Family Early Help
Family workers should not give SEN advice or education law advice unless they are qualified to do so. But it's really important we signpost and connect families to sources of information, guidance and advice about their rights and where they may need support to navigate often complex educational legal systems. Here are some options:
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service)
Camden SENDIASS provides impartial information, advice and support to children, young people aged 16-25 and parents/carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
This includes children with or without a diagnosis, and with or without an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan).
You can refer to SENDIASS using this form
and here is an information leaflet about SENDIASS
or you can contact Julie Bidgway (on Outlook)
There is also a wide range of information on the SENDIASS website here Home Page - SENDIASS Camden
IPSEA
IPSEA stands for Independent Providers of Special Education Advice. They have an advice line, including advice on tribunals and legal information, advice and support. Their website also contains a wealth of information, resources and guides on a wide range of aspects of SEN and EHCPs.
(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
SOS! SEN
SOS SEN offer a free, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). They also offer workshops on a range of SEND and EHCP topics.
SOS!SEN | The Independent Helpline for Special Education Needs (sossen.org.uk)
Not Fine in School
Not Fine in School was created as a resource for families with children experiencing school attendance barriers. At the heart of Not Fine in School is a Facebook support group with a membership of 32,000+ parents, carers & other family members. This offers a space for shared lived experience and peer empowerment. They also have a website which includes a family support page and information about topics including SEND, EHCP, EOTAS (education other than in school) and school attendance.
Not Fine in School - School Refusal, School Attendance
Contact
This service is for families with disabled children. They offer a wide range of advice and information on a range of topics, including diagnosis, help for families, your child's education and disability discrimination.
Just for Kids Law
Offer free legal advice and representation on school exclusion (not exclusive to children with SEND).
SENTAS - Special Education Needs Transport Advocacy
SENTAS provides support and information on home to school transport, including the legislation and statutory government guidance that surround this issue.
SENTAS – Special Educational Needs Transport Advocacy Service
Camden Local Offer for Children with SEND
The Local Offer is both a directory of services, and a source of information, support and advice to young people with SEND and their families.
It includes information about education, health and care services, leisure activities and support groups, access to services, who can access them, how decisions are made and who makes them.
SEND Local Offer | Cindex (camden.gov.uk)
Camden Short Breaks
Short breaks form one element of the support offered by the council to disabled
children and young people and their families. They provide opportunities for disabled children and young people to spend time away from their primary carer, taking part in positive activities, while also providing much-needed breaks for the parent/carer.
Short breaks are personal to individual needs and can include day, evening, overnight, weekend or holiday activities and can take place in the home, a residential or community setting.