Wakefield SEND Service Directory

Educational Psychology (EP) Team

The Educational Psychology (EP) Team provides advice and support for a wide range of needs that may affect a child or young person’s experience in education.

This can include support with:

Cognition and learning
Communication and interaction
Social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH)

The team works with education settings to help improve progress, support wellbeing, and promote inclusion.

How the Team Supports

Educational Psychologists (EPs) work with schools and settings to identify and respond to needs using a graduated approach known as “assess, plan, do, review.”

They help to:

Understand individual needs
Develop effective support strategies
Review progress and outcomes

EPs also offer tailored training and may be involved in specific projects to support schools and wider services.

Statutory Duties

EPs have an important role in statutory processes. This includes:

Providing psychological advice as part of an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)
Contributing to annual reviews of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), especially when needs change or at key transition points
Offering professional advice as part of SEND Tribunal appeals

Critical Incident Support

In the event of a serious or unexpected incident affecting a school community, the EP team can offer advice and support.

Support is tailored to the needs of the setting and may include:

Guidance on supporting pupils and staff
Advice on communication with parents, carers, and the wider community
Help to identify and plan support for those most affected

The approach is flexible and aims to provide effective support while minimising disruption to the setting.

Accessing the Service

Educational settings in Wakefield can choose to purchase support from the Educational Psychology Service through a Service Level Agreement.

All work is agreed in partnership with the setting and planned through meetings to ensure it meets identified needs.

Telephone: 01924 307403
Email: eps@wakefield.gov.uk

Educational Improvement Teachers (EITs)

Educational Improvement Teachers (EITs) are part of the Educational Psychology Service in Wakefield. The team includes six qualified teachers, including a Lead Educational Improvement Teacher.

EITs work across different areas of the local authority, following the Wakefield Families Together model, to support children, young people, and their families.

How the Team Supports

EITs work with Targeted Early Help practitioners to support active casework where there are barriers to education.

They offer consultation, advice, and support, and may carry out specific interventions as part of a wider family support plan.

Areas of support can include:

Behaviour
Risk of exclusion
Reintegration into school
Transitions between settings
Anxiety
Emotionally based school avoidance

EITs use a person-centred approach, working to raise aspirations, represent the views of children and young people, and reduce barriers to education.

Ways of Working

EITs support children and young people by:

Gathering and representing their views (pupil voice)
Sharing this information with school staff
Contributing to support plans in school
Supporting discussions in Team Around the Family meetings

Alternative Provision Panel

If a child or young person is at risk of permanent exclusion, schools can request support from EITs through the Wakefield Alternative Provision Panel.

To do this, schools complete a ‘Request for Support’ form by contacting:
inclusionpanels@wakefield.gov.uk

Referrals are then scheduled for the next available panel meeting, where appropriate support options will be discussed.

If you would like more information about the team of Educational Improvement Teachers, please contact:

Telephone: 01924 307403
Email: eps@wakefield.gov.uk

Education Therapy Team (ETT)

The Education Therapy Team (ETT) is part of the Educational Psychology Service in Wakefield. The team supports children and young people across the district who are receiving suspensions or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream education.

The team uses specialist knowledge to support vulnerable children and young people within school settings.

How the Team Supports

ETT provides a range of support to children, families, and schools, including:

Individual therapeutic support for children and young people in school
Advice and guidance for parents, carers, and education staff
Support to strengthen relationships between children, families, and schools
Signposting to specialist services for additional help
Helping school staff better understand social and emotional needs
Working with other professionals during the intervention period, where appropriate

The approach is supportive and non-judgemental, focusing on improving outcomes and engagement in education.

Accessing the Service

Primary and Secondary school Headteachers can request involvement from the Education Therapy Team by completing a ‘Request for Support’ form.

This can be accessed by contacting:
inclusionpanels@wakefield.gov.uk

Completed requests should be submitted to the Inclusion Panels for their local cluster area, where appropriate support will be considered.

Telephone: 01924 307403
Email: eps@wakefield.gov.uk

Portage Service

Portage is a service for children aged 0–5 who have additional needs and are not yet attending an educational setting.

It is a home-based teaching service for pre-school children who may have developmental delays. These may be linked to learning or physical needs, a specific condition, or where there is no clear reason but development is slower than expected.

The service supports parents and carers to help their child learn at home, with guidance from a trained Portage Home Visitor.

More information can be found on the National Portage Association website:
www.portage.org.uk

How the Service Supports

Portage focuses on helping children learn through enjoyable and meaningful activities at home.

A Portage Home Visitor works with the family by:

Assessing what the child can already do using a structured checklist
Developing a personalised teaching plan based on the child’s needs and family priorities
Supporting parents and carers to build confidence in helping their child learn

During Portage Involvement

Portage Home Visitors use a range of approaches to support learning and development.

