Health

CCGs are responsible for the planning and commissioning of health care services for their local area. The CCG covering Reading is Berkshire West, details of which can be found here.

The Reading Local Offer is where to go for information about health services and provision for children and young people with SEN or disabilities including speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, services relating to mental health, continence services and continuing care for children with complex health needs.

There is guidance for schools on supporting children and young people with medical conditions. This can be found here.

Health professionals (for example school or specialist nurses and therapists) may work with your child or young person and may also advise or train settings to manage health conditions.

Children with complex medical needs may have an Individual Healthcare Plan (these are not the same as Education, Health and Care or EHC plans). This will help a school to effectively plan what your child needs and can provide reassurance about who will do what, and when. Healthcare professionals should be involved in the process, but school will be responsible for finalising and maintaining the plan.

As part of an EHC needs assessment, the SEND team will seek advice from health about their previous involvement and assessments for your child. Information about any health provision can be found within section G of the EHC plan. If you are appealing about the education sections of a plan you may now (during a national trial) also include the sections relating to health or social care needs or provision. Though the tribunal will not be able to make legally binding orders on health and social care, it is expected that their recommendations will generally be followed.

Advice and information for users of health services (including how to complain) is offered by The Advocacy People