Local Information

Guernsey has a range of local services for people with autism.

There is a website which signposts all the local information for children's disability services - http://signpost.gg/

Education

Information about education and special educational needs can be found here www.gov.gg/SEN

In Guernsey children with autistic spectrum disorders and related special educational needs are educated either within the local mainstream schools, the three special needs schools (Le Rondin Primary School, Le Murier Secondary School and Les Voies School for pupils with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties) or, in a small number of cases where care, education and health needs cannot be met within the provision available in Guernsey, in off-island placements. Further information about the special needs schools and contact details can be found here

Communication Bases which are staffed by the Communication and Autism Service are also located within Amherst Primary School and St Sampsons High School and provide additional support for some pupils. The bases have been established within a primary mainstream and a high school to provide for learners age 4-16 (i.e. Foundation Stage Reception Year to Key Stage 4 Year 11) who have a Determination of SEN with Communication and Interaction as the primary category of need. Further information about the procedures for placement within the special schools and bases can be found here

In Guernsey there is a process called Formal Assessment. It is the process that enables the views of all those working with a pupil, including parents, to contribute to the identification of the pupil's special educational needs. A Summary of Needs will be agreed and a Determination may be drawn up stating the specialist provision that is required to meet those needs.

The Guernsey College of Further Education provides a range of post-16 opportunuties including the Access course and Foundation Course which may be suitable for some students with special needs. Information on transition planning for students aged 14-19 can be found here

The Education Department's SEN Code of Practice document can be downloaded here

Health and Social Care

Children' Disability Service

The Children's Disability Service is a multi professional team that includes paediatrician, nurse, social worker, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologist and specialist speech and language therapists. The team is responsible for providing a range of services to children with complex health and learning needs.

They are based at the Child Development Centre at Le Rondin and provide an assessment service to pre-school children with developmental concerns and ongoing support from the Specialist Developmental Service for school aged children who have complex needs. They also assist children and their families to plan for the future. They liaise with the staff from the Short Break Service that is based at The Croft to offer ongoing support through play and activity schemes, residential short breaks and outreach support.

Further information on all children's disability services can be found on the www.signpost.gg website

Child Adolescent Mental Health Team (CAMHS)

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is available to young people under the age of 18, their families and carers. They provide assessment and treatment for a wide range of problems related to mental health.

They work with young people individually, with whole families and with other professionals who are involved with young people (such as social workers, teachers and medical staff).

CAMHS are based at the Mignot Centre at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

Children's Dental Service

The Children's Dental Service provides a dedicated dental service for pre-school and school age children with particular needs.

Social Security

If you have a medical condition or disability which means you require care in order to live at home, you may be able to claim benefit.

If you are providing care for someone living at home you may be eligible to claim a carer's allowance.

In order to claim these benefits, you need to be registered with Social Security and fulfil the required residential qualifications.

For more information click here or call the Soclal Security Department helpline on 732506

Other Local Charities and Support Services

Autism Guernsey is a local autism charity which was launched in April 2013. They run a range of services including a befriending schgeme with Mencap, an Outreach Service, youth group and independent living scheme. The NAS Guernsey Branch and Autism Guernsey are working in close collaboration.

Go! (formerly Communicate) is a local charity which aims to support young people with mild communication disorders find worthwhile employment. They run a charity shop on the Bridge and have a social club for young people (seach Go SocialGsy on Facebook)

Wigwam - Wigwam Support Group is based in Guernsey and offers friendship, support and advice to local parents, families and friends who have, or are involved with, children and young people with a special need.

The HUB - The HUB is run by Barnardo’s and commissioned and funded by local charity Young People Guernsey. We believe in children and believe that whatever you are going through, big or small, The HUB will find a way of offering you the support you need.

Guernsey Disability Alliance - The Guernsey Disability Alliance was formed in 2008 and includes a membership of representatives from over 30 local disability charities, plus individual disabled people who have joined forces to speak with one voice about the issues disabled islanders have in common. Their mission is equality for disabled islanders.

The Association of Guernsey Charities A list of all the listed charities in Guernsey.

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