During weekly visits, they will:

Demonstrate activities to help teach new skills
Show how to observe and record progress
Create a clear weekly activity plan (Activity Chart)

Parents and carers:

Practise the activities during the visit
Continue short, daily activities with the child throughout the week

At the next visit, progress is reviewed and the next steps are agreed together, ensuring support remains tailored to the child’s development.

If you know of a family who would benefit from receiving Portage or would like further details about the Service, please contact:

Telephone: 01924 307403
Email: eps@wakefield.gov.uk

SEN Assessment and Review Team

The SEN Assessment and Review Team (SENART) is responsible for managing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

An EHCP is a single plan for children and young people aged 0–25 who have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). It brings together support across education, health, and care.

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP is used when a child or young person needs a higher level of support to help them make progress.

It is created following a detailed assessment of their:

Educational needs
Health needs
Care and support needs

The plan ensures that all these needs are considered together and supported in a coordinated way.

An EHCP is a legal (statutory) document and is guided by the SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years).

Requesting an Assessment

Before requesting an EHCP assessment, schools and settings are expected to have taken appropriate steps to support the child or young person through SEND Support (their existing resources and strategies).

If progress remains limited despite this support, a request can be made for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA).

This assessment involves professionals from different services working together to understand the child or young person’s needs.

Who Can Request an Assessment?

A request for an EHCP assessment can be made by:

A parent or carer (or someone acting on their behalf)
A young person aged 16 or over (or someone acting on their behalf)
A school or post-16 setting (with the knowledge and agreement of the young person and their family)

Telephone: 01924 302465
Email: SENART@wakefield.gov.uk

Preparing for Adulthood Team

The Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Team supports children and young people with SEND to develop the skills and confidence needed for adult life.

The team works from the early years onwards, helping young people prepare for further education, employment, and independence, based on their interests and aspirations.

Key Outcomes

Preparing for Adulthood is an important part of the SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years).

The focus is on supporting young people to achieve four key life outcomes:

Employment and further education
Independent living
Friendships, relationships, and participation in the community
Good health and wellbeing

The overall aim is to support young people with SEND to achieve their goals and move into adulthood with confidence.

How the Team Supports

The PfA Team works with young people, families, and professionals to:

Develop personalised approaches based on individual needs and aspirations
Create a shared vision for positive future outcomes
Improve opportunities and support after age 16
Raise aspirations by sharing clear and realistic pathways to adulthood

Support focuses on building independence, life skills, and opportunities that lead to meaningful outcomes in adult life.

5 Day Offer

The Preparing for Adulthood Team also delivers the 5 Day Offer for young people in post-16 education who have an EHCP.

This supports young people who are attending education on a reduced timetable (for example, 3 days per week) by helping to plan additional activities for the rest of the week.

This may include:

Accessing community activities
Work experience or placements
Volunteering opportunities

The aim is to support a smooth and effective transition into adulthood.

Support is tailored to each young person and is typically provided for up to 6 months.

Accessing the Service

Requests for support from a 5 Day Officer can be made through the Local Offer, where a referral form is available.

The team can also provide advice to schools, colleges, and specialist settings to help young people make informed decisions about their next steps, in line with their interests and future goals.

Email: SENDPFA@wakefield.gov.uk

Sensory and Physical Difficulties Team

The Sensory and Physical Difficulties Team supports children and young people from birth up to the age of 25 who have sensory or physical needs.

The team is made up of a range of trained specialists, including Advisory Teachers, Educational Audiologists, Deaf Instructors, Habilitation Specialists, an Occupational Therapist, and Specialist Support Officers.

They work with schools, colleges, and other education settings to support children and young people with:

Vision (sight) impairment
Hearing impairment (including deafness)
Multi-sensory impairment
Physical difficulties

The team also works closely with health services to make sure support is joined up and meets each young person’s wider needs.

How the Team Supports

The team helps education settings to:

Understand a young person’s needs
Set appropriate outcomes and goals
Identify strategies and interventions to reduce barriers to learning

Areas of Advice and Support

The team can provide advice and guidance on:

Reasonable adjustments within education settings
Effective learning strategies
Adaptations to buildings and environments
Use of specialist equipment
Safe moving and handling techniques

The overall aim is to improve access to learning and promote inclusion for all pupils.

Accessing the Service

Education settings can request support by contacting WISENDSS to ask for a referral form. Parental consent is required. Referrals can also be made by health professionals.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is not required to access support from the team.

Email: WISENDSS@wakefield.gov.uk (Monday to Thursday Term Time Only).

SEND Inclusion Advisory Team

The SEND Inclusion Advisory Team is made up of specialist teachers who support children and young people in accessing mainstream education.

The team works with a wide range of needs, including:

Autism
Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Learning needs

Their aim is to help reduce barriers to learning and support inclusion in education settings.

How the Team Supports

The team provides support and training at different levels, including:

Individual pupils
Departments
Whole school settings

They work with education staff to improve understanding, develop strategies, and support positive outcomes for children and young people.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Inclusion/Advisory Teacher for EAL supports children and young people who use English as an additional language.

