Personal Assistants (PAs) – Support through the Children With Disabilities Team  

Some families in Herefordshire may be offered support from a Personal Assistant (PA) through the Children With Disabilities (CWD) Team. This is provided under Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, which sets out a local authority’s duty to provide services for disabled children when assessed as needed.   

What is a Personal Assistant (PA)?   

A PA is someone employed (often through a direct payment or commissioned service) to provide practical support to a disabled child or young person. Their role is flexible and tailored to the child’s assessed needs.   

A PA/Buddy might:   

• Support your child to access social and leisure activities.   

• Help your child develop independence and life skills.   

• Provide 1:1 care in the home or community.   

• Offer families respite by spending planned time with the child.   

• Support inclusion so the child can take part in everyday community opportunities.   

How is PA/Buddy support arranged?  

• The CWD Team carries out an assessment of need.  

• If eligible, the plan may include provision under Section 2 duties, which could involve allocating PA support.  

• Families might receive a direct payment to employ a PA themselves, or Herefordshire Council may arrange this on their behalf.  

• The amount of support (hours and type of activity) depends on the child’s individual needs, as agreed in their care plan.  

What are the benefits?  

• Tailored, flexible support focused on your child’s individual needs and interests.  

• More opportunities for your child to build confidence, independence, and social skills.  

• Extra capacity for families to balance caring responsibilities with rest or other commitments.  

• Continuity of care, PAs often build strong, positive, long-term relationships with children.  

How families can find out more  

• Speak to the Children with Disabilities Team social worker if your child is already open to the service.  

• Ask your school or college to help with a referral to the CWD Team if you think your child may be eligible.  

• Further information on support for disabled children in Herefordshire can be found via the 

Herefordshire Council website – Children’s Social Care.