SEND Family Support

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Offer

As parent or carer, we know that caring for children and young people ages 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) means you are juggling lots of things at once and dealing with complex issues. This is a hub of information about the services and support that Southampton City Council provide to help you.

https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/send-local-offer/parents-and-carers/

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We are pleased to advertise two upcoming online seminars designed to provide a helpful introduction to Autism and ADHD.

Introduction to Autism Seminar
Wednesday 4 February 2026
12.00 – 1.30 pm
Via Zoom
No booking required

Introduction to ADHD Seminar
Monday 9 February 2026
12.00 – 1.30 pm
Via Zoom
No booking required

These sessions are ideal for anyone looking to build their understanding of Autism and ADHD in an accessible and informative way.

Contact us at: info@sftrust.org.uk

Website: www.sftrust.org.uk

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Upcoming course dates and locations

Please complete this enquiry form to register your interest

Enquiry Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq03xjnJUh84vkrbsAeVIPgMdLLfyRnTqi0vq3jTz-r9v4Rw/viewform

Autism Courses

EarlyBird +

Early Bird + is a 10-week course for parents/carers of autistic children or whose children are awaiting an assessment for autism who are aged between 4-9 years. Each session lasts 2.5 hours and is delivered in groups by friendly and experienced course practitioners in various locations across Southampton.

The programme aims to empower parents by building confidence and developing resilience. Parents and families are supported to develop knowledge and understanding of autism and then consider how autism impacts on their individual child. The focus of EarlyBird+ remains on what we can do to support autistic children and give them the best opportunity to reach their maximum potential.

The course covers...

Key areas of differences
Understanding and supporting sensory differences
Communication
Supporting interactions
Socialisation
Self-awareness
Understanding and interpreting behaviour
Supporting behaviour
Moving forwards
Looking after yourself.

Teen Life

Teen Life is a 6 week course for parents/carers of autistic children or whose children are awaiting an assessment for autism, aged between 10-16 years. Each session is delivered in groups by friendly and experienced course practitioners in various locations across Southampton.

The aim is to empower parent/carers to understand more about how autism is experienced by autistic teenagers. A Teen Life programme book will be provided for each family to accompany the programme.

The course covers...

Understanding Autism in teenagers
self-esteem & spending time with other people
stress and anxiety
understanding your diagnosis
puberty and independence
education
planning for the future

Upcoming course dates and locations

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What other parents/carers have said about attending the courses

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ADHD Courses

The New Forest Parenting Programme (NFPP) is a trusted parenting course for parents and carers of children with ADHD, used by families around the world for over 20 years.

The programme runs over six sessions and is delivered by practitioners with lived experience, who understand the realities of parenting day to day. It has been adapted to reflect modern family life, with added topics on education, sensory needs and communication, helping parents navigate the challenges children face today.

NFPP offers practical strategies to improve behaviour, build stronger relationships and reduce stress at home. Parents also have the opportunity for one-to-one support during the course, ensuring advice is tailored to their family and their child.

For the Q&A Guide for the NFPP Course Click Here

Teen New Forest Parenting Programme(NFPP)

The Teen New Forest Parenting Programme is a practical, supportive course for parents and carers of young people aged 11 to 16. It builds on the well-established New Forest Parenting Programme and focuses on the real challenges of parenting teenagers, including attention, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

The course runs over six weeks and helps parents understand how conditions such as ADHD can affect behaviour, relationships and daily life during the teenage years. Parents are taught straightforward, evidence-based strategies to manage challenging behaviour, reduce stress at home and strengthen their relationship with their young person.

We helped develop this programme and were the first organisation in the country to deliver it. The course has been adapted to reflect modern parenting, with an added focus on education, sensory needs, communication, and understanding your rights within the education system.

Parents take part in a supportive group environment, with opportunities to share experiences, learn from others and access one-to-one support throughout the course.

For the Q&A Guide for the Teen NFPP Course Click Here