They offer:

Training, advice, and support to education settings
Guidance to help improve pupil progress and achievement

All schools can access a free consultation to discuss the needs of their EAL learners and ways to support them effectively.

Additional tailored training and teaching packages are also available to meet the specific needs of schools and pupils.

Accessing the Service

To access support from WISENDSS, schools must first gain consent from a parent or carer before sharing pupil information.

Once consent is received, schools complete and submit a referral form to request support.

Email: WISENDSS@wakefield.gov.uk (Monday to Thursday Term Time Only).

Early Years

The Early Years team within WISENDSS supports children and young people with SEND at both an individual level and across whole settings.

The service helps early years settings develop the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to SEND, promote inclusion, and support positive outcomes.

How the Team Supports

The team works with early years settings to:

Develop staff skills and confidence in supporting SEND
Use a graduated response to meet individual needs
Put in place appropriate provision, strategies, and interventions
Support inclusive practice

They also encourage a multi-agency approach, working alongside other professionals through:

Team Around the Early Years (TAEY)
Team Around the School (TAS)

Settings are supported to use consultation and referral processes to identify children who may need additional support.

Maintained Nursery Settings

For maintained nursery settings, Early Years staff work closely with the Central Advisory Teacher.

Together, they:

Liaise with the SENCO
Support the identification and planning for children with SEND
Provide advice and guidance to strengthen provision

School-Based Nurseries

The Central Advisory Teacher supports school-based nursery settings by:

Using planning or consultation meetings
Working with staff to identify children who may need different levels of support
Collaborating with the central lead teacher to plan next steps

PVI Settings and Childminders

For private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) settings and childminders, support is provided through the Area SENCO.

This includes:

Planning meetings
Support following a request for involvement
Help with identifying children who may need additional or different levels of support.

Email: EYSEND@wakefield.gov.uk

Home to School Transport Team

The Home to School Transport Team helps make sure children and young people can get to school safely and regularly.

Support with transport may be available depending on a child’s age, distance from school, and individual circumstances.

Who May Be Eligible

Transport support may be available for:

Children under 8 who live more than 2 miles from their nearest qualifying primary school (this applies until the end of the term in which they turn 8)
Children aged 8 to 16 (up to Year 11) who live 3 miles or more from their nearest qualifying school

Additional support may be available for:

Children aged 8 to 11 who receive free school meals or whose parents receive the maximum level of Working Tax Credit, if they live more than 2 miles from their nearest qualifying school
Children aged 11 to 16 (Years 7 to 11) who receive free school meals or whose parents receive the maximum level of Working Tax Credit, if they attend one of their three nearest qualifying schools between 2 and 6 miles from home

Additional Support

Transport support may also be considered for:

Children who are unable to walk to school due to special educational needs, disability, or mobility difficulties
Children who cannot safely walk to school because of the route, even with support
Young children whose parents or carers are unable to accompany them due to disability

The aim of the service is to remove barriers to attendance and support access to education.

Telephone: 01924 305675
Email: hst@wakefield.gov.uk

Independent Travel Training

Independent Travel Training is a programme delivered in schools or colleges to help young people develop the skills needed to travel independently.

The Travel Training Team mainly works with students in Years 10 and 11 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and are currently using assisted transport.

The aim is to support young people to travel safely and confidently to and from school or college using public transport.

How the Programme Supports

The training helps young people to:

Build confidence when travelling independently
Learn practical travel skills, such as planning a journey and staying safe
Develop independence in preparation for adulthood

Although the programme often starts in Years 10 and 11, earlier involvement (Years 7–9) can be beneficial. Starting sooner allows more time to build skills and increases long-term independence and travel options.

Working with Families

The Travel Training Team works closely with parents and carers throughout the process.

They provide reassurance by:

Visiting families at home
Explaining how the training works
Keeping parents and carers informed at each stage

This helps address any concerns and ensures families feel confident about the support being provided.

Benefits of Travel Training

Independent Travel Training can lead to a range of positive outcomes, including:

Reduced need for escorts when travelling
More flexibility and independence for the young person
Increased time for parents and carers to focus on other activities, such as work or study
Greater confidence and life skills
Improved preparation for adulthood
A positive impact on family relationships and roles

Additional Information

Children and young people with vision impairment (VI) or multi-sensory impairment (MSI) may receive specialist habilitation training, which is different from independent travel training.

Telephone: 01924 306848
Email: independenttraveltrainingteam@wakefield.gov.uk

Alternative Provision

The Alternative Provision (AP) Service at Wakefield Council supports children and young people who are unable to attend mainstream school, including those who have been permanently excluded.

The service ensures that pupils who are permanently excluded are placed in an alternative education setting from day 6, in line with legal requirements.

