What is available for my child?

Here you will find out about essential services and support in Guernsey that you may need for your child

  • Hospital services

    • Maternity Services: 
      • They aim to provide excellent care in a friendly and nurturing environment to give mothers, babies and their families personalised care from the early antenatal period, during pregnancy and labour and during the first early days of parenting.To find out more about maternity services follow the link Maternity unit
    • Children's Ward.
      • If your child becomes unwell he/she may be admitted to the children's ward, which is called Frossard Ward. If your stay on the ward is planned you can go with your child to the Pre-Admissions Club, where you can speak to the nurses and ask any questions you may have. If you want to know more about the Pre-Admissions Club, please tel. 224355
    • Emergency Department.
      • Is also known as accident and emergency or casualty offers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year emergency care for patients. In Guernsey, it is located at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. For more information about the service and emergency department charges please follow this link
    • Children's Dental Service.
      • This service provides a dedicated dental service for pre-school and school age children with particular needs based at Princess Elizabeth Hospital. For further details please follow this link.
    • Children's Community Nurse.
      • Some children require extra support when they leave hospital and the  is available to provide this support. The nurses will always explain their role so that both parent and child understand why the nurse is visiting and how they can be involved.

  • Treatment and care off island

    • It is not always possible to treat all children's conditions on the island, as the treatment required may be of a very specialised nature that cannot be provided through the normal channels. Your child will be referred to the hospital in the UK that specialises in and has the appropriate equipment to treat your child's condition. All UK referrals are made in the best interest of your child.
    • How is it assessed?
      • If your child requires treatment off-island you will be referred by your Medical Specialist Group (MSG) Consultant and a referral letter is sent to the Off-Island Team.
      • When the referral has been authorised it is sent to the relevant UK hospital, which will then make an appointment for your child. They will send you an appointment letter. Please be aware that this may take several weeks.
      • When you receive your appointment letter, you must phone the MSG Consultant's secretary to tell them the details of your appointment.
      • The Medical Specialist Group will then create a request for the Travel Allowance Grant and send this to the Off-Island Services team and the Health Benefit team at Social Security.
      • The Health Benefit team will discuss your needs and book the necessary travel.
    • Travel information
      • Health Connections provide information about travelling off island for medical treatment. Their website should contain all of the information and contact details that you need if your child is referred off-island for care or treatment.
      • Leaflets about off island travel for medical reasons are available by following the link to travel information.
    • Can I travel with my child?
      • If your child is under 6 years of age and going to the UK for medical treatment then all travel expenses will be met by Social Security for both parents to accompany their child.
      • If your child is between 6 and 18 years of age Social Security will usually pay for one parent to travel with the child. However, in some circumstances a second parent's travel may be funded. This would be at the request of the doctor treating your child, and they would have to provide a medical reason for the second parent to travel. Funding for the second parent's travel would also be subject to a Means Test.
      • Most hospitals are able to accommodate at least one parent on the hospital site. In certain circumstances Social Security or Hospital Services may assist with the cost of accommodation. A Means Test will have to be taken in order for Social Security to consider your request.
      • Health Connections will be able to answer any questions you might have if your child has to travel away for their treatment. Their website provides information about your stay in a UK hospital, including advice on what to take with you if your child is 7 and under, 8-11 years old or over 12.
    • Who can I talk to about the treatment my child will get in the UK?
      • Your Guernsey Consultant will have the name of the UK Specialist they will be referring your child to.
      • At the consultation in the UK your child might not be seen by the actual named Specialist but may be seen by one of their medical team. Make sure you find out the name of who you are seeing and their position in the team.
      • If your child is referred for treatment, find out the name of the Specialist giving the treatment or operating on your child.
      • At any stage, ask as many questions as you feel necessary, including questions about the medical or operating experience of any Specialists giving treatment to or operating on your child.

  • Community services

    • Information about care for children with disabilities in their own home, community settings or at the Child Development Centre
    • Referrals
      • You can refer yourself to most of the services below. If, however, you do not feel confident to do that then contact your Health Visitor (for children under 5 years old), School Nurse (for children over 5 years old) or your GP.
        Each community-based professional will provide you with specific support for your child. Sometimes they may see you at home, at a community centre, at the Child Development Centre at Le Rondin, at the Medical Specialist Group, or at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH). This will be arranged in partnership with you.
    • Midwife
      • They will visit you and your baby at home following discharge from hospital. This is usually for the first two weeks, but may be longer depending on the needs of you and your baby.
    • Health Visitor
      • Each family with pre school children is offered a named health visitor who will contact you when your baby is about 10 days old and will arrange a suitable time to call and see you both.
      • Health Visitors provide child development assessments, advice and support up until your child is 5 years old.
      • The Health Visitors can be contacted at Lukis House (tel. 01481 220000) or follow the link health visitor
    • School Nurse
      • The School Nursing Team work with children, young people and their families.
      • They offer a core programme of health surveillance and health promotion to individuals, families and school communities.
      • The School Nurses offer a vaccination programme to all school students and catch up vaccinations are available.
    • Child Development Service (CDS)
      • This is a multidisciplinary team that supports children and young people aged 0-18 who have additional needs.
      • The CDS team are committed to providing high quality care and support to enable every child to reach their full potential. The team seek to work in strong partnership with children, their parents/carers and other agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
      • To find out more about the service and how to get support please follow this link.
    • Additional support is available from the following services:
      • The Children's Community Nurse
      • Are based at Lukis House (tel. 01481 220000). Follow the link Community nurses
      • the are able to assist with dressings changes, injection or support with asthma.
      • The Community nurse is also the liaison nurse for children with a cleft lip and palate and children who have undergone day surgery.
    • The Urology / Continence Service
      • If your child is under 16 years of age then your first point of contact will be either your  Health Visitor or School Nurse who is able to undertake an assessment of your child and offer advice and supporting information.Health visitor or school nurse
      • In some cases your child may need a referral to the Urology / Continence Team where a full assessment of your child's needs will be made. You will be able to attend the appointment with your child.
      • A home or clinic appointment will be made so a more in-depth assessment may be undertaken.
      • When the assessment has been completed an individual plan will be made for your child and further follow-ups will be arranged as needed.
      • If you require equipment for your child it may be possible to access this through Social Security, tel. (01481) 222508. Assessments are made on an individual basis. Please phone Social Security to see if they can help.

