their GP, school or appropriate children's mental health services.

Part 8

Safeguarding, Child Protection & Exploitation

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. This section provides an overview of recognising concerns, responding appropriately and understanding referral pathways.

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual or involve neglect. Concerns should be recorded factually and shared in line with safeguarding procedures.

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

Some children are coerced into criminal activity. Warning signs include unexplained money, missing episodes, changes in behaviour and association with older peers.

Child Sexual Exploitation

Children may be manipulated or coerced into sexual activity. Indicators include secrecy, gifts, older associates, missing episodes and changes in wellbeing.

Online Safety

Talk regularly about online safety, privacy, gaming, social media and reporting concerns. Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if something worries them online.

Domestic Abuse and its Impact on Children

Children living with domestic abuse may experience emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties even if they are not directly harmed.

Professional Response

If you believe a child is at immediate risk, call 999. Otherwise follow your organisation's safeguarding procedures and refer concerns to the appropriate safeguarding team.

Safeguarding Checklist

• Listen without judgement
• Record facts accurately
• Do not promise confidentiality
• Report concerns promptly
• Seek advice if unsure

Key Reminder

Always act in the best interests of the child. Early sharing of concerns can help protect children and enable families to access support before risks escalate.

Part 9

Children's Rights, Advocacy & Legal Support

Children and young people have legal rights to be heard and to participate in decisions that affect them. Families should know where to obtain independent advice and advocacy when they need support.

Children's Rights

Children should be listened to and, where appropriate, involved in decisions about their education, health and care.

Independent Advocacy

Advocates help children and young people express their views and understand their rights, particularly when involved with social care or other statutory services.

Complaints and Appeals

Families can usually raise concerns informally first. Formal complaints and appeal routes are available for education, health and social care decisions where appropriate.

SEND Mediation and Appeals

Parents and young people may be able to access mediation before appealing certain SEND decisions. Independent advice services can explain the process.

Information Sharing and Confidentiality

Professionals should share information lawfully when it is necessary to safeguard a child or provide appropriate support while respecting privacy requirements.

Practical Tips for Families

• Keep copies of letters, emails and reports.
• Write down questions before meetings.
• Ask for decisions to be confirmed in writing.
• Take a friend, advocate or supporter to important meetings.
• Request explanations if anything is unclear.

Professional Good Practice

Use clear language, involve children and families wherever possible, record decisions accurately and signpost to independent advocacy or specialist advice when appropriate.

Part 10

Care Experienced Children, Care Leavers & Family Support

This section focuses on support for looked-after children, care leavers, kinship carers, adoptive families and foster carers. It also outlines practical support available to families experiencing challenging circumstances.

Looked-After Children

Children in care should have access to education, healthcare, emotional wellbeing support and opportunities to achieve positive outcomes. Multi-agency working is essential.

Care Leavers

Young people leaving care may receive support with accommodation, education, employment, finances and independent living through their Personal Adviser and local authority.

Kinship Care

Children who are cared for by relatives or family friends may be eligible for advice, financial assistance and practical support depending on their circumstances.

Fostering and Adoption

Foster carers and adoptive families should receive preparation, ongoing training and access to specialist advice to help meet children's needs.

Family Support During Difficult Times

Families experiencing bereavement, relationship breakdown, financial hardship or other significant challenges may benefit from early intervention, counselling and community support.

Practical Checklist

• Ensure the child or young person knows who their key worker or Personal Adviser is.
• Keep important documents in a safe place.
• Attend reviews and planning meetings where possible.
• Seek advice early if housing, education or finances become a concern.
• Ask about local support groups and peer networks.

Professional Practice

Children and young people should be involved in decisions affecting their lives. Professionals should work collaboratively, promote stability and ensure access to appropriate support services.

Part 11

Financial Support for Families, Benefits, Childcare & Practical Help

Families may be entitled to financial assistance, childcare support and grants to help with the cost of raising children. This section provides an overview of the main types of help that may be available.

Benefits for Families

Depending on circumstances, families may be entitled to support such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit and disability-related benefits. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.

Childcare Support

Support with childcare costs may be available through funded childcare schemes, Tax-Free Childcare and other government programmes.

School Meals, Uniforms and Transport

Some families may qualify for free school meals, assistance with school transport or help towards the cost of school uniforms through local schemes.

Household Support and Grants

Local welfare assistance, charitable grants and community organisations may provide support with food, household essentials, clothing or emergency expenses.

Cost of Living Support

Families experiencing financial hardship should seek advice early. Debt advice, budgeting support and benefit checks can help maximise household income.

Family Financial Checklist

• Check benefit entitlement regularly.
• Ask about free school meals and transport support.
• Seek advice before financial difficulties become a crisis.
• Keep copies of benefit decisions and important correspondence.
• Ask schools or support workers about local grant schemes.

Professional Practice

Financial pressures can affect children's wellbeing, education and health. Early signposting to welfare advice, debt support and community organisations can make a significant difference.

Part 12

Professional Toolkit, National Organisations & Appendices

This final section brings together practical tools, reference material and useful national organisations to support children, young people, families and professionals.

Professional Checklists

Use structured checklists to record concerns, prepare for meetings, complete referrals and monitor progress. Accurate records support effective multi-agency working.

Referral Preparation

Before making a referral, gather key information including contact details, presenting concerns, previous interventions, consent (where appropriate) and immediate risks.

Useful National Organisations

National charities provide information, helplines and specialist support for safeguarding, SEND, mental health, young carers, bereavement, parenting and family wellbeing.

Glossary of Common Terms

Include explanations of common terms such as SEND, EHCP, SENCO, CAMHS, MASH, Early Help, Child in Need and Child Protection.

Keeping Information Up to Date

Services, eligibility and contact details change over time. Review this handbook regularly and verify information with organisations before publishing updates.

Appendices

• A–Z Organisation Directory
• Referral Template
• Meeting Notes Template
• Action Plan Template
• Emergency Contacts Summary
• Space for Local Updates

This handbook is intended as a practical signposting guide to support families, volunteers and professionals. Always confirm current service details before making referrals.

Part 13

Frontline Worker Toolkit, Case Studies & Quality Assurance

This supplementary section provides practical tools for volunteers, frontline workers, community organisations and professionals supporting children, young people and families.

Case Study Examples

Illustrative examples can help workers identify appropriate referral pathways, recognise escalating needs and coordinate multi-agency support.

Conversation Starters

Use open questions, active listening and strengths-based approaches to help children and families share concerns safely.

Professional Recording

Record factual observations, dates, actions taken and outcomes. Avoid assumptions and clearly distinguish fact from opinion.

Multi-Agency Working

Effective support relies on good communication between education, health, social care, voluntary organisations and families, while sharing information lawfully.

Quality Assurance Checklist

Review local contact details regularly, remove outdated information, confirm referral routes and record the date each section was last checked.

Frontline Worker Checklist

• Listen to the child or family.
• Identify immediate risks.
• Gain consent where appropriate.
• Know when safeguarding overrides consent.
• Record actions taken.
• Follow up referrals.
• Review outcomes.

Preparing Future Editions

Future editions can include updated Milton Keynes organisations, service changes, new legislation, QR codes, local maps and expanded referral pathways.