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Bromley SEND Local Offer logo
Adult LD Hub
Young People
Bromley SEND Local Offer logo
Adult LD Hub
Young People

BROMLEY SEND LOCAL OFFER

Social care support for children and young people with SEND

Carer supporting child reading

Caring for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can be rewarding but it can also be challenging. You don’t have to manage everything on your own.

Social care support is available in Bromley to help children and young people with SEND, and their families, feel safe, supported, and able to live everyday life.

This page explains:

  • what social care support is
  • who it’s for
  • how it can help you and your child
  • how to ask for support when you need it

You do not need a diagnosis, an Education, Health and Care Plan (often referred to as an EHCP), or to be in crisis to access advice or support.

Social care services support children, young people and families in many different situations. For families of children and young people with SEND, social care can offer support to help with everyday life, wellbeing, and caring responsibilities.

Support will look different for every family, depending on your child’s needs and your circumstances.

Social care may be able to help with:

  • Support at home
    Advice, guidance, or practical help to support your child’s care, routines, independence, or wellbeing. This may include support from services such as children’s Occupational Therapy at home. Find out more about children’s Occupational Therapy at home. 
  • Short breaks and activities
    Opportunities for your child to take part in activities and for families to have a break from caring. Find out more about short breaks. 
  • Help for parents and carers
    Information, emotional support, and help linking you to other services or local groups, including dedicated support for carers. Find out more about support for carers in Bromley.
  • Support for children with complex needs
    Ongoing social work support where a child has significant or long‑term needs related to disability or SEND.
  • Working with other services
    Social care can work alongside schools, health services, and other professionals to help make sure support is co-ordinated and joined up.

You do not need to know exactly what help you need before asking for support. An initial conversation can help work out what might be right for your child and family.

If you think your child or family may need extra support, there are several ways to get help. Many families begin with advice or early support, and some go on to receive more specialist services.

You don’t need to know exactly which service you need before getting in touch.

Start with advice and early support

Many families are supported without needing a social worker.

You can start by getting advice, information, or early help support if:

  • you are feeling under pressure as a parent or carer
  • your child needs extra support at home or in the community
  • things are becoming more difficult, but you are not in crisis

In Bromley, early help is provided through:

Early support may include an Early Help Assessment (often called an EHA).

An EHA is a way for families and professionals to work together to understand what is working well, what feels difficult, and what support might help before problems increase.

The assessment is done with your involvement and focuses on your family’s strengths as well as areas where extra support may be helpful. 
Find out more about early help services.

You can also contact Bromley Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) for free, impartial advice about SEND, including social care support and your options. 
Find out more about Bromley IASS.

Some children and young people with more complex or long‑term needs may receive support through the 0 to 25 Service.
Find out more about the 0 to 25 Service. 

Getting a social care assessment

If your child has a disability or more complex needs, they may be able to have an assessment through Children’s Social Care.

This includes assessment and support from the Children with Disabilities Team (CDT) within the 0 to 25 Service. This team works with families where a child or young person has significant or long‑term needs related to disability or SEND.

This type of assessment is different from Early Help support and is used where a child or young person’s needs are more complex or long‑term. 
Find out more about the Children with Disability Team.

A Children’s Social Care assessment helps everyone understand:

  • your child’s needs
  • the support your family may benefit from
  • what help can be offered

The assessment will look at your child’s needs and your situation as a family. You will be involved throughout and given the chance to share what matters most to you and your child.

Requesting an assessment

To request a Children’s Social Care assessment, you will need to contact the Bromley Children and Families Hub. The Hub is the first point of contact for referrals and can advise whether a social care assessment is appropriate for your child and how to proceed.
Contact the Children and Families Hub.

What happens after an assessment?

After an assessment:

  • you will be told whether social care support can be offered
  • if support is agreed, a plan will be developed with you
  • support will be reviewed regularly to make sure it continues to meet your child’s needs

Not every assessment leads to ongoing social care support. If ongoing support is not agreed, families should still receive advice, information, and signposting to other help.

