What is SEND?
NHS England describe a child or young person as having special educational needs and disabilities (abbreviated to SEND) if they have a learning difficulty and/or a disability that means they need special health and education support.
Ruby’s SEND support
At Ruby’s we understand that early help is important to your child, to you and your family. We work with you to help you access support that has meaningful outcomes for children and their families who are impacted by issues including a suspected or confirmed SEND diagnosis.
We support families of children in Cheshire East with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged 0-18 and support the whole family unit. No diagnosis is needed – we support families with emerging needs and any type of learning or physical disability.
We signpost, guide and introduce families to a new like-minded support network and provide access to inclusive, fun activities. We show you that, although it’s not the parenting journey you planned, it can still be a positive journey with the right people and support around you. We support children of all ages but the majority of our referrals are for families with young children with new or emerging diagnoses.
We support:
- Families based in Cheshire East
- Parent carers of a child with additional or emerging needs (regardless of whether they have a diagnosis)
- Siblings of a child with SEND
Other support includes:
Peer support
Linking families and children together to form support networks (we run sessions for children with SEND, siblings, parent carers and families).
Short breaks
0-8 years
Ruby’s is commissioned by Cheshire East Council to offer short breaks for children aged 0-8 years with SEND (subject to a needs-based assessment).
Mobile sensory bus
This is a fully accessible mobile sensory centre with bubble tube, fibre optics, projector and tactile wall and floor panels.
Courses and activities
Helping both parents and professionals navigate through the SEND world.
Sensory Resources
We have created a sensory resource library and a training programme called Sensory Detectives which we use to support parents of children with emerging sensory processing differences.
Useful links and information
Help in dealing with health, education, family, financial or social difficulties through signposting and referrals.
Requesting SEND support
You can self-refer into our SEND Family Support Service using the referral form below. The details required for the referral are that of the main carer and we will capture details of the rest of the family as appropriate when we make initial contact.
How you can get involved at Ruby's
Volunteer for us
Do something amazing!
Volunteer to support a local family.
Fundraising events
Come and have fun while raising funds to support our vital work.
Make a donation
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without your help – can you donate?