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Handy to know local SEN support
Navigating support for a child with SEN can feel like a heavy, overwhelming journey. From waiting lists and endless paperwork to feeling isolated or judged in everyday settings, it’s easy for parents and carers to feel drained.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Right here in the Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire, there is a strong network of supportive organizations, community groups, and local services dedicated to helping SEN children thrive—and giving families the guidance, understanding, and breather they deserve.
Below are key local services, community hubs, and resources available across our area.
Forest Of Dean Children's Opportunity CentreClick to open side panel for more information
What they offer: A dedicated community hub in Coleford providing play sessions, specialist groups, and early support for children with additional needs, disabilities, or developmental delays. They offer a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental environment where children can play and build confidence while parent carers connect with each other.
Location: Bowens Hill Road, Coleford, GL16 8DU
Phone: 01594 837552
Email: manager@childoc.org.uk
Website: fodopportunitycentre.org
SENDIASS Gloucestershire
(Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service)
What they offer: Free, confidential, and impartial information, advice, and guidance for parents, carers, and young people regarding SEN and disabilities. They help families understand educational rights, prepare for EHCP processes/reviews, and navigate conversations with schools and local authorities.
Phone: 0800 158 3603 or 01452 427566
Website: Search "SENDIASS Gloucestershire" via gloucestershire.gov.uk
Mentoring 4 You
What they offer: Mentoring 4 You provides tailored 1:1 and small-group mentoring support for young people aged 12+ and young adults, including Post-16 transition support. They work with individuals who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) and additional emotional or learning requirements, focusing on building self-confidence, practical life skills, emotional resilience, and positive pathways into independence, education, or training in a calm, person-centered environment.
Location: Forest of Dean & Gloucestershire area
Contact Details:info@mentoringforyou.co.uk
Forest Pathways Occupational Therapy & Consulting
What they offer: Evidence-informed pediatric occupational therapy supporting children and young people with sensory processing difficulties, physical needs, and additional learning needs. Led by Senior Occupational Therapist Alexandra, services include functional sensory processing assessments, practical transition support, developing routines and life skills, and staff/school consultancy across the Forest of Dean.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Website: forestpathwaysot.co.uk
Forest Pulse
What they offer: A local registered charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (aged 0–25) with disabled needs and Special Educational Needs (SEN) across the Forest of Dean. They provide out-of-school social activities, holiday clubs, weekend clubs, and sports sessions, alongside guidance and social connection opportunities for parents, carers, and families.
Location: Vantage Point, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD
Phone: 01594 826357
Email: admin@forestpulse.co.uk
Website: forestpulse.co.uk
Forest Wild Ones Ltd
What they offer: Outdoor forest school and specialist alternative provision providing 1:1 and small-group educational mentoring and tutoring for children aged 5–16 who struggle to access mainstream education. Operating out of Cinderford, they offer bespoke, hands-on woodland sessions focusing on re-engagement with learning, emotional well-being, life skills, confidence building, and practical outdoor skills.
Location: 1st Cinderford Scout Hut, Oakmeadow Lane, Stockwell Green, Cinderford, GL14 2EH
Phone: 07943 817755
Email: admin@forestwildones.co.uk
Website: forestwildones.co.uk
Toucan for Children (CIO)
What they offer: Toucan provides therapeutic support and Play Therapy for primary school-aged children across Gloucestershire (including local primary schools in the Forest of Dean). Using play and creative arts therapy, their registered therapists offer children experiencing emotional, behavioral, developmental, or SEN-related difficulties a safe, gentle, and non-judgmental space to explore, process, and work through their feelings.
Coverage: Forest of Dean & Gloucestershire area
Freephone: 0808 196 1202
The Spiral Tree Therapy Services
What they offer: Founded by local Play Therapist Ian Broady, The Spiral Tree provides child-centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and specialist neurodiversity support (including certified AutPlay® Therapy for children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental needs). They offer children a safe, accepting, and non-directive space to express feelings and process experiences through play, sand, art, and creative tools.
Location: Station Street, Cinderford, Forest of Dean
Website: thespiraltree.co.uk
Food for Thought Mentoring (FFTM)
What they offer: Specialist 1:1 food mentoring, sensory-friendly cookery workshops, and small-group life-skills sessions tailored for children and young people with additional educational needs, autism, and neurodivergence. Approved as an Alternative Provision supplier on the Gloucestershire County Council catalogue, offering a calm, practical, and non-judgmental environment to build confidence, independence, and fine-motor/kitchen skills through hands-on cooking.
Location: Soudley, Cinderford, Forest of Dean
Phone: 07399 835831
Website: foodforthoughtmentoring.org