If your child is already known to services

If your child already has:

  • an allocated social worker
  • support from the 0 to 25 Service
  • an EHCP with social care involvement

you can contact your existing worker or team to discuss your child’s needs or request a review of current support.

When to seek urgent help

If you are worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing, or need urgent support, contact Children’s Social Care straight away.

Information about safeguarding concerns and out‑of‑hours support is available on the Family Safety and Safeguarding page.

Not sure where to start?

If you’re unsure which route is right for you, you can:

  • contact Bromley IASS for impartial advice
  • speak with a professional who already knows your child, such as a school or health professional
  • explore support options through the SEND Local Offer

Asking for help is a positive first step, and support is there to help you and your child.

The children’s disability team is a specialist team of social care workers, supporting families with children aged 0 to 18 who have a severe, profound or complex disability that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on them, this includes children and young people with severe learning and/or physical disabilities, Autism Spectrum Condition, complex health issues, and severe hearing, vision and communication difficulties.

The team undertake child and family assessments to inform a personalised support plan drawn up to address the child and family’s needs, which often provides the provision of specialist short breaks (respite) support.

A child and their family are entitled to an assessment of their needs under section 17 of the Childrens Act 1989. This assessment also highlights the needs of carers.  Our team completes the assessment using the National Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DH 2000).

The children’s disability team, will provide support for the following reasons;

  • Completion of child and family assessments
  • Where a higher level of support is required, such as the provision of a high care package or complexities requiring more regular multi-agency meetings.
  • Where a child is ‘looked after’ by the local authority.
  • Where there are safeguarding issues, including where a child is subject to a child protection plan
Referral routes

Referrals can be made in these ways:

Bromley Children and Families Hub (C&F Hub) reporting child abuse is the single point of contact for the various child protection and safeguarding services within Bromley, in partnership with the council, the police, and probation and health services. Its main aim is to ensure different organisations work together to deliver effective and focused services to young people and their families in the borough. 

Short breaks online assessment

Our assessment tool used to streamline access to short breaks, without the need to undergo a full social work assessment.

Applications made in this way are reviewed and assessed by our social care workers.

Early Help Assessment (EHA)

This is a tool to support early intervention, this means when used effectively it ensures families receive the right support at an early stage before a small need grows into a larger one. 

If following a EHA, more specialist support is required, please consider one of the two referral routes.

Further information

For more information, please contact us by email: disabledchildrensteam@bromley.gov.uk or telephone 020 8313 4511.

Should you wish to make a comment or raise a complaint about a Bromley service please visit our complaints pages.

In Bromley, some children and young people with disabilities or SEND receive support through the 0 to 25 Service.

The 0 to 25 Service supports children and young people from early childhood through to adulthood where needs are more complex or long‑term. Not all families will need this level of support, but it is available when additional social care support is required.

The service includes social care teams who work with families to:

  • understand a child or young person’s needs
  • plan and review support where appropriate
  • help make sure support remains coordinated as children grow older

Support may involve working with a social worker, depending on your child or young person’s circumstances.

From Year 9 onwards, the 0 to 25 Service also supports preparing for adulthood, helping young people and families think about the future and any changes to support as adulthood approaches through a transition assessment.

For some families, social care support includes working with a social worker. This can feel unfamiliar or worrying at first, but a social worker’s role is to support you, your child, and your family.

A social worker will take time to get to know your child, understand your family’s situation, and work with you to identify what support may help.

What does a social worker do?

A social worker will:

  • listen to you and your child
  • understand what is working well and what feels difficult
  • help assess needs and circumstances
  • work with you to plan support
  • help coordinate support with schools, health services, and other professionals
Being involved in decisions

Decisions about support should be made with you, not for you. Your social worker should explain what is happening, discuss options, answer questions, and involve you in planning and reviews.

You are an expert in your child, and your views and experiences are central to this process.