  • Short Breaks

    • This service supports children and young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities and/or complex physical disabilities up to the age of 18. It provides opportunities for children and young people to spend time with peers and take part in activities away from their families. 
      • The Croft is the base of the short break care service. It is a homely environment equipped with 6 bedrooms and an outdoor play area. The team at The Croft also run a play scheme during the school holidays.
      • A short break package can be an overnight stay, care after school, in the holidays or outreach in the community.
    • How to access short break care
      • Referrals for short break care can be made by any professional working with the child and their family. If the child meets the criteria of having moderate to severe learning disabilities and/or complex physical disabilities a needs assessment is completed. A panel reviews this assessment and agree a packages of care to meet the child and family's needs. The package of support will be regularly review to ensure it is appropriate.  
      • For further information please contact The Croft on tel: 01481 258487.
    • The Short Break Carer Scheme run in partnership with the Family Placement Service, this scheme matches a child and their family with an approved carer. Find out more about this scheme here http://guernseyfostercare.com/foster-care/types-of-foster-care.aspx

  • Education

    • Here you will find information about schools in Guernsey and the support available to your child throughout their education
    • Education Services have a dedicated website that you can explore yourself by following this link. Alternatively, we can take you through the education system from pre-school to school leavers. Remember, no decision should be made without your involvement, so do keep asking questions if you are ever unclear
    • Which school will meet my child's needs?
      • For pre-school children, contact the Child Development Centre (tel. 01481 213600).
      • For school-age children contact Education Services tel. (01481) 224000.
    • Pre-school
    • Starting school
    • Special educational needs, What does it mean?
      • Children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to the made for them.
    • Formal assessment
      • This 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 the specialist provision that is required to meet those needs.
      • As a parent, you have a vital role to play in your child's education and a legal duty to see that he/she receives it.
      • for more information follow the link special educational needs
    • Special schools
      • There are three special schools for those pupils who require more specialist provision.
      • Le Rondin School is a purpose-built Special Primary School and Centre for pupils aged 3-11.
      • Le Murier School is divided into three departments: Middles (Years 7-9) is for students aged 11-14; Seniors (Years 10+11) is for students aged 14-16; and Sensory and Communication (Years 7-13).
      • Les Voies School is the Guernsey school for children and young people who experience social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
      • There are also  specialist bases within one of our primary schools and two of the secondary schools supporting children and young people with communication difficulties and/or autism.
    • Transition 14- 19 years
      • 'Transition' means change and refers to the time when a young person is progressing from one phase of education to another, or moving on from full-time education at school.
      • The important transition points for young people include:
        • Age 13/14 (School Year 9) - deciding what to study in Years 10 and 11
        • Age 15/16 (School Year 11) - deciding what to do after Year 11
        • Age 16+ (School Year 12 and above) - deciding what to do after leaving full-time education.
      • For more information about transition planning, what is included in the Transition Plan, and information leaflets about the further education, training and employment options available in Guernsey, please follow this link.
    • Post 16 and life long learning
      • There are a number of options available to children and young people with learning disabilities during their transition from school to their next steps on the path to adulthood:
      • All students enter Le Murier on the Life Skills Pathway to develop their independence, communication and living skills.
      • Guernsey College of Further Education provides post-16 education for young people leaving school. The Access Course has been specifically designed to support school leavers to continue in education up to the age of 19 years by preparing them for future independence and employment.
    • Music centre
      • The Guernsey Music Centre is operated and run by the Guernsey Music Service. The Service supports more than 700 young musicians offering both individual and group lessons. For further information please follow this link.
    • University
      • Support for students to attend full time higher education degree courses is available through a means-tested grant scheme and dependent on a number of factors including an assessment of gross household income.
      • Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) are grants which are available to help pay for the extra essential costs that may occur as direct result of a disability. This includes those who have a long-term health condition, mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. More information can be found on the student finance page.
    • Carers Guernsey
      • Careers Guernsey is an all-age careers service providing free, impartial careers information, advice and guidance to help people get a job.

