Children and Young People's Network

Durham County Council

Main information

Type of service: Family support and information services

We must keep a register of children and young people with a special educational need or disability, up to the age of 25 years. In County Durham we call this the Children and Young People's Network. More than 900 children and young people are registered with us and we would like more parents or carers to add their child's details to this list. The register helps us to make better plans around what services are needed and in what areas. The register creates a virtual network where we share information with our members about services and activities that may be of interest. .

Who can join the Children and Young People's Network?: Children and young people between the ages of 0-25 years, who live in County Durham, who have a physical or mental condition which has a "substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities" (Equalities Act 2010). This definition includes the following:.

· visual, hearing or sensory problems.

· mobility problems.

· developmental delay.

· communication problems.

· learning difficulties.

· emotional or behavioural difficulty.

· chronic or severe illness.

How can you join the Children and Young People's Network?: Registration online is quick and easy. All information is covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 and personal information remains confidential. You can remove your child's name from the register at any time..

How will being on the register benefit my child?: As a member of the Children and Young People's Network, you and your child/children will receive:.

· Email or text alerts covering the latest news and developments, including our quarterly newsletter which features up-to-date information about services, short break activities, events and general information..

· Entry into the exclusive Children and Young People's Network Membership Card scheme which offers discounts to organisations across County Durham and the North East..

· This includes the following organisations: .

o Families Information Service - Adventure Point.

o Families Information Service - AMF Bowling.

o Beamish Museum.

o Families Information Service - Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth.

o Families Information Service - Chase Park.

o Families Information Service - Durham County Cricket Club.

o Families Information Service - Durham University Oriental Museum.

o Families Information Service - Hall Hill Farm.

o Families Information Service - Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museum.

o Families Information Service - The Bowes Museum.

The County Durham Local Offer: Our Local Offer has been developed, to help and support children and young people up to the age of 25 who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) by bringing together information in one place. As well as information on statutory entitlements, it includes what is available in the County Durham area during a child's early years, schooling (including academies and free schools), college and other services including health, social care, training, employment and independent living. A dedicated Local Offer section has been created on the Families Information Service website..