How the Service Supports

The AP Service works with schools and alternative provision settings to:

Support pupils during and after exclusion
Help pupils reintegrate back into mainstream education where appropriate
Coordinate support between different services and settings

Multi-Agency Support

The AP Service leads a multi-agency approach for children and young people with behavioural needs who may need additional support but do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Support is provided through a structured three-tier model, with input from:

Senior local authority officers
Headteachers from across the district

This may include a short-term “step-out” offer, designed to provide additional support outside of the mainstream setting.

Access to this support must be requested by the child or young person’s school or academy.

Additional Roles

The AP Service also:

Provides quality assurance for alternative provision settings
Offers emergency advice and guidance to schools
Works with partner services to ensure appropriate follow-up and support

Further information about AP Panels and available support can be found here:
https://educationservices.wakefield.gov.uk/Page/18365

Email: inclusionpanels@wakefield.gov.uk

Education Welfare Service – School Attendance

The Education Welfare Service supports schools, children, young people, and their families to promote good school attendance and access to education.

While the service has a legal role in enforcing attendance, the main focus is on working with families and schools to resolve concerns early and avoid the need for legal action where possible.

How the Service Supports

Education Welfare Officers (EWOs) work closely with schools and families to understand the reasons behind poor attendance and find practical solutions.

They can:

Encourage parents and carers to engage with schools and discuss concerns
Offer advice and guidance on education-related issues
Explain legal responsibilities around school attendance
Help strengthen communication between home and school
Support schools to better understand individual circumstances

Understanding Attendance Challenges

Irregular school attendance can often be linked to a range of personal or family challenges.

EWOs work to:

Identify pupils with ongoing attendance concerns
Understand the underlying causes of absence
Assess wider factors affecting attendance
Work with schools, families, and other professionals to plan appropriate support

Working with Schools and Families

The service supports schools by:

Analysing and monitoring attendance data
Identifying patterns of absence, including persistent absence
Supporting the development of action plans
Reviewing the impact of strategies put in place

EWOs then work with families and schools to implement support plans aimed at improving attendance and removing barriers.

Legal Responsibilities

Where necessary, the Education Welfare Service may take legal action on behalf of the local authority if attendance does not improve despite support.

However, this is usually a last resort after other support options have been explored.

Wider Responsibilities

The Education Welfare Service also has responsibilities for:

Children missing from education
Elective home education
Child employment
Entertainment licensing

Some aspects of the service may vary for academies, as not all statutory responsibilities apply in the same way.

General Enquiries Email: ews@wakefield.gov.uk
Children Missing Education Enquiries Email: educationcme@wakefield.gov.uk

Core Team

The Core Team provides support to children, young people, and their families to improve emotional wellbeing and address mental health needs.

The team works with those who require further assessment and support following involvement from other CAMHS services, such as the Primary Intervention Team, Future in Mind MHST, or the ReACH Team.

How the Service Supports

The Core Team offers short-term, focused support through:

Individual sessions with a clinician
Group work programmes

Support is usually provided for up to eight sessions, depending on the needs of the child or young person.

The aim is to provide targeted intervention to help manage difficulties, build coping strategies, and improve overall wellbeing.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

Primary Intervention Team

The Primary Intervention Team provides a main point of access to CAMHS services in Wakefield through the Single Point of Access (SPA).

Referrals can be made by parents, carers, young people, and professionals, and are reviewed to identify the most appropriate support.

How the Service Supports

The SPA team offers advice, guidance, and signposting for those waiting for support from CAMHS services.

They also provide a range of support options designed to build knowledge and skills around emotional wellbeing, including:

Carer Information Sessions
Group work programmes
“2plus1” sessions, which offer individual assessment and targeted support

These approaches aim to support young people experiencing emotional wellbeing difficulties, as well as those who care for them.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing. This includes downloadable workbooks, guides, and leaflets on a variety of topics.

Websites:

Future in Mind MHST (Mental Health Support Team)

The Future in Mind Mental Health Support Team (MHST) focuses on early intervention and prevention to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

The team works closely with education settings and contributes to the Wakefield Families Together (WFT) Team Around the School (TAS) approach.

How the Service Supports

The MHST provides support through both targeted and wider school-based approaches.

Targeted support includes:

Evidence-based interventions for children and young people
Individual and group support sessions
Support for parents and carers

Wider support includes:

Assemblies and classroom-based activities
Information sessions for parents and carers
Advice and consultation for education staff

Workforce Development

The team also provides training for professionals working with children and young people across Wakefield.

Training covers a range of mental health and wellbeing topics, including:

Anxiety
Low mood
Attachment
Self-harm
Sleep

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

Specialised Therapies Team

The Specialised Therapies Team provides support for children and young people who need more in-depth or longer-term therapeutic support.

This service is usually accessed after initial support from another CAMHS team, where further intervention has been identified as beneficial.