Short breaks offer children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) the chance to enjoy fun activities and socialise with others.

Visit our page on Short breaks for children and young people with SEND (0-25 years)​.

Bromley aims to help give the assessed needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families, greater choice, flexibility and control over the support they receive from education, social care and health services to help them achieve their goals.

To find out more, visit our Personal budgets and direct payments page.

Family Safety and safeguarding

Social care for young people

As children grow into teenagers and young adults, their needs, interests, and priorities often change. This can be an important time for thinking about independence and the future.

Social care services support young people with SEND to:  

  • build independence and everyday life skills
  • think about changes as they get older
  • plan for education, training, work, and community involvement
  • support health and wellbeing
  • plan ongoing care where needed

Planning for adulthood usually starts early, giving young people and families time to explore options and make informed choices.

Preparing for adulthood (PfA)

In Bromley, preparing for adulthood (PfA) is part of the social care offer for some young people with SEND or disabilities.

The Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) team, within the 0 to 25 Service, supports young people to think about their future and prepare for adult life in ways that reflect what matters to them.

Planning usually begins from Year 9 onwards, allowing time for gradual and supported conversations. Find out more about preparing for adulthood. 

As young people approach adulthood, some support may change, including changes to legislation and services. Planning for this happens gradually, with professional support. Find out more about adult social care.

Who are we?

The Preparing for Adult (PfA) team is part of Bromley’s 0 to 25 service. The team supports young people with disabilities as they prepare for adult life.

If a young person has a diagnosed disability (such as a learning disability, physical disability, sensory impairment or autism), the team may be able to support your young person in planning for the future.

How we can help

Before a young person becomes an adult, the PfA team offers advice and guidance to young people, their families and professionals (such as schools, EHCP co-ordinators, and social workers).

Where the team is already involved, they aim to take part in EHCP reviews from Year 9 onwards.

From around age 17, the team may carry out a Care Act Assessment. This is where a PfA worker will meet with you to find out things like:

  • What is important to the young person, their strengths, interests and goals
  • How they would like to be involved in their community (for example, friendships, hobbies or work)
  • Their everyday living skills, such as managing money, travel, personal care and staying safe

At the end of the assessment, the team will have a clearer understanding of the young person’s plans and any support they may need as an adult.

  • If the young person is eligible, a support plan will be developed.
  • If they are not eligible, they will be directed to other helpful services, such as Bromley Well.
How to make a referral

If a young person has an EHCP and a diagnosed disability, referrals can be made by:

  • The young person or their parent or carer
  • A social worker
  • School or an EHCP co-ordinator

Young people are usually referred from Year 9 onwards.

For more information call the PfA team on 0208 313 4511 or email disabledchildrensteam@bromley.gov.uk.

Planning for adulthood should begin from Year 9 (age 13 or 14).

At the Year 9 EHCP annual review, professionals and families begin to plan across four key areas:

  • Education, training and employment
  • Independent living
  • Community inclusion
  • Staying healthy

If the young person already has a social worker, they will work with the PfA team to plan ahead where ongoing support may be needed after age of 18.

At this stage, EHCP annual reviews continue to focus on preparing for adulthood and exploring future options.

The PfA team reviews whether the young person is likely to need adult social care support and whether an earlier assessment would be helpful.

For young people with more complex needs, a PfA worker may attend reviews and planning meetings.

Young people and their families can also contact the team directly if they feel additional support is needed.

Most young people supported by the children’s disability team will transfer to the PfA team before turning 18.

These young people will be reassessed by the age of 17 and a half. If they are still eligible for care and support from social care, the PfA social worker will begin planning for changes once they turn 18.

The PfA team supports young people whose primary needs relate to a learning disability, physical disability or sensory impairment.

The Care Act 2014  sets out how councils assess and support adults with care needs.

There is no fixed age for a Care Act assessment. Instead, the council will consider whether an assessment would be helpful at that time. This usually happens when it becomes clearer what support the young person may need as an adult.

