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Quick Reference Guides

The Quick Reference Guides have been created to help school staff quickly find reliable information about key SEND, family support and wellbeing topics without having to search across multiple websites.

Each guide provides a concise overview of a specific topic and includes links to further information available through Hampshire's SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). They are designed to support busy school staff when responding to parental enquiries, signposting families to services, preparing for meetings, or identifying appropriate sources of information and support.

The guides can be used by SENCOs, pastoral teams, family support workers, inclusion leads, teaching staff, office staff and senior leaders. They are intended to complement, not replace, professional advice and local procedures, providing a simple route to trusted information that can be accessed and shared with families when needed.

Schools may choose to:

  • Use the guides during conversations with parents and carers.
  • Share them with staff as part of SEND and inclusion briefings.
  • Refer to them during EHCP reviews, transition planning and family meetings.
  • Include links within internal staff resources and SEND information pages.
  • Use them to support effective signposting and early help.

By providing staff with quick access to accurate information and support pathways, these guides can help improve consistency, save time and ensure that families are directed to the right information at the right time.

Together, the Quick Reference Guides form a practical toolkit that supports schools to build confidence in signposting, strengthen partnerships with families, and make the most of the information and resources available through Hampshire's SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH).

Think of these guides as a staff handbook for the SEND Local Offer and FISH — helping schools quickly find the right information and signpost families with confidence.

Topics covered are:

  • EHCPs; including what is an EHCP, who it is for, what should you expect, what to do next and where to get help.
  • Neurodiversity; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Preparing for Adulthood; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Short Breaks; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Financial Support; including what help is out there, what support should you expect and who can help.

Think of these guides as a staff handbook for the SEND Local Offer and FISH — helping schools quickly find the right information and signpost families with confidence.

Topics covered are:

  • EHCPs; including what is an EHCP, who it is for, what should you expect, what to do next and where to get help.
  • Neurodiversity; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Preparing for Adulthood; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Short Breaks; including what it is, what support should you expect, what to do next and who can help.
  • Financial Support; including what help is out there, what support should you expect and who can help.