Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS) provide information, advice and support at any stage of a child or young person’s education, and they provide an Independent Supporter for families in the process of getting an Education Health and Care Plan. This is an impartial confidential service. They provide information, advice and support for
parents and carers of children with special educational needs
They specialise in education matters but can support with social care and health issues by signposting to partners.
Information, Advice and Support Agency Network offers independent advice and support to parents and carers of all children and young people with SEND and will direct visitors to their nearest IAS service https://www.ipsea.org.uk/
For parents who are unhappy with the Local Authority or school responses to their child’s SEND, parents may seek mediation from the regional mediation services. Information on this free service is located here http://preview.tinyurl.com/qx5a8vq
Parents and carers can also appeal to the Government’s SEND tribunal if you disagree with the Local Authorities decisions about your child’s special educational needs. You can also appeal to the tribunal if the school or council has discriminated against your disabled child. Information on this process is available here https://www.ipsea.org.uk/what-you-need-to-know/mediation 23
‘For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability, we’re here.’
Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information and they bring families together to support each other. They have a fantastic website full of practical advice and support. Please check it out!