Children’s services will continue until adult support is in place, or until it is decided that the young person is not eligible after assessment.

If social care support is part of an EHCP, services will continue to work together during the transition to adulthood.

If a young person already has a social worker, they or their family can speak to them about preparing for adulthood.

If a young person continues in education:

  • Support will usually be provided under the Care Act 2014
  • The EHCP remains the main plan, with social care forming the ‘care’ element

A PfA social worker may attend college reviews and support planning for:

  • Future living arrangements
  • Independent or supported living
  • Access to community activities

If the young person is no longer in education, the EHCP will end and support may focus on community activities and engagement.

Decision making and support

From the age of 16, young people have the legal right to make certain decisions about their education, health and care needs. They can give their own consent and have confidentiality over their health matters.

Some young people may need support to make informed decisions. This could be provided by parents, carers, trusted family members or friends, or support accessed via local agencies that offer advocacy services.

Mental Capacity Act 2005

Legally people of 16 and over have the right to make their own decisions and are protected by theMental Capacity Act. The act also outlines how the young person can be supported to make important decisions for themselves and sets out how they can get ongoing support when they are unable to make specific decisions about their welfare or finances.

Money, benefits and financial support (from age 16)

From the age of 16, young people may:

  • Claim benefits in their own right
  • Stay within a family claim if in full-time education (depending on circumstances)
  • Be reassessed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if they have been getting DLA (Disability Living Allowance) as a child. For more information, visit disabilityrightsuk.org/personal-independence-payment-pip 
  • Receive direct payments for social care support in their own right
  • Can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if they are in full time education and get DLA/PIP and are in receipt of Universal Credits.

Families can get advice from: 

Managing money (appointees and deputies)

Some young people may need help managing their finances.

Appointeeship

An appointee is someone who manages benefits on behalf of a young person.

They can help with:

  • Paying bills
  • Managing daily expenses
  • Handling benefit payments

You can find out more about becoming an appointee on the GOV.UK website. 

If no suitable person is available, Bromley Council can act as an appointee.

Find out more about Bromley’s appointee and deputyship service.

Deputyship

Deputyship is for managing:

  • Finances
  • Savings
  • Wider financial decisions

A deputy is usually a family member or someone close to the young person.

You can find out more about becoming a deputy on the GOV.UK website.

If no one is available, the council can apply to the Court of Protection to act as a deputy.

Find out more about Bromley’s appointee and deputyship service.

Care Act Assessment

From age 17, if a young person is likely to need support as an adult, they can have a Care Act assessment. 

The assessment looks at what support they may need in the future, including:

  • managing every day tasks
  • accessing education or training
  • getting ready for employment, and finding a job
  • taking part in activities and being involved in their community

As part of the assessment, professionals such as occupational therapists may be involved. They can provide advice and recommendations to help the young person stay active and manage tasks they find difficult. 

After the assessment, the young person will be told whether they are eligible for funded support. If they are not eligible, they will still be given information and advice about other options.

For young people whose main need is mental health, or a combination of needs, we would recommend a referral via the care assessment process.

Getting ready for your adult Care Act assessment

The PfA team will support the young person and their family throughout the process. This includes:

  • helping them take part in discussions
  • making sure they have someone to support them if needed
  • reviewing and updating information if their plans or needs change

The young person and their family will always be given a copy of their completed Care Act assessment to keep.

Day opportunities services are designed to support adults with disabilities, which includes learning disabilities, autism, mental health, physical and sensory issues, older people and those with dual diagnosis and complex needs. The main focus of the service is for residents to learn new skills, be work ready, and increase their independence and confidence, as well as enabling a break for unpaid carers.

Day opportunities and day services in Bromley

As the result of a complexity of need there are likely to be young adults in Bromley who will not be continuing with their education after the age of 19.

For those young people (18+) who have been assessed as being eligible for community services there are a range of opportunities available across the areas of vocational training, recreational activities and day care centres.