How the Service Supports

The team offers a range of specialised therapies tailored to individual needs. These may include:

Art psychotherapy
Child and adolescent psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Family and systemic psychotherapy
Play therapy
Psychological therapies

Support is designed to help children and young people better understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

The team often works closely with other professionals to provide coordinated support for children, young people, and their families.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

Psychiatry Pathway

The Psychiatry Pathway provides specialist support for children and young people with mental health needs where medication may be considered as part of their care.

This service is usually accessed following involvement from other CAMHS teams, when further assessment is needed.

How the Service Supports

Referrals to the Psychiatry Pathway are made by CAMHS professionals. The team then carries out detailed assessments to understand needs and consider the most appropriate support.

This may include:

Psychiatric assessments
Considering whether medication could be helpful
Ongoing reviews of medication where it is already being used
Developing a clear understanding (formulation) of a young person’s needs

The team follows national guidance to ensure safe and effective care, including:

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines
British Association for Psychopharmacology recommendations
STOMP guidance, which focuses on reducing unnecessary medication, particularly for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism

The overall aim is to ensure that any use of medication is appropriate, carefully monitored, and part of a broader support plan.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

ReACH Team (Responsive Adolescent and Children’s Home-based Treatment)

The ReACH Team provides urgent and responsive mental health support for children and young people in the community or within a hospital setting.

The service is designed to offer quick assessment and short-term support during a mental health crisis or when additional support is needed.

How the Service Supports

The ReACH Team offers:

Emergency and urgent mental health assessments
Up to seven follow-up appointments in the community after attendance at services such as Pontefract Urgent Treatment Centre, Pinderfields Hospital, or other hospitals (for those registered with a Wakefield GP)
Intensive home-based support to help prevent hospital admission or further decline in mental health

The team also supports children and young people when they are leaving hospital or inpatient services, helping to ensure a safe and supported transition back into the community.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

Eating Disorders Team

The Eating Disorders Team provides specialist support for children and young people experiencing disordered eating or diagnosed eating disorders.

This includes conditions such as:

Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

How the Service Supports

The team offers:

Consultation and advice
Assessment of eating-related difficulties
Evidence-based treatments and interventions

Support is tailored to individual needs and can include home-based support. The level of support can increase where needed, including involvement in hospital settings through the acute paediatric pathway.

Specialist Team

The team is made up of a range of professionals, including:

Family therapists
Psychiatrists
Mental health practitioners from nursing, social work, and occupational therapy backgrounds

They work together to provide coordinated care for children, young people, and their families.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

Enhanced Outreach Team (EOT)

The Enhanced Outreach Team (EOT) provides mental health support for children and young people in care, as well as support for their caregivers and the professionals working with them.

The aim of the service is to offer timely assessment and appropriate therapeutic support based on individual needs.

How the Service Supports

The team provides:

Mental health assessments
Targeted therapeutic interventions
Support for carers and professionals

Their work focuses on helping children and young people experience safe, stable, and nurturing environments that support their wellbeing and development.

Working with Complex Needs

The team also supports children and young people who may display behaviours linked to underlying mental health needs, including those with experiences such as early developmental trauma.

Where there are additional concerns, including behaviours of a forensic nature, the team works closely with other services, including:

Forensic CAMHS (F-CAMHS)
Emotional Wellbeing Team (EWBT)
Youth Offending Team (YOT)

This joined-up approach ensures that support is coordinated and responsive to individual circumstances.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

Neurodiverse Inclusive Support Team (NIST)

The Neurodiverse Inclusive Support Team (NIST) provides mental health support for children and young people who are neurodivergent, as well as their caregivers and the professionals working with them.

Support may be provided both with and without a formal diagnosis. This includes children and young people:

Attending specialist schools
Waiting for an assessment for autism (ASC) or ADHD
Experiencing significant challenges in daily life related to their needs

How the Service Supports

NIST provides tailored mental health support for children and young people who may find it difficult to access support through mainstream CAMHS services.

The team makes adaptations to ensure support is accessible and appropriate to individual needs.

Support may include:

Mental health assessment and intervention
Advice and guidance for families and professionals
Adapted approaches to meet communication and sensory needs

Working with Other Services

NIST works closely with a range of services to provide coordinated support, including:

Children’s Learning Disability Teams
Specialist schools
Specialist respite providers (such as Star House, Wasdale, and York Villas)
Wakefield Awareness Support Project (WASP)
Wakefield Parent/Carer Forum

This joined-up approach helps ensure that support is consistent and responsive to each child or young person’s needs.

Contact Information

Wakefield CAMHS SPA Team

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

CAMHS ReACH Team

Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Telephone: 01924 316200

Further Information and Resources

Wakefield CAMHS provides a range of online resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including downloadable workbooks, guides, and information materials.

Websites:

Children’s Speech and Language Therapy

Children’s Speech and Language Therapy supports children and young people with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) to help them reach their full potential.

The service also provides advice and support to families and professionals working with children.

