We're making it easier for children to get specialist support in schools, early years and post-16 settings.
A new offer called Experts at Hand will bring specialists into schools, early years and post-16 education settings, so children can get help earlier, without families having to fight for support or wait for a diagnosis.
Here's what it means for you and your child.
What is Experts at Hand?
Experts at Hand will bring specialists such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists and specialist teachers into mainstream settings — schools, early years settings and colleges — to support children earlier and more effectively.
- Occupational Therapist help children with everyday skills like dressing, playing, and using their hands
- Speech and Language Therapist help children understand and use words, and communicate with others
- Specialist teachers who have extra training to support children with specific learning needs, helping them access learning in a way that suits them
Rather than children having to wait for support elsewhere, experts will work alongside staff in the places where children already learn.
The aim is to spot difficulties earlier and give children the help they need before problems grow.
What kind of support will my child get?
In the first year, support will be provided in small groups or across the whole class, with one-to-one help provided occasionally where it’s most needed.
This includes support with:
- Talking and understanding words – how your child learns to speak and communicate their needs and ideas
- Listening, attention, and following instructions – how well your child can focus, understand what’s said, and carry out simple directions
- Managing emotions – how your child copes with feelings like frustration, excitement, or upset
- How your child responds to their senses – how they react to sounds, touch, movement, and other sensations around them
- Small hand movements – skills like holding a pencil, drawing, or getting ready for writing
Specialists will also work with teachers and support staff, helping them understand children's needs and use strategies that can make a difference in everyday lessons.
Will my child need a diagnosis to access support?
No.
Children will not need a diagnosis to benefit from Experts at Hand. Support will be based on what help a child needs, rather than whether they have a particular label or diagnosis.
Does this replace my child's existing support or EHCP?
No.
Experts at Hand is an additional service. It does not replace any support your child already receives, including support set out in an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Specialist settings also continue for children who need them.
How will parents be involved?
Parents and carers will be an important part of the process.
Schools, nurseries and colleges will work with families to help them understand the support available and how it can help their child.
Local Parent Carer Forums are also helping shape how Experts at Hand will work in different parts of the country.
How will I know what support is available in my area?
Your local authority and Integrated Care Board - responsible for local health services - are developing local plans that set out what support is available and how it will be delivered.
Local Parent Carer Forums are playing a key role in shaping these plans, so that parent and carer voices are at the heart of what is offered. Where changes affect your child directly, your child’s school should keep you informed and involve you in how support is being delivered.
When does it start?
Local areas will begin rolling out some elements of their Experts at Hand offer from September 2026. Each area will focus first on the services most needed locally and build on this over time.