Bright Start Support for Under 5s with emerging SEND and disabilities

Bright Start supports children who have emerging special educational needs (SEND) and/or disabilities. The following activities, run by Bright Start staff, are available by appointment. For more information speak to a member of staff at your local children's centre.

Chatterpillars is a communication focussed stay and play course, which shares strategies with parents to support their child's expressive language needs.

SENDsory adventures is a small specialist group for parents and children who have been referred to the Social Communication Team (SCT) and are awaiting an assessment.

Extra Boost is a specialist group activity for under 5s with additional needs and who benefit from a quieter space where their individual needs can be met.

Bright Start Speech and Language Therapists support children with speech, language and communication needs by sharing strategies and advice with parents during visits to stay and plays and parent workshops.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provides support for children's emotional wellbeing, behaviour or development. If parents would like to meet with a member of the team, they can ask a professional, such as a health visitor, family support worker, nursery staff or GP, to refer them. 

Your child will also find support with their emerging needs when they attend an early years setting, at nursery or with a childminder.

For the full range of support and services for children with SEND, see Islington's Local Offer website.