This portal provides information and resources for GPs and primary care teams supporting patients with Learning Disabilities (LD) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It includes guidance, referral forms, training links, and patient resources.
What is a Learning Disability, Learning Difficulty, and Special Educational Needs?
- Learning Disability refers to a lifelong condition that affects how a person understands information and learns new skills. It can impact daily life and communication.
- Learning Difficulty usually means challenges with specific skills such as reading, writing, or math (for example, dyslexia), but does not affect overall intelligence.
- Special Educational Needs (SEND) is a broader term that covers children and young people who require additional or different support in education due to learning disabilities, difficulties, or other needs.
How GP Practice Staff Can Help
GP practice staff play a crucial role in identifying and supporting patients with learning disabilities, difficulties, or SEND by:
- Communicating clearly and patiently, using simple language
- Being aware of individual needs and adjustments, such as longer appointments
- Supporting access to annual health checks and appropriate referrals
- Signposting patients and families to local resources and support services
The Waltham Forest Local Offer is an online resource designed to provide children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their families, with easy access to information about the support and services available locally.
What the Local Offer Helps With
The Local Offer brings together information on education, health, and social care services, making it easier for families and professionals to find and access support. It covers:
- Education — Schools, colleges, early years settings, and support for learning needs
- Health Services — Therapy, mental health support, and specialist assessments
- Social Care — Respite care, short breaks, and personal budgets
- Transition to Adulthood — Support with preparing for work, further education, and independent living
- Parent and Carer Support — Advice, groups, advocacy, and training
By providing clear and up-to-date information, the Local Offer empowers families and professionals to make informed decisions and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
How to Access the Local Offer
You can explore the full Waltham Forest Local Offer online here:
Local Offer: Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) | London Borough of Waltham Forest
How GPs Can Use the Local Offer
- Signpost families and carers to the Local Offer website for information and support
- Understand the range of services and pathways available locally
- Support coordinated care planning by referring to appropriate resources
The Health Pages within the Waltham Forest Local Offer provide detailed information on health services available to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families.
What the Health Pages Include
- Therapies: Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and other specialist therapies
- Mental Health Support: Access to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), emotional wellbeing support, and counselling
- Specialist Clinics and Assessments: Information on health assessments, developmental checks, and medical reviews
- Support for Complex Health Needs: Guidance for families managing long-term or complex health conditions
- Health Visitors and School Nurses: Support available through community health teams
These pages help families and professionals understand what health services are available, how to access them, and who to contact for advice or referrals.
Access the Waltham Forest Local Offer Health Pages
Explore the health-related support and services here:
Health services for children and young people | London Borough of Waltham Forest
How GPs Can Use This Resource
- Guide families to relevant health services and pathways
- Access up-to-date contact details and referral information
- Enhance coordination between health, education, and social care
The Going to Hospital section of the Waltham Forest Local Offer is designed to support children, young people with SEND, and their families by providing clear information about what to expect when attending hospital appointments or stays.
What This Page Covers
- Preparing for Hospital Visits: Practical tips and advice on how to get ready for appointments and inpatient stays
- Hospital Support Services: Information about specialist nurses, therapists, and hospital liaison teams that help children and families during their visit
- Communication Support: Guidance on how to access communication aids, easy-read information, and advocacy services during hospital care
- Managing Anxiety and Sensory Needs: Strategies to help reduce stress and make hospital environments more comfortable for children with sensory sensitivities or anxiety
- Contact Details: Key hospital departments and teams to support families throughout the hospital journey
How GPs Can Use This Resource
- Reassure families by providing clear, accessible information about hospital experiences
- Help coordinate care by referring to hospital support services and contact points
- Signpost to practical tools and resources to ease hospital visits for children with SEND
Access the Going to Hospital Page
Find detailed guidance and resources here:
Going to hospital | London Borough of Waltham Forest
This pack has been developed as a comprehensive resource for GP practice staff inductions and ongoing training. It provides essential information on learning disabilities and special educational needs (SEND), aimed at supporting ALL staff in delivering person centred care. The pack also includes helpful signposting to relevant websites and resources to assist staff in accessing further guidance and support.
Training and Professional development
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism – elearning for healthcare
Annual Health Checks are an important part of supporting young people/adults with learning disabilities to stay healthy. These checks help identify health needs early, manage existing conditions, and promote overall wellbeing.
What the Annual Health Check Involves
- A comprehensive health review by a GP or practice nurse
- Assessment of physical and mental health, including medications, lifestyle, and screening
- Identification of any new health issues or risks
- Development of a health action plan tailored to individual needs
- Referral to specialists or support services as needed
Who is Eligible?
- People aged 14 and over with a diagnosed learning disability
- People registered on a GP Learning Disability (LD) register
Why Annual Health Checks Matter
- People with learning disabilities often have unmet health needs
- Early detection of conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or mental health issues
- Improved access to health services and tailored care
Signposting for Waltham Forest GPs
- For all Waltham Forest LD Clinical Departments please contact:
Community Learning Disability Team Waltham Forest
30 Coleridge Road
Walthamstow London
E17 6QU
Telephone: 020 8928 8300
Email: WF.CLDTHealth@nelft.nhs.uk
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9 am to 5 pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
Mental Health Direct
If you need urgent assistance or crisis support for mental health, please call our NELFT Crisis Line Mental Health Direct on 0800 995 1000. This is a freephone number and callers will not be charged.
