Navigating Support Services
The Family Information and Support Hubs in Merton provide free, confidential support to families with children and young people, offering guidance on a wide range of issues including child development, behaviour and emotions, parenting, relationships, money, benefits, employment, and childcare. Specialist advisors help families access relevant services such as funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years, wraparound childcare, housing advice, and support with wellbeing and safety. Support is available through pre‑booked appointments, telephone or video sessions, and in‑person drop‑ins at Acacia Children’s Centre and Church Road Children’s Centre, making help easily accessible at times and locations that suit families’ needs.
If you have concerns about your child's mental health, wellbeing, or needs, such as ADHD, a referral to CAMHS can be made. Referrals are usually submitted by your GP or your child's school. If you would like advice, support, or help with this process, please contact the Head of Base or SENDCo, who will be happy to guide you and discuss the next steps.
Merton’s Best Start Family Hubs provide a welcoming place where children, young people, and families can access support, advice, and services all in one place. They offer help from pregnancy through to age 19 (or up to 25 for children and young people with SEND), including health services, parenting support, early learning activities, SEND advice, and signposting to specialist services. Support is available through local hub sites, community locations such as libraries and children’s centres, as well as an online offer, making it easier for families to get the help they need when they need it.
MIASS provides free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support to children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and to their parents or carers living in Merton. Co-commissioned by Merton Council and the NHS, MIASS offers specialist guidance for families who need additional help beyond support already provide3d by schools and professionals, including advice on education, SEND processes and available services. The service also runs term-time drop-in sessions at Acacia Children's Centre as part of the Merton Family Hub offer.
The M‑Card is a free concession card for children and young people in Merton with special educational needs or disabilities. It provides a simple and discreet way to show that a child may need additional support and can be used to access a range of benefits such as priority access, concessions, and assistance at venues and activities locally and nationally. Many of our pupils in Treetops are eligible for an M‑Card, which can help make activities and outings more accessible for families.
Merton Mencap supports early identification and discussion of children’s additional needs. It brings professionals together to share advice and guidance, helping schools and settings plan appropriate support before needs escalate or formal assessments are required.
The Merton SEND Local Offer provides information about services and support available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0–25. It includes details about education, health, social care, and leisure services, helping families understand what support is available and how to access it within the borough.
Merton SEN Transport offers travel assistance for eligible children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities who are unable to travels to school independently. Support is provided based on individual needs and eligibility criteria, to help ensure safe and consistent access to education. If you experience any issues or have queries regarding SEN transport arrangements, please contact the SEN Transport Team directly.
Contact:
SENtransport@merton.gov.uk
0208 545 3278 – for queries relating to children/young people who already have transport in place
0208 545 4092 – for queries relating to applications, appeals or general enquiries