How the Service Supports

Speech and Language Therapists assess and support children with a wide range of needs, including:

Delayed or disordered language development
Speech sound difficulties
Stammering
Voice disorders
Social communication differences, including autism
Severe learning difficulties
Physical disabilities (for example, cerebral palsy)
Hearing impairment
Maxillofacial conditions (such as cleft palate)
Feeding and swallowing difficulties

Therapists work with children, families, and settings to develop strategies that support communication, understanding, and participation in everyday activities.

They also help parents and carers build confidence in supporting their child’s communication, as well as feeding and swallowing where relevant.

Drop-In Support

The service offers “Walk in for Talking” drop-in sessions.

These sessions allow parents and carers to access support without an appointment if they have concerns about a child’s speech, language, or communication development.

At these sessions:

Advice and guidance can be provided
If needed, a referral can be made for further support
Children may be offered a more detailed assessment through an Initial Assessment Clinic

To book an appointment please contact the Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Team
Telephone: 01977 465417 (Monday-Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm)

Children’s Occupational Therapy

The Children’s Occupational Therapy Team provides support for children and young people from birth up to age 19 (if in full-time education) who live in or attend school in the Wakefield area.

The service focuses on helping children and young people take part in everyday activities, including play, learning, and self-care.

How the Service Supports

The team provides assessment and therapy for children whose ability to take part in daily activities is affected by:

Illness
Disability
Developmental difficulties

Support may include:

Helping children develop skills for play, learning, and independence
Providing advice on physical support and positioning
Recommending changes to the environment or equipment to support independence
Reducing the level of support needed from parents and carers

Therapy and support can take place in a range of settings, including:

Hospitals and clinics
Children’s centres
Nurseries, schools (mainstream and specialist)
The child’s home

The team works closely with professionals in health, education, and social care to provide coordinated support.

Assessment and Planning

Assessments are tailored to the individual needs of each child and may focus on areas such as physical development or coordination.

The team works with children, young people, and their families to:

Identify goals that are important to them
Develop a personalised treatment plan
Support progress towards achievable outcomes

Conditions Supported

The service supports children whose development is affected by a wide range of conditions, including both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) needs.

Accessing the Service

Referrals can be made by:

A child’s consultant
A GP
A school medical officer

Children and young people who have previously accessed the service may also be able to self-refer.

Following referral, needs will be assessed, and children may be placed on a waiting list depending on demand.

To access the service, children must live in or attend school within the Wakefield district.

Service Locations

The team is based within Children’s Centres at:

Pinderfields Hospital – Telephone: 01924 541411
Pontefract Hospital – Telephone: 01977 747180

These centres include children’s outpatient services and therapy services.

Children’s Physiotherapy

Children’s Physiotherapy supports babies, children, and young people up to the age of 17 who have difficulties with movement, physical development, or related health conditions.

Physiotherapists have specialist knowledge of child development, movement, and a wide range of physical conditions.

How the Service Supports

The team works with children, young people, and their families to create individual treatment plans that support physical development and help them reach their full potential.

Support may include:

Assessment and diagnosis of physical conditions
Development of personalised therapy programmes
Support to improve movement, strength, and coordination
Advice and guidance for families and education staff

The team works closely with other professionals to provide coordinated support.

Areas of Support

The service provides support across a range of areas, including:

Early Years (Under 5s)

Assessment and advice for concerns about physical development
Early support to support movement and development

Mainstream Schools and Colleges

Support for children and young people aged 5–18 with physical disabilities
Joint working with families, education staff, and other professionals

Hospital-Based Support

Assessment and treatment for children on hospital wards
Support in A&E and children’s units where required
Respiratory care for children with breathing difficulties
Support following surgery, including mobility and recovery
Close working with Occupational Therapists for functional assessments after discharge

Professional Standards

All physiotherapists in the team:

Are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
Are part of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP)

Accessing the Service

Referrals can be made for children and young people who require physiotherapy support.

Following referral, children may be seen in a specialist clinic or by a physiotherapist working within their local area.

Service Locations

The team is based at:

Pinderfields Hospital – Telephone: 01924 541411
Pontefract Hospital – Telephone: 01977 747180

Children’s Therapy Autism Assessment Service

The Children’s Therapy Autism Assessment Service at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals provides assessment for children and young people up to the age of 18.

The service helps to understand whether a child’s differences in communication, behaviour, and development may be linked to autism.

How the Service Works

If there are concerns about autism, a referral can be made using a social communication assessment referral form.

This form has two parts:

One completed by the parent or carer
One completed by a professional who knows the child (such as a teacher or health professional)

Assessment Process

The assessment process begins with a paediatrician who will:

Take a detailed history of the child’s development from birth
Explore current behaviours and concerns
Consider and rule out other possible explanations

If autism is considered a possible explanation, the referral will move to a Multi-Disciplinary Assessment (MDA) team for further assessment.