We can arrange for you to speak with a mental health professional. We can also advise you about what service to contact to get the support you need.
Or you can telephone/dial 111 for NHS 111, and select ‘Option 2’ for Mental Health. This will be an additional way to contact crisis services and will not be replacing the 0800 number above.
Community Learning Disability Team – Waltham Forest | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
For Adults:
- Adult Safeguarding Team (Waltham Forest Council)
To report concerns about an adult at risk:
020 8496 3000
safeguardingadults@walthamforest.gov.uk
What to do if you are worried about a vulnerable adult | London Borough of Waltham Forest
For Children:
- Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
To report concerns about a child or young person:
020 8496 2310 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) | London Borough of Waltham Forest
MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk
Out of Hours (Adults and Children):
020 8496 3000 (ask for the Emergency Duty Team)
GP Responsibilities in Safeguarding
- Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect in patients or carers
- Record concerns accurately and sensitively in clinical notes
- Share concerns with safeguarding leads or designated professionals
- Refer directly to social care or MASH as needed
Further Support and Resources
- Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) | The Hub – Waltham Forest Education Hub
- Waltham Forest Safeguarding Adults Board
www.walthamforestsab.org.uk - Wf community Hub: Safeguarding | Waltham Forest Hub
- NSPCC Helpline : 0808 800 5000 (for advice or to report anonymously)
The Mental Capacity Act (2005) provides a legal framework for making decisions on behalf of individuals aged 16 and over who may lack the capacity to make specific decisions for themselves at a given time. This law applies across England and Wales, including in Waltham Forest.
Key Principles of the Mental Capacity Act
- Presume capacity unless it’s proven otherwise
- Provide support to help people make decisions
- A person is not to be treated as unable to decide just because they make an unwise decision
- Any action or decision must be in the person’s best interests
- Choose the least restrictive option possible
When to Assess Capacity
A capacity assessment is required when there’s a concern that someone may not be able to make a specific decision – e.g., about medical treatment, care planning, accommodation, or finances.
Key Forms:
- MCA1 Form – Mental Capacity Assessment
- Best Interests Decision-Making Form (BIA)
- Consent and Decision
Mental Capacity in Waltham Forest | London Borough of Waltham Forest
Mental Capacity Act – Social care and support guide – NHS
Local Support and Contacts
- Waltham Forest Adult Safeguarding Team
- WFDLiaison@walthamforest.gov.uk
Carers – people who look after a family member or friend due to illness, disability, or mental health needs — have specific legal rights and entitlements under the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014. GPs and primary care staff play a key role in identifying carers early and signposting them to the right support.
Key Carers’ Rights
- Carer’s Assessment
Every carer has a right to an assessment of their own needs, even if the person they care for does not receive services. This includes physical, emotional, and practical support needs. - Support Plans
Carers may be entitled to support such as help with respite, counselling, or financial assistance. - Flexible Working
Under employment law, carers have the right to request flexible working arrangements. - Priority in Vaccinations & GP Services
Identified carers may be eligible for priority access to flu/COVID vaccinations and flagged on GP systems. - Young Carers’ Rights
Young carers (under 18) are entitled to a Young Carer’s Assessment and support via school, GP, and local authority.
What GPs Can Do
- Use EMIS/SystmOne codes to identify carers
- Offer annual health checks or carers’ clinics
- Signpost during health checks or consultations
- Refer for carer’s assessments where needed
- Encourage registration with Carers First Waltham Forest – Where to Signpost Carers
Local to Waltham Forest:
- Waltham Forest Carers First
Offers practical support, advice, emotional help, and carers groups.
www.carersfirst.org.uk/walthamforest
0300 303 1555
hello@carersfirst.org.uk - Waltham Forest Council – Carers Information
For requesting a carer’s assessment or help from adult social care.
Adult carers | London Borough of Waltham Forest
National Resources:
- NHS – Help for Carers
www.nhs.uk/carers - Carers UK
National advice on carers’ rights, benefits, and employment.
www.carersuk.org
Carers UK Helpline: 020 7378 4999 - Waltham Forest Parent Forum: The Waltham Forest Parent Forum is a parent-led community group supporting families of children and young people with SEND. They collaborate with health, education, and local authority services to represent family voices and improve local provision.
Website: Waltham Forest Parent Forum | Join Us Today | Home
Email: info@walthamforestparentforum.org.uk
Below is a list of referral forms for services relevant to patients with Learning Disabilities (LD) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These documents should be uploaded alongside the portal content or made available as downloadable links.
Adults:
- New SPA Referral Form
- Waltham Forest Adult Community Health Services referral form
- Waltham Forest – Nutrition and Dietetics – Resources | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Children
- MASH referral: Request for help, support, protection and safeguarding
- Specialist children’s services referral form
- Occupational Therapy | London Borough of Waltham Forest
- Paediatric nutrition and dietetic service criteria
Mencap: Learning Disability – Down syndrome – Williams syndrome | Mencap
Easy Health: Easy Health | Home
SENDIASS: Waltham Forest :: Home
ADVOCACY: Waltham Forest | Home | POhWER