Our Specialist Groups for children accessing the service

The Child Development Service (CDS) offers a range of specialist group sessions throughout the week at the Gem Centre or Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub. 

We offer a range of supportive groups for children with additional needs and for their parents and carers. Each group is designed to meet specific developmental needs, while some also give parents and carers the chance to connect, share experiences, and feel supported.

How to Join

Children between 0-5, who are being supported by the Special Needs Early Years Service or the Sensory Inclusion Service, may be invited to attend one of our specialist groups as part of their individual support plan.

Our Approach

We believe in keeping things simple and consistent for families. That’s why we usually avoid offering dual placements. Whenever we can, we aim to support children in settings close to home, within their community.

Ongoing Support

Because these groups offer highly specialised care, we regularly check in to make sure each child’s placement is still the best fit for their needs.

Sapphire Group - Drop-In session

When: Wednesday mornings 
Who it's for: Supports children and their parents. 
Focus: Sensory motor activities and a motor planning activity takes place with parents supporting their children to take part in various activities. Peer support for parents which gives parents the opportunity to meet other families and share experiences.

Note:  Most of the children attending this group will have Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting in place.

Ruby Group - Group Session

When: Thursdays
Who it's for: Children preparing for school with severe and complex needs 
Focus: Supportive assessment placement before school attendance for children with complex needs. 

Note: CDS link worker will stay in touch with the family to discuss programme support and regular Team Around the Child (TAC) reviews will take place.

Emerald Group - Group Session

When: Wednesdays
Who it's for: Children with communication and social interaction difficulties.
Focus: Communication and social interaction using the TEACCH approach.

Note: CDS link worker will stay in touch with the family to discuss programmes and behaviour support if required. Regular Team Around the Child (TAC) reviews will take place.

Pearl Group - Drop-In sessions

When: Tuesdays
Who it's for: Children with Down Syndrome and their parents.
Focus: Staff from Neonatal, Physiotherapy and Special Needs Early Years (SNEYs) provide support for children with Down Syndrome and peer support for parents which gives parents the opportunity to meet other families and share experiences.

Note: All children attending will have Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting in place.

Opal Group - Drop-In session

When: On selected Monday afternoons
Who it's for: Children who are either deaf or hard of hearing and their parents.
Focus:  Welcoming environment where children can interact with staff from Sensory Inclusion Services, as well as with other D/deaf or hard of hearing children in the community. It also offers a valuable chance for parents to ask questions, access information, and connect with other parents in a supportive environment.

Note: Sensory Inclusion Service staff support this session.

Jade Group – Drop-In session

When: Friday mornings
Who it's for: Children and their parents.
Focus: Communication, shared attention and sensory activities take place. Parents support their children to take part in various activities. This group gives parents the opportunity to meet other families and share experiences.

Note: Most of the children attending this group will either be going through the assessment process or already have completed assessments and receive support from the Special Needs Early Years Service.