Multi-Disciplinary Assessment

The MDA involves a range of professionals, depending on the child’s needs. This may include:

Speech and Language Therapists – assessing communication and social interaction
Occupational Therapists – assessing functional skills, movement, and sensory needs
Clinical Psychologists – assessing social, emotional, and developmental needs
ASD Coordinators – supporting the assessment process and gathering additional information from families and education settings

Assessments are tailored to each child and based on their individual presentation.

Service Location

The service is based at:

Children’s Centre, Children’s Therapies
Pinderfields Hospital / Pontefract Hospital
Gate 3A, Aberford Road
Wakefield
WF1 4DG

Telephone: 01924 541411 (Monday to Sunday 8.30am - 4pm)
Email: midyorks.asccoordinators@nhs.net

Complex Care Needs Team

The Complex Care Needs Team is a social care service that supports children and young people aged 0–18 with complex health needs and disabilities.

The team works with children in need, those on child protection plans, and those involved in care proceedings. Their aim is to ensure that children receive the right support at the right time to improve outcomes.

How the Service Supports

The team provides assessment and support to help families meet the needs of children with:

Profound and multiple learning disabilities
Complex or long-term medical needs

They work to organise appropriate provision and ensure a coordinated approach to care and support.

Eligibility for Support

The service supports children and young people where:

A disability or health need has a significant and long-term impact on their daily life
There are challenges meeting needs within the family, wider support networks, or universal services

While decisions are based on individual need, children accessing the service often have:

A significant and long-term physical disability
A global learning disability
A severe communication difficulty
Autism with significant developmental delay, which may include behaviours that challenge
A significant sensory impairment
A chronic or life-limiting health condition

Referral and Initial Contact

An initial contact is made when a concern or request for support is raised about a child. This may include requests for advice, information, or services.

All contacts are considered alongside local guidance, including the Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership thresholds and Early Help criteria.

Safeguarding and Urgent Concerns

If a child is in immediate danger, the police should be contacted on 999.

Concerns should always be shared if it is believed that a child:

Has suffered significant harm
Is at risk of significant harm
Has needs that require additional support services

If a situation is urgent but not an emergency, contact should be made with the Integrated Front Door service.

Contact Information

Integrated Front Door
Telephone: 0345 8503 503
Email: social_care_direct_children@wakefield.gov.uk

If calling outside normal working hours (Monday–Thursday 8:30am–5:00pm, Friday 8:30am–4:30pm), the same number should be used to contact the Emergency Duty Team.

The Emergency Duty Team provides an emergency-only service. Non-urgent concerns should be raised during the next working day.

Short Breaks Assessment Team

The Short Breaks Assessment Team carries out assessments for children and young people aged 0–18 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The aim of the service is to support families and carers to continue providing care, while helping children and young people take part in activities at home and in their community.

What Are Short Breaks?

Short breaks are services that give children and young people with SEND opportunities to enjoy activities and experiences, while also providing support and respite for families.

Short breaks may include:

Accessible activities in the community
Support to take part in activities and social opportunities
Daytime or overnight care, either at home or in another setting
Support for carers during evenings, weekends, and school holidays

How the Service Supports

Short Break Assessments take a holistic approach, meaning they consider the needs of the whole family.

The aim is to:

Support children and young people to take part in everyday experiences
Help families continue to provide care
Promote inclusion within family and community life

Eligibility for Specialist Short Breaks

To access Specialist Short Breaks, an assessment is required. This is carried out by the Short Breaks Assessment Team or the Complex Care Needs Team.

The assessment looks at three key areas:

The child or young person’s needs and development
The needs of parents and carers
Family circumstances and environment

Eligibility is based on how these areas come together to determine the overall level of support required.

Accessing the Service

Families or professionals supporting a child or young person can request further information about accessing short breaks.

An assessment must be completed before eligibility for Specialist Short Breaks can be confirmed.

Email: sendshort-breaks@wakefield.gov.uk

Family Hubs and Team Around the Early Years (TAEY)

Family Hubs offer a one-stop service where parents, carers, and young people can access support for the whole family. Support can be accessed by visiting in person, or by contacting the hub by phone or email.

Families can also request early help through their child’s nursery, childminder, or health visitor, including support through the Team Around the Early Years (TAEY).

What is TAEY?

TAEY provides early help to families by bringing together a range of professionals to offer coordinated support when families are finding aspects of family life challenging.

The child’s nursery, childminder, or health visitor is usually the first point of contact. They will:

Talk with the family about the support they would like
Complete a referral form

How the Service Supports

The referral information is shared with a group of professionals from:

Early help services
Education
Health
Specialist services, where needed

These professionals work together to identify the most appropriate support for the family.

A family support plan is then developed, which may include:

Support from different professionals
Building a network of support
Access to group programmes or one-to-one support
Opportunities to take part in local community activities

Working with Families

Families are fully involved in planning and deciding what support they would like to receive.

