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About the Lighthouse Child Development Centre

The Lighthouse Centre provides a comprehensive assessment service that identifies, investigates and assesses neurodevelopmental and neurodisability disorders.

The CDC consist of the specialist teams supporting children with developmental and physical health needs that are based at the Child & Family Centre alongside child and adolescent mental health services. The service provides integrated health care to children and families in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford working jointly with partner agencies in health education and social care such as:

  • Early Years and Inclusion SEN Service
  • Wheelchair service
  • Early years educational psychology
  • Children’s social care occupational therapy
  • CAMHS

The CDC offers diagnostic management, assessment and on-going support of any child who may have a disability or developmental difficulties. Multi-disciplinary involvement from specialist nurses, paediatricians, therapy services, and special educational needs (SEN) early years services ensures regular assessment of the child’s needs as required.

Children who may require support from our services may be offered an assessment by the child development team. Their information may be discussed with health, social care and education services to identify the services which best support the child. Parents will be informed of these discussions.

Contact the Lighthouse Centre

Phone:
0344 257 3952
Email:
[email protected]
Address:

Snakes Lane
Southend
SS2 6XT

Services provided

“Neurodisability” is a word used for conditions that affect how the brain, nerves, and body work together. This includes conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and learning disabilities.

Many children with neurodisabilities need extra help and care from doctors, nurses, and therapists in hospitals, clinics, and the community.

Some children have more complex needs and may need to see special doctors and therapists who know a lot about neurodisabilities. These experts can help make sure children get the right tests and treatments.

Finding out about a child’s condition early and giving the right help quickly can make a big difference and prevent bigger problems later.      

However, your child does not need a diagnosis to get help in school. Read more about support for children and their families on our information for parents and carers page.                    

Service information

Making sure your details are up to date

Whilst you are waiting it is very important that you let us know if you change your address or if you change your GP by emailing [email protected]

Support available while you are waiting

We offer parents with children on our waiting list for assessment access to workshops. These workshops provide help and advice to carers and families in supporting children whilst awaiting for their assessment.

Resources and information which may be helpful while your child is awaiting their assessment, as well as details of local organisations who can provide support, can also be found on our website.

In the first instance, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO) at your child’s school or educational setting. You should discuss any provision currently in place and consider any changes required.

Referral information

Referrals are accepted from the following providers:

  • GP’s
  • School Nurses
  • Health Visitors
  • School or pre-school education setting
  • CAMHS

The Child Development Centre accepts referrals for Children under 5 years who have:

  • Neuro-developmental (Behaviour & social communication concerns and/or possible autism) and Neuro-disability
  • Motor difficulties
  • Developmental concerns including global delay, motor, language, visual or severe hearing impairment
  • Learning difficulties
  • Neurological concerns, Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy or other syndromes / genetic conditions

Referrals for Children over 5 years is accepted from the following Healthcare Providers:

  • GP’s
  • CAMHS
  • School Nurses, Essex (Castle Point and Rochford)

Resources for parents and carers

There are a wide range of local, national and international resources available for parents and carers who are supporting a child or young person with neurodevelopmental needs. You can find these on our resources for parents and carers page. 

Additional services

  • Neuro-developmental clinics and Neurodisability clinics
  • Children developmental clinics.  
    • Multi-disciplinary assessment for children and young people with social communication difficulties (includes assessment by children’s, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and clinical psychologist and involvement of the child’s nursery).                                        
  • Referrals to clinicians, Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support services as appropriate.
  • We have very close links with the wider multidisciplinary team including professionals from health, education, social care and the voluntary sector. More complex children may have a large team around them requiring a “team around the child” approach.
  • Medical investigations where appropriate and liaison with other paediatric services.
  • Children’s audiology
  • ADHD clinical nurses
  • Specialist health visitor with additional needs/behaviour and play
  • Special school nurses and epilepsy
  • Toy library
  • Sensory stimulation (including sensory garden)