SEND Support for Families in Essex County Council
Connect with qualified children's specialists online. No waiting lists, no referral needed — just timely support for your family.
Essex County Council SEND Contact Details
Director of Children's Services: Helen Lincoln
Email: helen.lincoln@essex.gov.uk
Address: County Hall Market Road Chelmsford CM1 1QH
Contact details are provided for reference. You may wish to get in touch with your local authority's SEND team to discuss your child's needs or to request an EHC needs assessment.
SEND Support in County Areas
County councils cover large geographical areas, and access to specialist SEND services can vary depending on where you live within the county. Rural families may find that travel to appointments adds an additional burden, particularly when specialist clinics are based in larger towns. ChildWize removes this barrier entirely — all sessions take place online, meaning your child can receive high-quality support from home, wherever you are in the county.
Your county council is responsible for maintaining a Local Offer of SEND services and for processing EHC needs assessment requests. The SEND Code of Practice sets out the same rights and entitlements regardless of where you live, and ChildWize can help you understand and exercise those rights.
Accessing Specialist Support in Rural Areas
One of the challenges families in county areas can face is limited access to specialist services locally. Some therapy types, particularly those for less common conditions, may only be available through clinics in distant towns or cities. This can mean significant travel, time off school, and disruption to family routines.
Online specialist services through ChildWize provide a practical solution. Our therapists work with children across England, and sessions are designed to be just as effective online as they are face to face. Research consistently shows that online therapy can produce outcomes equivalent to in-person sessions, particularly for children who feel more relaxed in their home environment. This can be especially beneficial for children with sensory sensitivities or anxiety around unfamiliar settings.
How ChildWize Can Help Your Family
ChildWize connects families with qualified specialists who understand children's development and SEND. All sessions take place online through our secure video platform, meaning your child can receive support from the comfort of home — wherever you are in the Essex County Council area.
Our specialists include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, child psychologists, and behavioural specialists. All are registered with the relevant professional bodies (such as the HCPC, BPS, and RCSLT) and are experienced in working with children across a range of needs.
Whether you are looking for a diagnostic assessment, ongoing therapy, or a second opinion to complement NHS services, ChildWize offers a flexible and accessible route to the support your child deserves.
Requesting an EHCP Through Essex County Council
If your child has significant special educational needs, you have the right to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment from Essex County Council. The process is set out in the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and applies to all children and young people from birth to 25.
An independent assessment from a ChildWize specialist can strengthen your application by providing detailed, professional evidence of your child's needs. Our reports are designed to meet the standard expected by local authorities and can be submitted alongside your request.
For more information about the EHCP process, you may find our guide to getting an EHCP helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to use ChildWize?
No. You can book directly with a specialist through ChildWize without a referral from your GP or any other professional. Our specialists will carry out their own assessment as part of the process.
Will a private assessment be recognised by my local authority?
Yes. Assessments carried out by qualified private clinicians are recognised by local authorities, schools, and the NHS. Your report can be submitted as part of an EHC needs assessment request or shared with your child's school.
How does online therapy work for children?
Sessions take place over secure video. Our specialists use interactive tools, games, and activities designed specifically for online delivery. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for many children.
Can ChildWize help with my child's EHCP application?
Yes. Our specialists can provide independent assessments and reports that support EHCP applications. We can also advise on the process and help you understand what information your local authority will need.
What types of specialists are available on ChildWize?
ChildWize has speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, child psychologists, behavioural specialists, and family therapists. All our specialists are qualified, registered with the relevant professional bodies, and experienced in working with children.
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