Find information about specialist NHS services that support children and young people with SEND and additional health needs.

Children and young people with SEND may be able to access specialist health services to support their development, communication, physical health and wellbeing.

Most services require a referral from a GP, Health Visitor, School Nurse or another healthcare professional.

Use the information below to find the service that best matches your child or young person's needs.

On this page

• NHS Children's Therapies

• Community Paediatric Medical Service

• Children's Continence Service

• Community Special Care Dentistry Service

• Health Services for Children who are Looked After

• Not sure which service you need?

NHS Children's Therapies

Children's Therapies support children and young people whose SEND affects their communication, movement, physical development or everyday activities.

This service may help with:

• Speech, language and communication difficulties

• Physical development and movement difficulties

• Fine motor skills

• Gross motor skills

• Eating and drinking difficulties

• Developing independence and everyday living skills

Services include:

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Physiotherapy

Learn more about NHS Children’s Therapies

Community Paediatric Medical Service (Community Paediatricians)

Community Paediatricians provide assessment, diagnosis and medical support for children and young people with developmental difficulties, disabilities and complex needs.

This service may help with:

• Developmental concerns

• Complex health needs

• Disabilities

• Neurodevelopmental difficulties

• Medical advice related to SEND

• Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and reviews

Learn more about the Community Paediatric Medical Service

Children's Continence Service

The Children's Continence Service supports children and young people who experience bladder or bowel difficulties.

This service may help with:

• Daytime wetting

• Soiling

• Toileting difficulties

• Toilet training

• Continence needs associated with SEND or disabilities

• Complex continence needs

Learn more about the Children’s Continence Service

Community Special Care Dentistry Service

This service provides specialist dental care for children and young people who may find it difficult to access routine dental services.

This service may help if your child has:

• A learning disability

• A physical disability

• Complex medical needs

• Severe anxiety about dental treatment

• Additional needs requiring specialist dental support

Learn more about the Community Special Care Dentistry Service

Health Services for Children who are Looked After

This service supports the health and wellbeing of children and young people who are looked after by the local authority.

Support includes:

• Statutory health assessments

• Regular health reviews

• Health monitoring

• Access to specialist health services where needed

• Advice and support for carers and professionals

Learn more about Health Services for Children who are Looked After

Not Sure Which Service You Need?

If you are unsure which specialist health service is right for your child or young person, speak to one of the following professionals:

• Your GP

• Health Visitor

• School Nurse

• SENCO

• Other healthcare professionals involved with your child

They can help identify the most appropriate service and make referrals where needed.