Looking for fun activities this summer?

We've put together a list of activities and events taking place across Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas for children and young people with SEND, and their families.

The Southend Area SEND Partnership have written a letter of thanks to everyone who supported the recent Ofsted and CQC SEND inspection process.

Ofsted will publish the inspection outcome once their internal moderation process is complete. We expect to receive the report in the coming weeks and will share it as soon as it is available.

Southend Civic Centre was a hub of collaboration and support on Tuesday 16 June 2026 as the Southend SEND Local Offer team and the Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) hosted the city’s second SEND Information Day.

Students from Years 8 to 10 took part in a range of hands-on activities delivered by teams from across the Council.

These provided opportunities for the young people to explore different work environments, develop their understanding of the world of work, and build confidence through meaningful interactions with Council employees.

While our name has changed, everything that makes our college special remains exactly the same. We continue to provide a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment where learners of all ages and abilities can develop skills, build confidence and achieve their goals.

You still have time to book our next HAF programme! Sessions run between Monday 20 July and 28 August 2026. Eligible pupils can book up to 16 days and only attend one club per day. Only eligible pupils in receipt of benefits related free school meals can attend the fun activities over the holidays.

As another busy term comes to a close, we're reflecting on some of the highlights from the past few months, including our Healthy Parent Carer Programme, Southend SEND Information Day and the recent Area SEND Inspection. We've also shared helpful resources and ideas to support SEND families over the summer holidays.

As always we appreciate your feedback on your lived experience of SEND in Southend-on-Sea, the positives, the negatives and everything in-between! 

The team are pleased to announce a second SEND Play and Development group and another Mini Talkers group.

Read more about early years support and childcare on Livewell Southend.

The Educational Psychology Team are running online and face to face workshops for parent carers to support school transitions.

An updated Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Community Offer has been published. This provides an overview of NHS and council-commissioned services available to children and young people living in Southend.

If you’re a parent carer of a child with SEND and you need advice and guidance, come to our next friendly SEND Surgery in September.

Does your school want to host a SEND Surgery?

We’re looking for venues for SEND Surgeries in 2027.

If you are a parent / carer, share this with your child's school SENCO or headteacher. If you’re a school, please get in touch! localoffer@southend.gov.uk

Southend YMCA have increased their offer of programmes for young people.

We’ve recently updated the Support for young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) section of the Local Offer to show the range of local and national services that can help.

Cubbie in the Victoria Shopping Centre now offers a guided meditation programme designed to help you pause, reset, and restore balance during your day.

This calming 10-minute sensory experience combines immersive audio, soothing soundscapes, and a private wellbeing space to support relaxation and emotional regulation.

People with learning disabilities in parts of Essex will benefit from a new initiative to increase access to life-saving annual health checks and provide more personalised support to stay well.

SEND and neurodiversity support in Essex helps children and young people who need additional support with their health, development, learning, or emotional wellbeing.

Detailed information about services, referral pathways, and support available near you can be found in the local area section of this website.

The Lighthouse team is holding a number of Autism and ADHD support sessions for families in Southend, Essex and surrounding areas.

Your child does not need to have a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD for you to join these sessions, they are open to all families.