Parents & carers
Email this pageFree, confidential and impartial information for parents and carers. We offer advice and support in issues related to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). This includes information and processes related to health and social care.
The Definition of SEN and Disabilities
The definition of SEN & Disabilities, identifying health needs, allowances and Social Care
Who to talk to
Guidance on who to talk to and advice around bullying.
Early Years
Information on early child development and support
SEN Support in Education Settings
Information on SEN support and supporting behaviour and literacy difficulties at school
Local Authority Services and how they can help
A description of Essex local authority services and professionals and when it is appropriate to involve a professional
Types of Education Settings
An overview of the different types of educational settings and how they support children with SEND
Home to School Transport
Information on how to apply for home to school transport, understanding your rights and how to appeal a transport decision
SEN Funding in Mainstream Schools/Settings
Information on special educational needs funding in mainstream schools, including Early Years, Further and Higher Education settings
Choosing a School for a Child or Young Person with SEND
Information on applying and starting a new school, transition and moving schools, how to appeal a school place and home education.
Attendance
Information on school attendance, Emotional Based School Avoidance, Reduced Timetables, Penalty Notices and supporting medical needs
Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions
Information on suspensions and permanent exclusions, unlawful exclusions, what to do if you don't agree and managed moves
Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessments
Information on EHC Needs Assessment, how to apply for one and local authority decisions around assessment requests
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans)
Information around EHC plans, such as draft plans, choosing a school, finalising the plan, mediation and more.
Annual Reviews
Information on Annual Reviews, such as Phase Transfers and what happens if the local authority cease an EHCP following an Annual Review
Appealing to the SEND Tribunal Service
Information on lodging an appeal, such as refusal to assess, refusal to issue, contents and/or school placement, cease to maintain and more
Personal Budgets
This information is about personal budgets for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN).
Raising Concerns or Making a Complaint
Information on how to raise concerns or make a formal complaint, resolving disagreements, appeals, disability discrimination tribunal claims and Judicial Review
Emotional Based School Avoidance
Guidance on the steps you can take if your child is experiencing anxiety around going to school.