Do you support a child with additional needs?
If you support a child with additional needs, a disability or a long-term health condition, you may be a parent carer. You don’t need to think of yourself as a carer to get support.
We’re here to support you in a way that works for you. That might start with simply having someone to talk to, a chance to share what’s going on and feel listened to. We can help you make sense of your situation, talk through your options, and understand what support is available and how to access it.
This may include things like:
- help with completing a carer’s assessment
- understanding what financial support you may be entitled to
- helping you access support that can make day-to-day life easier, such as:
We can also help you connect with others who understand, either through our groups or a regular phone call with a volunteer, so you don’t feel like you’re doing this on your own.
Understanding your rights and support options
If you support a child with additional needs, you may not think of yourself as a carer — but the law does. You are not only a parent, you are a parent carer with your own rights. Your needs, wellbeing and day-to-day life should be recognised in their own right, not just seen through your child’s needs. You have the right to ask for a Parent Carer’s Needs Assessment, which looks at how caring affects your health, work, relationships and overall wellbeing. You do not have to wait until things reach a crisis point, and your needs should be considered separately from your child’s, including as they grow and move towards adulthood.
Local authorities must also consider whether it is reasonable and sustainable for you to continue providing care. Support such as short breaks, practical help, or advice should be provided where needed – not treated as extras or something you have to manage alone. You should never be turned away or passed between services because of internal processes. At Carers Oxfordshire, we’re here to help you understand your rights, feel confident asking for support, and access the help that makes a real difference to you and your family.
Find out more about your rights on the Carers UK website.
Support is there to help your child — and you — at every stage.
When the right support is in place for your child, it can make a real difference to your wellbeing as a parent carer.
A simple way to think about it:
Getting help → Assessments → Short breaks → Growing up → Moving into adulthood
1. Getting help
If you’re worried about your child, you can speak to their school or ask for help — you don’t have to wait. Early support may be offered before any formal assessments.
2. Assessments
You can ask for an EHC needs assessment if your child may need more support. You don’t need permission from the school, and your views must be included. In Oxfordshire, parents, carers, schools, or young people (16 – 25) can request an EHC Needs Assessment where a child or young person may need support beyond what is ordinarily available. Some families may also have a social care assessment, which looks at the needs of the whole family.
3. Short breaks
Support may include short breaks — activities for your child that give them opportunities to socialise and give you time to rest and recharge. Some can be accessed directly, while others follow an assessment. They are a legal right, and can help your child take part in everyday activities. Learn more about the Oxfordshire County Council Short Breaks offer.
4. Growing up
As your child grows, their support may change. Services should work together to respond to their needs over time.
5. Moving into adulthood (from age 14)
Support should begin to focus on your child’s future — including education, work, independence, and adult life — with no sudden drop in support.
Find out more
There are clear rules and guidance behind this support, so you know what you can expect and what you’re entitled to.
- The Oxfordshire County Council SEND Local Offer is your main place for up-to-date information on assessments, short breaks, and support into adulthood
- National law (including the Children and Families Act, Children Act, and SEND Code of Practice) sets out what support must be available
- Short breaks and transition planning are legal duties — they are not optional
- You can also get independent advice to help you understand your rights and options, including from SENDIASS (impartial SEND advice) and the Oxfordshire Parent Carers Forum (support and shared experiences from other families)
As a parent carer, your role and experience matter. There is a clear expectation in law and guidance that schools work in partnership with families — recognising that caring responsibilities can affect daily life, and supporting parents to be involved in a way that feels fair and manageable.
In everyday terms, this often means feeling heard in conversations, being part of decisions about your child, and having communication that works for you. It can also include practical adjustments, such as flexibility around meetings, clear written information, or a consistent point of contact. These approaches are supported by national guidance, including the SEND Code of Practice, Children and Families Act 2014, the Children Act 1989 and Equality Act 2010, which all emphasise respectful, collaborative working with families.
If things feel uncertain or difficult, it can help to talk things through or explore what support is available. Independent services such as SENDIASS, IPSEA, the Council for Disabled Children and the National Autistic Society (where applicable) offer information and guidance to help families better understand their rights and options.
Want to find out more?
If you’re not sure whether you are a carer, or think you might be, you’re very welcome to get in touch for a chat — we can help you work things out. Contact our CarersLine for free, confidential support and advice on 01235 424 715 or email carersinfo@carersoxfordshire.org.uk.