The Virtual School: Support for children in care and adopted children

There are many services in South Tyneside that can support with the education of your child.

There are also many information sources and guides that are available nationally to support you and your children. 

Educational Psychology Service

The Educational Psychology Service offers a range of expert advice, support and intervention to children and their families and schools, other professionals and voluntary organisations in South Tyneside. 

For more information see Educational Psychology Service.

Adoption Support Fund (ASF)

All local authorities are eligible to make applications for the Adoption Support Fund to provide post-adoption therapeutic support. 

For more information visit Adoption Support Fund.

To discuss this further or for any other adoption support visit adoption support or contact adoption@southtyneside.gov.uk. Please note, if your child has been adopted for less than three years you will need to contact the adoption team from the original local authority.

Services for Young People

Services for Young People provide a range of informal personal and social education opportunities for children and young people aged 5 - 19 years (up to 25 years if the young person has special needs / disabilities). 

For more information contact 0191 424 7400 or email syp@southtyneside.gov.uk.

South Tyneside Lifecycle Mental Health Service

The team offer a confidential service to individuals, families and groups depending on which method is most effective. 

They aim to help people through difficult times in their lives. They initially offer an assessment appointment to help you decide, with the support of one of their experienced therapists, which therapy would be the most beneficial.

For more information email stpcmhs@stft.nhs.uk or visit South Tyneside Lifecycle Primary Care Mental Health Service.

Patients can also self-refer by calling 0191 283 2937.

Support groups for children aged 13 - 25

The Adoptables
A peer network of adopted young people aged 13+ that allows them to express their views about their experiences as adopted young people at home, in school and in post-adoption support. Find out more at Coram: The Adoptables.

National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
A UK charity providing information, advice, advocacy and legal representation to children, young people and vulnerable adults through a network of dedicated paid workers and volunteers throughout England and Wales.

For more information about NYAS call 0808 808 1001, email help@nyas.net or visit National Youth Advocacy Service.

Escape Intervention
Promotes the emotional, social, educational and vocational competence of children and young people by offering a range of therapeutic interventions including counselling, advice, guidance and support to allow them to reach their potential and remove the barriers to personal success.

They work in collaboration and partnership with local agencies to make sure that young people have access to appropriate services to meet their individual needs in a timely manner, in an environment which is comfortable and welcoming.

For more information call 0191 427 6353 or 0759930748, email info@escapeintervention.org.uk or visit Escape Intervention.