Universal health services for children and young people

Many families with disabled children will not require any extra help because they will be sufficiently supported using universal services. Universal services are those which are used by and benefit all children and families without the need for a referral.

Self-care

The Oxfordshire Healthier Together website is a programme that aims to improve local healthcare for children and young people by providing accurate health and wellbeing advice and guidance. The NHS also has guides and resources to support keeping fit and healthy. 

General Practitioners (GP)

GPs treat medical conditions and can refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for routine, urgent, and specialist care. Find a GP on the NHS website.

NHS 111

NHS 111 is a free-to-call single, non-emergency medical helpline. Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111 or call 111.

Children and Young People 0-19 Health Service 

The Children and Young People 0-19 service offers health visits, school health nursing and a family nurse partnership. They offer health and development checks and reviews throughout your child’s early years.

If concerns are identified with your child’s development through a health review, the team will discuss support and referrals and work with other services alongside your GP in caring for your child or young person. For many parents with a child with additional needs, the support they need can vary, but commonly can be around toilet training, language development, sleep, diet and behaviour. 

The service can be contacted through text or online chat:

• ParentLine 0-4 years
• ParentLine 5-11 years
• ChatHealth & ParentLine 11-19 years
• the single point of access

Dental care

The NHS provides dental health care for children and young people.

Find additional support and tips with dental care for SEND children under 10 in this Healthwatch document

Opticians

Eye checks are free for children under 16 or under 19 if in full time education.