Care and Family Support
Care and family support for under 5s with special educational needs or who are disabled
Help for Families
Information, advice, guidance and activities to support you on your family journey:
- Pregnancy and Birth
- Birth and Pre-School, 0-5 years
- Primary and Secondary School, 5-14 years
Family Hubs
Family Hubs are for families with children aged from 0 to 19, up to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities who need a bit of extra help.
Come in and find a friendly face, a listening ear and a wide range of information, advice and guidance.
Early Language and Communication Team
Across our borough, we’re placing a strong focus on supporting speech, language and communication development for children in the early years. We know that the early years are a critical time for language development.
To help parents and carers stay informed and empowered, please sign up our dedicated newsletter packed with:
- Speech, language and communication tips
- Local events and activities
- Guidance and resources for families
- Updates from professionals working in early years
Early Help Referral
LBBD Early Help
Children & Young People Disability Hub
The Children & Young People Disability Hub also known as (CYPDH) is based at Becontree Community Hub, Stevens Road, Dagenham RM8 2QR
CYPDH is fully open and operating on a daily basis. The CYPDH is wheelchair accessible, with a fully adapted shower/hygiene room, working hoists, sensory room (bookable), play areas and accessible kitchen. Throughout the year there are a range of different programmes to meet the needs of our children/young people with disabilities.
Contact: CYPDHub@lbbd.gov.uk / 0208 227 5500
LBBD Family Information Service
Information on registered childcare providers and local services available for children, families, young people and the practitioners working with them.
For more information, please visit our Family Information Service online portal.
LBBD Portage and Inclusion
The Portage team support children aged 0 – 4 years, living in Barking and Dagenham, who have significant and/or long lasting delays in their development.
The team are based at Alibon Children Centre. It is an early intervention service within the Children and Young People with Disability (CYPD) Service.
Portage provides support through Targeted groups, Home Learning sessions and Transition to nursery. They can also help with applying for DLA, short breaks, making referrals to other agencies and liaising with other professionals.
For Portage referral, please complete the referral form on the One Borough Voice website.
For more information about the Portage Service, please download this document (PPTX, 998 KB) or visit Portage and Inclusion Education Service
Contact the Portage Team on email PortageOffice@lbbd.gov.uk or telephone 020 8724 8550
Short Breaks 4 Me
Short Breaks 4 Me is aimed at families with children aged 1-17 years that have a disability or severe healthcare and cannot access leisure activities in the community without additional help or support.
For further information and to apply for the Short Breaks 4 me grant please visit their website.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
When a family has additional needs, we make sure they have access to the extra support they need at the earliest possible stage so that things don’t get worse.
For more information please visit Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children – GOV.UK
Additional Needs Registration
Register your child on the additional needs list
When a family has additional needs, we make sure they have access to the extra support they need at the earliest possible stage so that things don’t get worse.
For more information please visit Additional needs registration for support – LBBD
Disablement Association of Barking and Dagenham (DABD)
DABD
DABD provides a range of personalised respite services including short breaks, personal budgets and social service referrals.
Equipment and Adaptations
If your child needs equipment or adaptations at home, they will be assessed by an occupational therapist who will look at access in and around the home.
Referrals are made by doctors or health care professionals and schools to the paediatric physiotherapy and occupational health team.