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Early Inclusive Support Through the Local Authority

Every child deserves the chance to thrive, learn and feel understood. This is why we are committed to supporting children and young people with a neurodiversity through a joined‑up approach that recognises their strengths, celebrates their individuality, and ensures they have access to the right support at the right time.

We work closely with schools, early years settings to promote high‑quality teaching and inclusive practices that enable children with additional needs to make meaningful progress. This includes tailored SEND support within education, guidance to help schools create neuro-inclusive learning environments, and specialist services where extra help is needed.

Beyond education, we provide a range of support through social care and wider services to promote wellbeing, independence, and participation in community life. Together, these pathways form a coordinated offer designed to help every neurodiverse child feel safe, confident and empowered as they grow.

What to do if you are concerned about your child’s development

Every child and young person deserves an education that meets their needs, promotes high standards, and enables them to reach their full potential. Their education should help them:

  • Achieve their highest potential​
  • Become confident individuals leading fulfilling lives​
  • Successfully transition into adulthood, whether through employment, further
  • education, higher education, or training, and​
  • Thrive in their education setting

Find out how schools in Hampshire are expected to support children and young people

Every child and young person deserves an education that meets their needs, promotes high standards, and enables them to reach their full potential. Their education should help them:

  • Achieve their highest potential​
  • Become confident individuals leading fulfilling lives​
  • Successfully transition into adulthood, whether through employment, further
  • education, higher education, or training, and​
  • Thrive in their education setting

Find out how schools in Hampshire are expected to support children and young people

No school is perfect and it is not uncommon for a child's journey through school to have difficulties to overcome.

Here you will find the information and advice you need to navigate any difficulties that your child encounters in school.

This includes exclusions, bullying and making a complaint to a school.

Resolving Difficulties at School

 

No school is perfect and it is not uncommon for a child's journey through school to have difficulties to overcome.

Here you will find the information and advice you need to navigate any difficulties that your child encounters in school.

This includes exclusions, bullying and making a complaint to a school.

Resolving Difficulties at School

 

Hampshire’s Short Breaks service provides opportunities for children and young people (0–17) with disabilities or additional needs to take part in safe, fun, and inclusive activities, while giving parents and carers valuable time away from their caring responsibilities.

What Short Breaks Provide for Children

  • Enjoyable activity sessions, from a few hours to a whole day.
  • Opportunities to join clubs or recreational activities in their local community.
  • A chance to participate in fun, positive experiences designed to support their development and enjoyment.

What Short Breaks Provide for Parents/Carers

  • A break from caring, helping them rest, focus on other tasks, or spend time with other family members.
  • Confidence that their child is enjoying safe, structured support.

Who Can Take Part

Children and young people who:

  • Have a disability or additional needs.
  • Need support to join leisure/recreation activities.
  • Are 0–17 years old.
  • Live within the Hampshire County Council area (excluding Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight, and neighbouring authorities). 

Costs and Funding

  • Each activity has a standard cost payable by all families.
  • If a child needs extra support, the Short Breaks programme can fund the additional staffing/support element.
  • Families unable to meet costs can speak to the provider; a Charging and Concessions policy exists to guide activity pricing.

How to Access Short Break Activities

  • Parents need a free Gateway Card+ to book activities funded through the Short Breaks programme.
  • Activities are booked directly with providers.
  • Families can receive updates via the Family Information Directory or activity providers.

Apply for a Gateway Card and search for Short Break Activities

Hampshire’s Short Breaks service provides opportunities for children and young people (0–17) with disabilities or additional needs to take part in safe, fun, and inclusive activities, while giving parents and carers valuable time away from their caring responsibilities.

What Short Breaks Provide for Children

  • Enjoyable activity sessions, from a few hours to a whole day.
  • Opportunities to join clubs or recreational activities in their local community.
  • A chance to participate in fun, positive experiences designed to support their development and enjoyment.

What Short Breaks Provide for Parents/Carers

  • A break from caring, helping them rest, focus on other tasks, or spend time with other family members.
  • Confidence that their child is enjoying safe, structured support.

Who Can Take Part

Children and young people who:

  • Have a disability or additional needs.
  • Need support to join leisure/recreation activities.
  • Are 0–17 years old.
  • Live within the Hampshire County Council area (excluding Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight, and neighbouring authorities). 

Costs and Funding

  • Each activity has a standard cost payable by all families.
  • If a child needs extra support, the Short Breaks programme can fund the additional staffing/support element.
  • Families unable to meet costs can speak to the provider; a Charging and Concessions policy exists to guide activity pricing.

How to Access Short Break Activities

  • Parents need a free Gateway Card+ to book activities funded through the Short Breaks programme.
  • Activities are booked directly with providers.
  • Families can receive updates via the Family Information Directory or activity providers.

Apply for a Gateway Card and search for Short Break Activities