SEND Support for Families in Southampton City Council
Connect with qualified children's specialists online. No waiting lists, no referral needed — just timely support for your family.
Southampton City Council SEND Contact Details
Director of Children's Services: Robert Henderson
Email: robert.henderson@southampton.gov.uk
Address: Civic Centre Southampton SO14 7LY
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 Your Local Area
Unitary authorities combine the functions of county and district councils, providing a single point of contact for SEND services. This can make it easier to navigate the system, as one authority manages education, health coordination, and social care for children with special educational needs and disabilities. However, the availability and waiting times for specialist services can still vary.
ChildWize complements your local authority's services by offering timely access to qualified SEND specialists. Whether your child needs an assessment, therapy, or ongoing support, our team works with families across England through secure online sessions. There is no need for a GP referral, and you can often book an initial consultation within one to two weeks.
Understanding Your Local Authority's SEND Services
Your local authority is required to publish a Local Offer, which sets out the SEND services and support available in your area. This includes information about schools with specialist provision, health services, social care, and activities for children and young people with SEND. The Local Offer should also explain how to request an EHC needs assessment and what to do if you disagree with a decision.
If you are unsure whether your child's needs are being met, or if you would like an independent assessment to complement what is available locally, ChildWize can help. Our specialists provide detailed reports that are designed to support conversations with schools, EHCP applications, and annual reviews. Many families use ChildWize alongside local authority services to ensure their child receives comprehensive support.
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 Southampton City 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 Southampton City Council
If your child has significant special educational needs, you have the right to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment from Southampton City 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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