  • Support into work

  • Finance

    • Find out what financial support is available for you and your child Financial support

  • Equipment

    • Hearing aids
      • You will need to provide supporting evidence from an approved hearing aid provider before a grant can be considered. You will also need to be means-tested.
    • Wheelchairs
      • The Occupational Therapy Service will give you advice to make sure that you are given a wheelchair that is suitable for your needs.There is no charge for the assessment, but the cost of the wheelchair is not included. You may be able to get financial assistance from the Social Security Department if you receive Income support. Follow the link to Wheelchair services
    • Support from Social Security
      • You do not necessarily need to be on benefits for the Social Security Department to be able to help if you need special equipment. Assistance with the payment of medical expenses or purchase of equipment can be provided. The Department can also, in exceptional circumstances, award grants or loans towards the alteration of property in relation to medical need. For more information you can contact the Social Security Department by phone, tel. (01481) 222500.
    • Assessment
      • The Social Security Department (tel. 01481 222508) can do a quick 2-page assessment over the phone to see if you are entitled to support. If you are, then the advisor will arrange an appointment for a full assessment.
    • St John Healthcare shop
      • can provide equipment to help with your care. St John Health Care Shop has equipment available for hire and some products for sale.
    • The St John Trusted First Assessors
      • can also help with assisting you to adapt to a daily task, suggesting adaptive equipment and possible adaptations to your environment. Call them for a chat and free assessment  on (01481) 729268.
    • Charity support.
      • Please talk to the charity that is relevant to you. Information about Charities can be found by following this link.

  • Supported living

    • As your child grows there is information about the accommodation and support available for them to live a more independent life. Although this support becomes available when your child is 18 years old, we really want to work with you from when they are 16 or 17 to help us plan.
    • Supported accommodation:
      • a house or flat, where you receive support from adult disability professionals or other organisations;
      • a care home or a nursing home; or
      • extra care housing.
    • Supported housing is assistance that is provided to enable someone to manage on a day to day basis whilst they are living in their own home. It can include things like:
      • help with budgeting and paying bills;
      • planning meals and shopping;
      • emotional support; and
      • help to pursue social or leisure interests.
    • Housing support is suitable for a variety of people with support needs.
      • If you are the parent of a child or adult with a disability who would like to ensure the safety and security of your child and are committed to supporting a more independent lifestyle, please contact the Adult Community Services Switchboard (tel. 220000) to discuss the options that are available.

  • House adaptations

    • As your child's needs change you may need to make some changes or adaptations to your home. This can be a difficult time and we hope the advice provided in this section makes things a little easier.
    • Where do I start?
      • For any adaptation you will probably need a professional assessment before any request for help can be considered. Staff at Social Security will be able to guide you.Tel (01481) 732508.
    • What happens next?
      • You will need to provide three quotes including accurate plans and costs. All housing adaptation applications need to be seen and approved by an Occupational Therapist..
    • Do I need to be on Income support?
      • You do not need to be on Income support to qualify for help to have your house adapted but you will need to be means-tested. In some cases Social Security will provide you with an interest-free loan and work out a repayments plan with you.
      • Please talk this through with someone in Social Security, tel. 222508, They are there to support you
    • I am in a States of Guernsey property, what do I need to do?
      • If you live in a States of Guernsey property then you will need to provide supporting medical information from either your GP or an Occupational Therapist.
      • Once we understand your needs then we can look at the various properties we have to see if they are appropriate.
      • If suitable accommodation is not available then we may need to look at adapting the property you live in.
      • Please talk to the Allocations Service in the Housing department. You can call them on 222540 by email housingallocation@gov.gg or at call in at Edward T. Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH
    • How do I apply for States Housing?
      • All applications for social housing will be made directly to Housing Allocations, Edward T. Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH and, once accepted onto the waiting list, will be eligible for both States and GHA properties.
      • Please talk to the Allocations Service in the Housing department. You can call them on 222540 by email housingallocation@gov.gg.
    • If you are not eligible for States Housing there will be someone who will signpost you to the right place for you.

  • Transport/ travel

  • Support into work

  • Advice and Information

    • Here you will find links and information about organisations that will listen to you and provide information and guidance.
      • Guernsey Citizens Advice provides a general advice service as well as a money advice service, money skills project and social policy advice. For accessibility details please follow this link
      • Health Connections can help you through the process of travelling to the UK for care or treatment.
      • They have premises both at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital( follow this link for accessibility information for the Hospital) and next to the Ron Short Centre, Beau Sejour. (follow this link for accessibility information to the centre.).
      • Wigwam Support Group offers friendship, support and advice to parents, families and friends who have, or are involved with, a child with a disability. 
      • The Youth Commission provides support and activities for children and young people in the Bailiwick
      • Easyhealth is where you can find 'accessible' health information . 'Accessible' information is information that uses easy words with pictures. There are over 500 leaflets on Easyhealth, made by many different organisations. You can print off nearly all the leaflets straight away.

  • Activities

    • For more information about a variety of activities follow the link activities

  • Charity support

    • Find out about charity support follow the link Charities