There are lots of people who work in or with schools and colleges whose job it is to help children and young people. It is important to share any concerns you have about your child with their teacher, tutor or another member of staff in school/college. Other people who might help include the following (a printable summary of who is who can be found in the jargon-buster, which can be accessed here).

This is the person who is responsible for making sure your child has any additional needs or difficulties and they get the support they need. They work closely with other professionals and will meet with the teacher(s) or tutors to make sure that everyone understands what to do to help your child.

Staff who work in pastoral roles in schools or colleges. They work together with children and young people, teaching staff and parents/carers to support pupils to overcome barriers to learning. They might provide 1:1 or small group intervention (e.g. mentoring) or more informal support for children and young people's wellbeing.

A family liaison officer works closely with parents/carers to help with any difficulties they may have in supporting their children, both at home and in school. They are often a listening ear in school for parents/carers and can help to put them in touch with other professionals or groups. They may also offer support to children and young people in school.

EPs work with children and young people of all ages. It is their job to understand how children and young people learn and behave. EPs work with schools and colleges to help staff understand any difficulties your child might have and how to overcome these difficulties with support. The EP will listen to your views and try to understand your child's strengths and difficulties. Information about Bury Educational Psychology Service can be found here.

A Speech and Language Therapist works with children and young people to help them with their language and communication skills – for example, understanding and using words and talking to adults and peers. They help staff understand the best way to communicate with your child. Information about Bury’s Speech and Language Therapy Service can be found here.

There are lots of different people who work for CAMHS, including doctors, therapists, mental health nurses and support workers. The role of CAMHS is to understand and support children and young people's mental health. CAMHS are also involved in the identification and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental differences, such as ADHD or Autism. Information about Bury CAMHS can be found here.

A Social Worker's job is to support children and young people and families through difficult times and make sure everyone is safe and well. Social Workers work together with you, your child(ren) other professionals to support your home life. They might visit your child at home or at school or college to see how they are doing and listen to their views.

OTs are trained to give advice and recommendations on activities, equipment and adaptations (changes) to the environment to support the learning or social development of people with physical, emotional or behavioural needs. Information about Bury’s Paediatric (children’s) OT service can be found here.

A doctor who specialises in children’s health. Children (0-16) in Bury are typically seen by Paediatrician’s at Bury’s Child Development Centre.

The SEN team works for the local authority. They manage the process around Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments and plans (EHCPs).

Advocates work with parents/carers and children and young people. It is their job to help you to express your views and wishes and to understand your rights. They will work with you to offer the kind of support you need. Advocates might, for example, attend meetings with you or help you with paperwork and making decisions. The role of an advocate is not to tell you what they think you should do, to judge or make decisions for you.

Bury SENDIASS can support parents/carers and provide advocacy. Further information about this service can be found on Bury's Local Offer by clicking here, or to access Bury SENDIASS webpage directly please click here. There are also national organisations, such as the Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA), which provides free and independent legally based information, advice and support to parents/carers. The IPSEA webpage can be found here.

Please note that 'statutory advocacy' is different – this means a legal entitlement to the support of an advocate. These advocates a specially trained to support people under the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and the Care Act. Further information around statutory advocacy can be found on the Mind (a national mental health charity) webpages, by clicking here.