SEN Advocacy: How we can help
We support and empower parents throughout the process of identifying and assessing a child's special educational needs.
Our support and advice covers:
- Enabling access to School Based Support systems: E.G. School Action, School Action Plus, Learning Support Assistants, Educational Psychologists and Specialist Teachers.
- Support available from the Local Authority: E.G. Statutory Assessments and Statement of Special Educational Needs.
- We can look at the best way to obtain Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy for your child.
We offer up to date information on parent's and children's rights to obtain an education and school of their choosing.
- We can give you this information on the telephone, via email or we can send you written material. We are available for face to face meetings with you and any other professionals working with you and your child.
- We also offer training sessions to groups of parents on Special Educational Needs, the school and education system and disability discrimination. If you have a particular area of need which you would like information or training on we are happy to consider any suggestions.
We help families of children with SEN identify the best school for their child and the means to obtain this.
- We can provide you with information about schools in your area and arrange and accompany you on visits.
- We can discuss the difference between getting a place at a maintained school and an independent school, the choice between a mainstream and a special school and look into residential or boarding schools.
We support families with children with special educational needs throughout their school career.
- You may require our help if you think your child needs more help or a different type of help. You may want a different school, including a different type of school for your child.
We offer support and advice at Transition Times for children with special educational needs.
- You may need support when your child is moving to primary school from nursery or from primary to secondary school. We can help with transition plans for young people finishing their school careers.
We support families of children with special educational needs in meetings associated with their child's education.
- This can include attending Annual Reviews, Individual Education Plan strategy meetings and review meetings with the school or associated professionals.
We offer support in obtaining transport to school for children with special educational needs.
- We can discuss with you whether your child is eligible to free school transport and how best to obtain this.
We offer a full Tribunal and Appeal service for parents who wish to appeal against a decision by the Local Authority in relation to their child's special educational needs, disability or exclusion.
You may wish to appeal against:
- The decision not to assess or re-assess your child's special educational needs.
- The decision not to issue a statement or not to maintain a statement of special educational needs.
- A refusal to re-consider or adapt the contents of a statement of special educational needs.
- You may disagree with the name of the school or type of school the Local Authority wish to send your child to.
- You may wish to appeal against a fixed term or permanent exclusion.
- You may feel that your child has been discriminated against as a result of his disability and wish to appeal to a tribunal.
We can help you make a complaint to the school, Local Authority, Local Government Ombudsman or Secretary of State for Education.