Looking for support?

You know yourself or your child best, so you might be the first to notice that you need some support. You could be looking for support with things like:

speech and language
reading and writing
challenging behaviour
every day tasks like: sleeping, toileting or eating
a medical condition
a sensory or physical need

This guide will help you decide what to do next. It covers who to talk and when.

You can also read more about what Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) means, and have a look through our parent carer guide to SEND.

Young children standing on blankets in a round space. A cartoon penguin with a pink bow stands in the middle.

Who can I talk to?

Health

If you are worried about your child’s health or development, you can speak to the 0-19 Service which includes midwife, health visitor, school nurse or your family doctor.

📞 0191 282 3319 (for 0-19 service)
🏥 Contact your family doctor’s surgery.

Education

If your child attends a childcare setting, school or college, you can talk to a teacher, key worker or any trusted staff member.

You may also want to speak to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO).

For support navigating SEND in education you can contact the Special Educational Need and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS), or view the SENDIASS information resource.

📞 0191 2116255
📲 07966 281 162 (text service for young people)
📧 SENDIASSadmin@newcastle.gov.uk

The Community Family Offer

There is lots of support for families available across Newcastle. Call in to your nearest hub, or contact them to see what's available.

📞 0191 272 7824 (Inner West)
📧 innerwestcfn@newcastle.gov.uk

📞 0191 275 9636 (East)
📧 eastcfn@newcastle.gov.uk

📞 0191 277 7800 (Outer West)
📧 outerwestcfn@newcastle.gov.uk

📞 0191 211 5773 (North)
📧 northcfn@newcastle.gov.uk

Find your nearest family hub

You can also contact the Early Help Access Point:

📞 0191 211 5805
📧 earlyhelp@newcastle.gov.uk

Local Support

Connecting with peers can help you share experiences, learn from others and feel supported. Check out our timetable for local support.

SENDIASS

Newcastle SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) offers support with education matters to parents and carers and people up to age 25 with SEND.