Posted 04.08.2021

NICE has this week (2 August 2021) opened consultation on its draft guideline on disabled children and young people up to 25 with severe complex needs. The draft guideline will support joined up and coordinated health, social and education services for these people and their families.

The draft guideline is built on the principles and requirements set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice, and will help professionals from across the health, social and education services to collaborate to deliver the best care for disabled children and young people with severe complex needs.

The goals, ambitions and interests of the disabled child or young person should be at the centre of planning and decision making, and their needs should be considered as a whole.

The draft guideline recommends that the absence of a specific diagnosis should not exclude disabled children or young people with severe complex needs from receiving an education, health and care (EHC) assessment.

If you are parent or carer of a child or young person with complex needs take part in the consultation and have your say. The consultation is open until 14 September.

Find out what the draft guideline says and how to take part in the consultation here