Support
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SUPPORT

Support Needed for Parents and Carers

  1. Information and Guidance
  • Clear explanations of diagnosis, rights, and processes (e.g., EHCP)
  • Help navigating the education and healthcare systems
  • Access to SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service)
  1. Emotional Support
  • Counselling or mental health support for parents
  • Support groups to reduce isolation
  • Safe space to share experiences and concerns
  1. Training and Empowerment
  • Workshops on:
    • Managing behaviour
    • Supporting learning at home
    • Understanding autism, ADHD, sensory processing, etc.
  • Confidence-building in advocating for their child
  1. Practical Support
  • Help with paperwork (e.g., EHCP applications, benefits)
  • Access to respite care or short breaks
  • Transport support for appointments or school

The Most Important Support of All: Partnership

  • Regular, honest communication between parents and professionals
  • Respect for parental insight
  • Collaborative planning and decision-making

Families of children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in the UK can access a range of support from government departments and local councils. Here’s a breakdown of key support services:

Government Support for SEND Families

  1. Department for Education (DfE)
  • Sets the national SEND Code of Practice
  • Oversees EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) legislation
  • Provides guidance for schools and local authorities
  1. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Offers financial support, including:

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for children under 16 with care/mobility needs
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – for young people over 16
  • Carer’s Allowance – for parents/carers providing regular care
  • Universal Credit with disability elements
  1. NHS (National Health Service)
  • Provides therapy services: speech and language, occupational, physiotherapy
  • Offers assessments and diagnosis for autism, ADHD, developmental delays
  • Mental health services like CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

Local Council Support for SEND Families

Each local authority is responsible for delivering statutory services and support to SEND children and families. Key areas include:

  1. Local Offer
  • An online directory of all SEND services in the area
  • Covers education, health, transport, activities, and more
  • Required by law to be clear and accessible
  1. EHCP Process
  • Assessments and issuing of Education, Health and Care Plans
  • Monitoring provision and placement
  • Annual reviews
  1. SENDIASS (SEND Information, Advice and Support Service)
  • Free, impartial support for parents and carers
  • Help with EHCPs, appeals, school placement, and rights
  1. Short Breaks and Respite Services
  • Offers families time to rest while children attend supported activities or clubs
  1. Transport Assistance
  • Travel support to school or specialist settings if needed due to disability
  1. Early Help Services
  • Early intervention teams that support families with parenting, routines, or multi-agency coordination

Other Helpful Support Networks:

  • IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) – legal help and training
  • Contact – national charity offering SEND family support
  • Scope, Mencap, National Autistic Society – advocacy and resources