Social Care Services
Understanding Social Care Support for Children with SEND
If your child has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), you may be entitled to support from children's social care services. Social care can provide practical help to support your child’s well-being and your family’s needs.
What is Social Care Support?
Social care services support children and young people with SEND by helping with:
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Assistance in the home (e.g., adaptations, equipment, or home help)
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Short breaks and respite care
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Support to access community activities
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Help with personal care needs
Who Provides Social Care Support?
Local authorities have a legal duty to provide social care support for children and young people with SEND. The key laws governing this are:
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The Children Act 1989 (sets out the duty to assess children in need)
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The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 (requires local authorities to provide certain services to disabled children)
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The Children and Families Act 2014 (integrates social care within Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans)
If your child has a disability or additional needs that impact their daily life, you can request a social care assessment to determine what support is available.
Social Care in an EHCP
When requesting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the Local Authority must consider social care needs.
If a child already has social care involvement, their Social Worker should contribute to the EHCP assessment.
If a child has not previously had social care involvement, professionals must still consider whether social care support is needed.
Social Care in an EHCP
If social care needs are identified, they will be included in Section H1 or H2 of the EHCP.
H1 (Statutory Social Care Support) – Includes legally required support under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970), such as:
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Help in the home
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Assistance with transport
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Support with social or leisure activities
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Adaptations to the home
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Short breaks
H2 (Additional Social Care Support) – Includes non-statutory support, such as:
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Residential short breaks
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Services linked to SEND but not disability-related
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Social care direct payments
For young people over 18, Section H2 may also include adult social care services.
Children’s Social Care: Your Rights and Entitlements
What are my rights and what support is available?
As a parent carer, you and your child have legal rights to access social care support. The local authority must assess your child's needs if there is an appearance of need and determine what support is necessary. What Support is Available? Help in the home – Support with personal care, household tasks, or mobility needs. Short breaks (respite care) – Time for parents to rest while their child engages in activities or is cared for elsewhere. Support with social inclusion – Help to access after-school clubs, social groups, or community activities. Adaptations and equipment – Modifications to your home or assistive devices to support your child’s independence. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), social care needs should be included within this to ensure a joined-up approach.
What is a Social Care Needs Assessment and how do I request one?
A social care needs assessment determines what support your child and family may require. This is carried out by your local authority’s social care team. How Do I Request One? Write to Your Local Authority – You can request an assessment by contacting your local social care team. Include details about your child's needs and the challenges your family faces. Provide Evidence – Include medical reports, school reports, or statements from professionals who support your child. What Happens Next? – A social worker will assess your child’s needs and determine what services can be provided. Tip: If your child already has an EHCP, the assessment for social care can be carried out alongside the EHCP process.
Short Breaks and Respite Care: What You Need to Know
What are Short Breaks? Short breaks (sometimes called respite care) are opportunities for children with SEND to engage in activities while giving parents and carers a break. Types of Short Breaks: Day activities – Clubs, play schemes, or sessions at a community centre. Overnight breaks – Respite care in a specialist setting or with a foster carer. Home-based support – A carer visits your home to assist your child. How to Apply: Short breaks are provided by the local authority under the Short Breaks Regulations. You can apply through your local social care team.
Social Care in Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans
What Social Care Support Can Be Included in an EHCP? Social care provision is included in Section H of an EHCP: H1 – Social care services under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. H2 – Other social care provision that supports learning or independence. If your child has social care needs that impact their education or daily life, these should be included in their EHCP.
Transition to Adult Social Care: What Happens at 18?
At 18, social care moves from children’s services to adult services under the Care Act 2014. However, support should continue during the transition. What Should Happen? A Child’s Needs Assessment should be carried out before your child turns 18. The local authority must ensure there is no gap in support during the transition.
Challenging Social Care Decisions: Appeals and Complaints
If you disagree with a social care decision, you can: Request a Review – Ask for the decision to be reconsidered with additional evidence. Make a Formal Complaint – Through your local authority’s complaints process. Appeal to the SEND Tribunal – If social care needs are in an EHCP, you can challenge decisions through an extended appeal process. Remember: You have the right to challenge decisions that do not meet your child’s needs.
Support for Parent Carers and Young Carers
Parent Carers If you are struggling with your caring responsibilities, you have the right to request a Parent Carer Needs Assessment under the Children Act 1989. Young Carers If a sibling or family member under 18 provides care, they can request a Young Carer’s Assessment for additional support.