Support and Advice
Index
Local support groups and services
It is difficult to know where to start, and who to turn to, when your child/young person has emerging, or a diagnosis of special educational needs. Click on the links below to find information, support and resources offered locally.
SEND in Mind Wandsworth
Wandsworth’s SEND in Mind branch has family workers who can provide information, advice, and practical support. Families are matched trained volunteers who can help with completing forms and booking appointments .
Wandsworth’s SEND Local Offer
Wandsworth’s SEND local offer is the services, activities and providers that the council expects to be available locally for children and young people from 0 to 25 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The SEND Local Offer website sets out what these services, activities and providers are and how to access them.
For advice or information about Wandsworth’s SEND local offer you can also call or email the DCR team on 020 8871 8907 or email them at
Family Information Service
The Family Information Service provides information and assistance to parents, children, young people and professionals on support services and activities for the 0-19 years age group (25 if the young person has a special need). This includes information on childcare, leisure and holiday activities as well as information about personal budgets for children and young people.
Wandsworth Information Advice and Support Service (WIASS)
WIASS is a free service providing confidential and impartial information, legal advice and support to children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their parents.
(Also known as SENDIASS)
SEN Talk
Wandsworth Autism Advisory Service (WAAS)
WAAS advice and resources online
- Timers
- Now/next boards
- Visual Timetables
- Choice Boards
- Objects of Reference
- Sensory Circuits
- Sensory Processing Introduction – Parent Workshop with Vicky Robinson (OT)
- Talking with your child about their autism diagnosis video part 1 Links to video’s 2 and 3 can be found at the bottom of the first video
- Talking with your child about their diagnosis leaflet
- Useful links to help you cope at home
WAAS Sibling groups
WAAS aim to run regular groups for children and young people who have an Autistic sibling. Groups normally run in the school holidays. Complete the group screener and you will be contacted with dates of when these are taking place.
Wandsworth Carers Centre
Wandsworth Carers Centre is a registered charity that has been providing support to to unpaid carers in Wandsworth since 1995. They can provide help, support, advice and guidance on a range of issues relating to caring for a child or young person with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Supporting Disabled Children's Service
Support for children and young people with severe and enduring disabilities from 0-25 years old and their parents/carers.
Services Include:
- support for children and young people, their families and carers
- assessments of children and young people’s needs
- ensuring the safety of disabled children and young people
- identification of additional resources required
- care of looked after children and young people with disabilities, and organisation of short breaks
- personal Budgets and direct payments
Disabled Children's Register
The Disabled Children’s Register (DCR) records details of children and young people in Wandsworth who have a physical or learning disability. The Register collects information on children and young people who are under 18 years old.
What are the benefits of registering?
You will:
- receive regular information on services for you and/or your child or young person, via eNewsletters
- be able to apply for a WAND card if you meet the criteria; and
- have your say on influencing services in Wandsworth.
WAND card and WAND Card Plus
WAND cards are provided to children and young people who are on the Disabled Children’s Register (DCR) as they have a significant level of special educational needs, disabilities or complex health needs.
The Wand Card and Wand Card + (18-25 years) give eligibility for a range of discounts and concessions from participating business and services, leisures centres and parking in Wandsworth.
Blue Badge parking scheme
A Blue Badge is a parking permit which allows people with certain disabilities to park closer to where they need to go.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 and young people over 16 with a physical and/or learning disability who need help with personal care or walking.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) started to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from 8th April 2013 for people aged 16 to 64 with a health condition or disability.
Personal Budgets
Personal budgets are available for support which is individual to the child or young person. They allow parents and young people more choice and control over the support they receive.
Direct Payments
Direct payments are a way of assisting people to gain greater independence in their lives and more control over their support arrangements.
