Contact Ealing

14/08/2026

We’ve updated our advice on extra support in mainstream schools. See details below:

Is your child getting the support they need at school?

Mainstream schools in England must do everything they can to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), but it isn’t always easy to know what help your child should be receiving or what to ask for.

We’ve updated our advice on extra support in mainstream schools. It explains:

✅ What SEN support can look like
✅ How the assess, plan, do and review cycle should work
✅ What should be included in an SEN support plan
✅ The role of your child’s SENCO
✅ Questions to ask at a meeting with school
✅ What to do if your child needs more help

With children preparing to return to school, it’s a useful page to read now — or save for when you need it (link is in the comments)

What is one thing you wish you’d known about SEN support?

13/08/2026

Today is AS level, A level and T Level results day! Good luck from all of us here at Contact.

No matter their results, everyone should be proud of their achievements today. We know that today can be difficult for parents whose children haven't been able to go to school due to their health, or who have missed out on education because of unmet needs in school.

If you need any information or advice about your young person's next steps, give us a call on our free helpline 0808 808 3555, or submit an enquiry here: https://f.mtr.cool/fyfhtptogr

12/08/2026

The Ealing Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service has shared their programme for the autumn term, please see details below and contact them directly if you want to join any of the workshops, drop in sessions or the introduction to Makaton course:

12/08/2026

Upcoming event in Southall for families of blind and partially sighted as well as deaf and hard of hearing children on the 30th August 2026:

"The Bear That Wasn’t" is coming to OPEN Southall, Parkside Yards on Sunday 30 August at 2pm, with a touch tour at 1pm.

The production is a playful and visually striking puppetry show, using hand-carved wooden marionettes, hand-painted sets and original music. It follows a young bear who is mistaken for a new worker in a busy robot-run factory, exploring themes of identity, nature and imagination.
The performance offers audio description and a touch tour for blind and partially sighted audience members, as well as provision for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.

Event details:

The Bear That Wasn’t
Sunday 30 August, 2pm
Touch tour: 1pm
OPEN Southall, Parkside Yards, UB1 1GH
45 minutes
Tickets: £12

Full details and booking:

The Bear That Wasn't is a highly visual story brought to life through hand carved wooden marionettes, hand-painted sets and original music.

12/08/2026

An update from ClubSENsational, a London-based organisation providing after-school and day-centre activities for neurodiverse children and adults:

They are pleased to share that their Acton Centre now has hoists and the necessary equipment in place to support children and adults with physical disabilities and mobility needs, making the sessions more accessible to a wider range of individuals.

The services can be explored through their booking portal:
https://clubsensational.org/bookingportal

Alternatively, families and professionals can contact them directly at [email protected] . They are also very happy to speak with families or professionals personally to discuss their individual needs and how they may be able to support them.

Browse clubSENsational services and weekly session times. See the full offer — including fully booked slots.

12/08/2026

Free fresh fruit and vegetables donated to the Felix project available on Monday 17th August at Gunnersbury Park, please see details below:

11/08/2026

We've put together this back-to-school checklist for families across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

08/08/2026

Contact Ealing are running an online evening workshop (via zoom) on DLA on Tuesday 18th August at 6.30pm as part of our Crisis Resilience project, you can register to receive the zoom link to attend here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/uURCXUxvb2
The workshop is mainly aimed at parents looking at making a first application but if you are already in receipt of DLA and have questions about renewing it or have a general question on DLA, you are, of course, welcome to join. We are also fully aware that you will most likely have your little ones with you, so there is no need to turn your camera or sound on, everyone is welcome who thinks the information will be helpful to you.

06/08/2026

Creative group for neurodivergent young adults age 18-25 starting in September, see details below:

05/08/2026

Mencap Supported Internship Ealing service still have some places available on both their pre internship study programme and supported internship programme for Sept/Oct 2026.

To find out more please attend their next Virtual Open Evening Events for SEND professionals, parents/carers and prospective learners, on 26th August at 4.30pm- 5.30pm
Please register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-london-supported-internships-virtual-information-session-tickets-1995069459459?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join them to explore Mencap’s Ealing Study Programmes and Supported Internship opportunities.
Register now to learn more about their specialist pathways for learners aged 16–24 with an EHCP. During these sessions you'll meet members of the team and discover:

• their range of high quality work placements
• Maths and English qualification pathways
• Employability Skills training
• How they support young people to build confidence, independence, and work readiness

These events are ideal for prospective learners, their parents/carers, and SEND professionals. You may also like to visit their website https://trainingacademy.mencap.org.uk/opportunities/west-london-supported-internship ahead of the events. For more information about the programme at Ealing please contact Education Centre manager [email protected]

Our supported internship for young people with an EHCP in west London.