Families or young people wishing to access these services are advised to discuss their suitability and availability with their social worker first as they may be accessible as a part of the Adult Social Care Support plan. Other services listed may be available via direct payments and self-funding.

The Adult Early Intervention team can be contacted on:

Tel: 0208 461 7777
Email: adult.early.intervention@bromley.gov.uk

Day opportunities

Bromley Mencap run day services that provide disabled adults with a range of interesting activities that aim to enhance travel training, independence skills, budgeting skills, access to the local community, preparation for employment, social wellbeing and most importantly, to allow them to have fun!

The project base is at the new Eden Park Day Opportunities Centre and at Cotmandene Day Opportunities Centre in St. Paul’s Cray. 

Once applications are received, Bromley Mencap offer people appropriate age groups and the opportunity to be with others with similar interests.

When: Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm
Where:  Eden Park Day Opportunities Centre, 170 Upper Elmers End Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3DY and Cotmandene Day Opportunities Centre, 66-68 Cotmandene Crescent, St Paul’s Cray, Bromley, BR5 2RG
Cost: Costs can be financed either by self-funding or Direct Payments. If you have a personal budget you can choose to take part of it as a Direct Payment and use this to pay for our service. Please talk to your social worker if you have one.

More information: Call 020 8466 0790 or email enquiries@bromleymencap.org

The Bromley Mencap Vocational Training is a specialist training centre at the Lodge, Norman Park, offers disabled adults the opportunity to learn new skills to prepare them for employment in three key areas: horticulture, catering and cycle maintenance.

When: Monday to Friday 10am to 3.30pm.
Where: The Lodge, Norman Park, Hook Farm Road, Bromley, BR2 9SX.
Cost: You can use direct payments, use your own budget from Bromley Council or self-fund. Please talk to your social worker if you have one.

More Information: Call 020 8466 0790 or email enquiries@bromleymencap.org

Choice Support is a national charity that supports people, aged 18+ who have autism, learning difficulties or disabilities and mental health needs.

Based at The Jubilee Day Centre in Beckenham Choice Support provide a wide range of fun and exciting day activities.

Where: Unit 1, 2 Thayers Farm Road, Beckenham, BR3 4LY
When: Please contact the centre for opening dates and times.
Cost: Services are self-funded. You can use direct payments, use your own budget from Bromley Council or self-fund. Please talk to your social worker if you have one.

More information: Call Centre Manager, Emma Smith on 0208 464 2897 or email emma.smith@choicesupport.org.uk (Please make an appointment before visiting).

Dayspace offer session based activities across half days 9:30am to 12pm then 1pm to 3.30pm.

The Dayspace activity programme is tailored to suit the individual needs and personalities of young people aged 18+ who have learning difficulties or disabilities, Autism and Social, Emotional and Mental Health problems.

  • Activities include:
  • Music
  • Art
  • Dance
  • Digital media
  • Drama
  • Makaton signing

Located within the grounds of the Kentwood Centre site in Penge people can access this service through a referral via Bromley Council as a part of a day opportunities provision.

Please be aware the personal care cannot be provided

Where: Kentwood Centre, Kingsdale Road, Penge, SE20 7PR
When: Monday to Friday morning and afternoon sessions.
Cost: Following an assessment of needs, sessions can be funded via Bromley Council as part of an adult social care package referral, while others may wish self-fund using Direct Payments. Please talk to your social worker if you have one.

More information: Call Centre Manager Stuart Lomath on 020 87784631 or email: penge@dayspace.org

The Scadbury Centre, part of the Orpington and Bromley Gateway Club, is a specialist services that helps people to develop education, enter work, improve their wellbeing, and build independence. It operates as a social enterprise and horticultural training centre at Scadbury Park, offering real work and training opportunities to adults with learning disabilities/difficulties.

