If you’re a parent or carer of a pre-school child or toddler we hope you’ll find some useful information here.
Click on the headings below to be taken straight to the relevant section:
Early support programme
Opportunity groups
Support groups
Children’s centres
Portage services
Childcare
Diagnosis
The early support programme is for families with young disabled children. It aims to help you find the information you need, about the services available and the diagnosis you’ve received, in what can be a confusing and difficult time. The website contains video clips as well as useful information and links.
Offer support for families who have pre-school children with special needs. They are really valuable for parents, carers and children – click here for a list of opportunity groups in Suffolk
Offer support for families with disabled children. There are many groups in Suffolk, click here to see details
Offer services, information and free fun and play drop-in sessions for children under five years old and their families. Find your nearest children’s centre here
Portage is an educational home visiting service for pre-school children with additional needs. Professionals work with the child and family, at home, to help support development in all areas of learning, including play.
For more information about portage services click here
Details of Suffolk Portage Services can be found here
Information about childcare for disabled children is available through Contact a Family
General childcare information is also available through ChildCareLink
The Suffolk County Council websitecontains a lot of useful advice, as does Waving not Drowning
If your child does not currently have a diagnosis you might find Contact a Family’s fact sheet Living without a diagnosis useful. It also contains links to support groups and other organisations.
You can also find useful information and guidance on the Contact a Family website, including a directory of medical conditions, disabilities and support
Face to Face is a one to one befriending service for parents of disabled children. They aim to help parents adjust positively to the news that their child has a disability.
For information about diagnosing autism visit the National Autism Society’s website
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The early support programme website may also be useful to you.