Agencies and Partnerships
Castletown Primary School creates a strong network of agencies and partnerships to effectively support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). By working closely with external professionals such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and local authority services, the school ensures that each child’s needs are accurately identified and met. Regular communication and collaborative planning with families, healthcare providers, and specialist organisations enable a holistic approach, where academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and social development are equally prioritised. This joined-up strategy not only enhances the quality of provision but also empowers staff with the expertise and resources needed to deliver inclusive, responsive teaching that helps every learner thrive. Below you will find an outline of what some of the agencies we have partnered with offer. Please note, that in order for a referral to these agencies to be made, Castletown Primary School will follow the identification of need process that can be accessed below.
Educational Psychologist
The Educational Psychologist aims to support children’s learning, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. They assess pupils who may have additional needs, help identify barriers to learning, and provide strategies for teachers and parents to support development where other interventions or advice may not have been effective. They also work with staff to create inclusive practices, advise on interventions, and contribute to plans for pupils with SEND. Overall, their role is to ensure that children receive the right support to succeed both academically and socially. Click here for information.
Speech and Language
Speech and Language support children with communication and language difficulties. They assess pupils’ speech, language, and understanding, identify specific needs, and provide targeted interventions to improve communication skills. They also work closely with teachers and parents to suggest strategies that can be used in the classroom and at home. Their role helps children develop the communication skills they need for learning, social interaction, and overall confidence. Click here for information.
Behaviour Support Service
The Behaviour Support Service (BSS) aims to help pupils who are experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. They work with staff to understand the underlying causes of behaviour, carry out observations, and develop tailored strategies to support positive behaviour and engagement in learning. This may include creating behaviour plans, modelling effective approaches, and providing staff training. They can also offer 1:1 or small group work with children. They often liaise with families and other professionals such as the Vulnerable Pupil Panel to ensure a consistent approach, with the aim of improving pupils’ wellbeing, relationships, and ability to succeed in school. Click here for information.
Autism Outreach
Autism Outreach supports pupils with autism by helping staff understand and meet their specific needs. Specialists provide advice on communication, sensory differences, and behaviour, and recommend strategies to create a more structured, predictable, and inclusive learning environment. They may model interventions, support individual planning, and offer training for staff. Their role is to build school capacity so that pupils with autism can access learning, develop social skills, and feel supported in school. Click here for information.
CYPS (Children and Young Peoples Service)
CYPS primarily support schools by carrying out ASC and ADHD assessments to children who have been referred. In order to be accepted for a referral, school will have involved other agencies, followed and evaluated the advice and completed a number of cycles of assess-plan-do-review before seeking support from CYPS. Once a referral has been made, children may be added to the waiting list for an assessment or in some cases they may choose to work with children experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, trauma or behavioural challenges, offering assessments and therapeutic support where needed. They will also advise school post assessment on how best to support children so that they can engage positively with school life. Click here for information.
0-19 service
The 0–19 service supports the health, development, and wellbeing of children and young people from birth through to age 19. In primary schools, they often work through school nurses and health practitioners to monitor development, deliver health checks, and provide advice on issues such as nutrition, sleep, emotional wellbeing, and safeguarding. They also support early identification of additional needs and work with families and school staff to ensure children receive appropriate care and guidance, helping them stay healthy and ready to learn. Click here for information.
Sunderland Community Children and Young People's Mental Health Service (SCCYPMHS) - was CAMHS
Sunderland Community Children and Young People's Mental Health Service (SCCYPMHS) is a team of professionals who offer support and advice to aid mental health and positive well-being. The service works with children and young people aged 0-18 who may be showing signs of emotional distress and/or behavioural difficulties. They aim to deal with such difficulties at the earliest possible stage of intervention in the hope that children and young people will develop skills and resilience to promote positive well-being. Click here for information.
Healthy Heads
The Healthy Heads Team is a school based mental health service based in Sunderland and provided by South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. The team is built up of Primary Mental Health Specialist, Speech and Language Therapist, Primary Mental Health Workers, Senior Educational Mental Health Practitioners (EMHP), EMHPs and trainee EMHPs. They work with school to support children, young people and their families who are struggling with Mild-Moderate mental health and emotional well-being difficulties. This will be done via a whole school approach, 1:1 or small group work (via referral only) or specific parent support. Click here for information.
Language and Learning
Language and Learning supports pupils who have difficulties with understanding, processing, and using language that impacts their learning. Specialists assess needs, provide targeted strategies and interventions, and advise teachers on how to adapt teaching to improve access to the curriculum. They may also work on skills such as vocabulary development, comprehension, and attention. Their role is to help pupils develop the language skills necessary for learning, communication, and overall academic progress. Click here for information.
Early Help
Early Help supports children and families by providing timely intervention when difficulties first emerge, aiming to prevent issues from escalating. Early Help teams work with staff and families to identify needs such as attendance concerns, behaviour, family stress, or wellbeing challenges. They coordinate support plans, bring together relevant agencies, and offer practical guidance to parents and carers. Their role is to strengthen family resilience, improve outcomes for children, and ensure the right support is in place as early as possible. Link
Paediatrics School works closely with paediatricians from various hospitals, who will inform and advise on any medical or developmental updates regarding children. This helps to inform the support and reasonable adjustments children may need in school.
Parents
Parents as partners play a central role in supporting children with SEND in schools by working collaboratively with staff and external professionals. They provide valuable insight into their child’s needs, strengths, and experiences, helping to shape effective support plans. Through regular communication, meetings, and involvement in decision-making, parents contribute to setting and reviewing targets. This partnership ensures consistency between home and school, strengthens trust, and helps create a shared approach focused on improving the child’s progress, wellbeing, and independence.
Not only are the needs of the children at the heart of everything Castletown Primary School does, there is also a focus on supporting parents and carers as we understand that navigating day to day challenges with children who have additional or suspected additional needs can be difficult at times. Additional services are available to support families, particularly Choice Wellbeing and Daisy Chain. Further information regarding these services can be found below.
Choice Wellbeing
Choice Wellbeing works upon a self-referral system. If you wish to access any support from them, please complete the booking form via the 'Our services' page. They focus on stamping out misinformation, and supporting families by giving them right information, from the right people when they need it.
Daisy Chain
Family Support Service - Sunderland - Daisy Chain
Daisy Chain is a charity that specialises in supporting families with children who are on the neurodevelopmental pathway, have received a diagnosis already or of children who display traits associated with a neurodevelopmental condition. They hold regular coffee mornings and support networks for parents and carers to attend and are committed to advising and supporting parents through what can sometimes be a difficult and emotional process.
Rainbow Guide
Parents and carers are also encouraged to access the Rainbow Guide via the QR code below. The Rainbow Guide is a booklet that outlines some of the services in the local area. The booklet is easy to read, simple and explains exactly what the organisations do and don't do.