Services include:

Scadbury Centre train new skills, boost their confidence, and support their journey toward independence and employment. Opportunities include:

  • Gardening and horticultural skills: growing and caring for plants
  • Woodwork: using tools and machinery
  • Garden and grounds maintenance
  • Customer service: handling cash, cards and using electronic tills

Employment pathways:

For those aspiring to work, they create paid opportunities through their social enterprises or support them in securing employment elsewhere.

Where: The Scadbury Centre, Scadbury Park Nature Reserve, Orpington, Chislehurst BR7 6LS.
When: Monday to Friday (Please contact Centre Manager for exact days and times.)
Cost: Self-funded, including via Direct Payments or personal budgets. Please speak to your social worker if applicable.

More information: Call John (Operations Manager) On 07380 501817 or Luke (Site Manager) on 07380 501957. Alternatively, email: info@orbgateway.club

Adult Day Care Services

The Astley Day Centre is a Bromley Council commissioned service run and managed by Eleanor Healthcare Group.

The Astley Day Centre offers a complex needs day care service for adults from 18+ providing a safe space for people with a variety of learning disabilities.

Many of the adults attending the centre are unable to access further education or work opportunities. There is no upper age limit at the centre. The facility is extensive and well equipped with dedicated spaces and outdoor areas.

Facilities / Activities include:

  • Quiet room with books
  • Sensory
  • Sing-Along music sessions
  • Sing & Sign sessions
  • Arts and Craft sessions
  • Woodwork refurbishing project
  • Gardening & Cooking

The centre has extensive outdoor space which is used by young people accessing work experience and vocational training in horticulture via a partnership with Bromley Mencap.

In addition to day services The Astley Centre offers, on alternate Saturdays and through the school/college holidays, an activity club for young people.

Where: The Astley Day Centre, 39 Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley BR2 8ED;
When: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
Cost: Services are accessed as a part of a Care Needs assessment and referral from Adult Social Care, Care Manager. Please talk to your social worker if you have one.

More Information: Call Centre Manager, Pushker Sigdel on 020 8467 2732 or email pushker.sigdel@eleanorcare.co.uk

This is a Bromley Council commissioned service, delivered by Agincare following the acquisition of Ambient Support in October 2025.

The Widmore Road Day and Drop-in service provides day opportunities for adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. The service offers a safe, welcoming environment where individuals are supported to develop independence, confidence and social skills through person centred activities.

Activities include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Music and themed sessions
  • Cooking and gardening
  • Community outings
  • Travel training and life skills development

Activities are planned on a seasonal basis, with calendars updated every three months. Support may be provided in small groups or on a one-to-one basis, depending on assessed need.

Where: 118 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 3BE.
When: Monday to Friday (Hours vary depending on individual support plans.)
Cost: Available via Local Authority referral, Personal Budget, Individual Service Fund, or self-funding. Charges are agreed following an assessment and depending on support needs.

More Information: Call 020 8464 3920 or email WidmoreRd.Referrals@ambient.org.uk

DaySpace will be delivering a 2 days per week programme on Tuesdays and a Thursdays through the summer holidays.

  • Tuesday AM: Drama/Dancespace 1.5 hours 9.30am to 11am followed by Soundspace 1 hour 11am to 12 midday.
  • Tuesday PM: Soundspace 1 hour 1pm to 2.30pm followed by Movespace 1.5 hours, 2pm to 3.30pm.
  • Thursday AM: Createspace 1.5 hours 9.30am to 11am followed by Movespace 1 hour 11am to 12 midday.
  • Thursday PM: Soundspace 1 hour 1pm to 2pm followed by Movespace 1.5 hours 2pm to 3.30pm.

The activities will be run out of the main hall at Kentwood. Parents and carers will be contacted in late May.

The target cohorts are those young people who will have transitioned in 2025/26 and the cohort we believe will transition in 2027.

For further information about these events, contact the commissioning team:

Sean Rafferty: Sean.Rafferty@bromley.gov.uk

Victoria Purser: Victoria.Purser@bromley.gov.uk

Adult social care