If at any time a family no longer wants support, they can choose to stop by speaking with their nursery, childminder, health visitor, or local Family Hub.

Accessing the Service

Families can find their nearest Family Hub by visiting:
www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk

Childcare providers and professionals supporting families will:

Explain available support options
Agree the support the family would like to access
Help families connect with the appropriate services

Family Hubs and Team Around the School (TAS)

Family Hubs offer a one-stop service where parents, carers, and young people can access support for the whole family. Support can be accessed by visiting in person, or by contacting the hub by phone or email.

Families can also request early help through their child’s school, including support through the Team Around the School (TAS).

What is TAS?

TAS provides early help to families by bringing together a range of professionals to offer coordinated support when families are finding aspects of family life challenging.

The child’s school is usually the first point of contact. School staff will:

Talk with the family about the support they would like
Complete a referral form

How the Service Supports

The referral information is shared with a group of professionals from:

Early help services
Education
Health
Specialist services, where needed

These professionals work together to identify the most appropriate support for the family.

A family support plan is then developed, which may include:

Support from different professionals
Building a network of support
Access to group programmes or one-to-one support
Opportunities to take part in local community activities

Working with Families

Families are fully involved in planning and deciding what support they would like to receive.

If at any time a family no longer wants support, they can choose to stop by speaking with their child’s school or local Family Hub.

Accessing the Service

Families can find their nearest Family Hub by visiting:
www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk

Schools and professionals supporting families will:

Explain available support options
Agree the support the family would like to access
Help families connect with the appropriate services

Adult Social Care Transitions Team

The Adult Social Care Transitions Team supports young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) as they move from children’s services into adult services.

The team works across Wakefield and is part of the Community Team for Learning Disabilities (CTLD East).

How the Service Supports

The team works with young people from around age 16 (or earlier if needed) until they leave full-time education.

They complete a strengths-based assessment to:

Understand the young person’s needs
Identify their goals and aspirations for adult life
Determine whether they are likely to meet the criteria for adult social care support under the Care Act

The assessment also explores what support may be helpful, including both formal services and community-based options.

Planning for Adulthood

The young person is at the centre of all decisions. The assessment considers:

Their views, wishes, and feelings
Their goals for independence and adult life
The support needed to achieve these outcomes

Advice and information are provided to both the young person and their family about services and opportunities available locally.

Assessments are usually completed around age 17, but can take place earlier or later depending on individual circumstances.

Support and Funding

Young people who are eligible for adult social care may receive an individual budget to support their needs. This can be managed in different ways, including:

Direct payments
Individual service funds
Managed accounts
Personal health budgets, where appropriate

A financial assessment will determine whether a contribution towards care is required.

Working with Other Services

The Transitions Team works closely with other services to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood. This may include:

Adult Learning Disability Health Services
Adult Mental Health Services
Referrals for Continuing Healthcare, where appropriate

The team also supports the application of the Mental Capacity Act (2005), which applies from age 16, to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the young person where needed.

Supporting Families

The team works with parents and carers throughout the transition process, offering guidance and support to help them in their caring role and plan for the future.

Accessing the Service

Referrals to the Transitions Team can be made through Social Care Direct:

Telephone: 0345 8503 503
Email: Social_Care_Direct@wakefield.gov.uk

Wakefield SENDIASS

Wakefield SENDIASS is a free and impartial service provided by Family Action.

The service supports children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as their families, by offering information, advice, and guidance.

How the Service Supports

Wakefield SENDIASS provides support with:

Understanding SEND processes and systems
Education, health, and social care services
Personalisation and personal budgets
Signposting to other relevant services

The aim is to help families feel more confident in navigating support and making informed decisions.

Accessing the Service

Referrals can be made by email or telephone.

Please note that telephone calls are not answered live. A message can be left, and a member of the team will return the call.

Telephone: 01924 965588
Email: wakefieldsendiass@family-action.org.uk

Wakefield Parent Carer Forum

Wakefield Parent Carer Forum is an independent organisation that supports families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aged 0–25, living in the Wakefield area.

The forum is led by local parents and carers who work together to share experiences and represent the views of families, children, and young people.

How the Service Supports

The forum works in partnership with local services, including commissioners and providers, to:

Share the views and experiences of families
Influence the development and improvement of services
Promote participation and co-production

The aim is to help improve services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families across Wakefield.

Contact Information

Email: info@wakefieldparentcarers.co.uk

Website: www.wakefieldparentcarers.co.uk

Address:

Wakefield Parent Carer Forum
Unit 2, Airedale Business Centre
Kershaw Avenue
Castleford
WF10 3ES

WISENDSS	Wakefield Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Service
EPS	Educational Psychology Service
HTS	Home to School Transport
SENART	Special Educational Need Assessment and Review Team
PFA	Preparing for Adulthood
EWS	Education Welfare Service
AP	Alternative Provision
CAMHS	Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
SENDIASS	Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Support Service
PCF	Parent Carer Forum