Parent/ Guardian useful links
Local Education Authority – Local offer
The Blackburn with Darwen Local Offer is a central information resource that brings together details about services, support and help available for children and young people (aged 0–25) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families. It is designed to make it easier for parents, carers and young people to find out what support is available within the local area, including education, health, social care, activities, and community services. The Local Offer explains how to access support, eligibility criteria, and who to contact for further advice and guidance.
Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service
SENDIASS is a free, confidential, and impartial service that supports children and young people (aged 0–25) with SEND, as well as their parents and carers. The service helps families understand SEND processes and make informed decisions by offering:
- Clear advice about SEND support in schools and colleges
- Guidance on EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans)
- Support with meetings, reviews, and assessments
- Information about rights, entitlements, and local services
- Help to resolve concerns through early disagreement support
SEND Family Swim at Blackburn Sports & Leisure Centre
These weekly sessions offer a calm and supportive environment for children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) and their families to enjoy the water in the comfort of a small pool.
Sundays 9.15 – 10.15am
Small Pool, Blackburn Sports & Leisure Centre
The Making Rooms is a community arts and making organisation based in Blackburn that provides hands-on, creative workshops in a calm, inclusive environment. They offer practical activities such as art and craft, ceramics, textiles and sewing, woodwork, model-making, and simple digital design, which are well suited to SEND pupils because they are visual, tactile, and low-pressure. Sessions are often run in small groups, move at a flexible pace, and focus on creativity and confidence rather than academic outcomes, making them particularly effective for pupils with autism, SEMH needs, or learning difficulties.
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
Blackburn Rovers is a professional football club based at Ewood Park, and alongside the first team they run Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, the club’s charitable arm. The Community Trust delivers inclusive sport, wellbeing, and engagement programmes for children and young people, including those with SEND. For SEND pupils, they provide adapted football and multi-sport sessions, pan-disability football, small-group coaching, and wellbeing programmes that focus on confidence, teamwork, routine, and positive behaviour rather than competition. Many activities are free or funded, run in partnership with schools or the local authority, and are particularly effective for pupils with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties.
1V Scouts is a local Scout group for children and young people aged 6–14, covering Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, with opportunities for older pupils to become Young Leaders. Founded in 2014, the group runs small, supportive sessions focused on fun, teamwork and learning responsibility. Activities are mainly outdoors and skills-based, with opportunities to take part in trips, camps and occasional residential experiences.
This is particularly good for SEND pupils because the programme is structured, predictable and hands-on, with clear routines and small-group working that reduce anxiety. Outdoor activities support sensory regulation and wellbeing, while teamwork helps develop social skills and confidence without academic pressure. The option to progress into Young Leadership also supports independence, self-esteem and real-life skills for SEND pupils as they get older.
Timings:
Saturdays term time – 10am – 12pm
Brookhouse Primary School, Troy Street, BB1 6NY
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14-25. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive, challenging and enjoyable activities in their free time.
Matt Johnston is the Positive Activities Lead for YPS. He supports TYS workers by delivering outdoor and adventurous activities, manages the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and runs bespoke programmes for external agencies in the Blackburn area.
Blackburn Youth Zone is a purpose-built youth facility that provides a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for young people to socialise, learn, and develop new skills. It offers a wide range of activities and services, including sports and fitness, arts and creative projects, music and media, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for personal development and leadership. Open outside school hours, the Youth Zone supports young people to build confidence, form positive relationships, and access trusted youth workers who offer guidance, mentoring, and support when needed.
The Billy Project offers specialist support for students experiencing emotional, behavioural or social difficulties. The centre work closely together to design and deliver bespoke teaching programmes that are relevant, personalised and appropriate for students with SEND. This provision aims to build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, empower young women, and support positive engagement with learning and wider school life.