Universal health services

Free dental care is available to anyone under the age of 18. You can find a dentist in your area here.

Some children and young people with SEND may face extra challenges when visiting the dentist, such as sensory issues or anxiety. Contact have created a parent’s guide to oral health and dental care for children and young people.

A GP is the doctor that you can see for general health concerns. A GP can refer you on to more specialist services where needed.

Information on how to register with a GP can be found here.

NHS 111 helps you get the right advice and support when you need it. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If needed, NHS 111 can book you an appointment at your local A&E / emergency department or an urgent treatment centre, emergency dental service, pharmacy or another local service – as well as send an ambulance if the patient’s condition is serious or life-threatening.

The NHS have produced an easy read guide to NHS 111.

School Nurses are qualified nurses or midwives with specialist community public health training.

They offer families with children and young people with SEND aged 5 to 19:

• support for the health and well-being of your whole family, with links from the health visiting service
• support to ensure your child or young person is reaching their full potential
• specialist support, advice and information on wider issues such as anxiety, stress and depression
• support for you to feel confident in your parenting skills and to provide the best opportunities for your child or young person as they grow.

Find out more information on our School Nursing page.

Health visitors are registered nurses/midwives who have additional training in community public health nursing, and lead and deliver the Healthy Child Programme for children under five.

In Suffolk, our Health Visiting Service is integrated with the Children's Centre Service. For all enquiries, you can contact them on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.

To find out more, please visit the Suffolk County Council website.