Help & signposting

Official guidance and rights

Primary legislation and statutory guidance for SEND in England.

• SEND Code of Practice (0 to 25)

  Statutory guidance for organisations working with children and young people with SEND.

• Children and Families Act 2014

  Includes duties on local authorities, schools and health for children with SEND.

• GOV.UK — Special educational needs and disability (SEND)

  Overview for parents and carers.

• GOV.UK — Education, health and care (EHC) plans

  EHC needs assessments and plans.

Safeguarding and urgent help

• Emergency — 999

  If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

• NSPCC

  Child protection advice and reporting concerns.

• GOV.UK — Report child abuse

  How to report concerns to your local authority.

Independent advice (England)

Free or low-cost SEND advice services — check eligibility and scope on each site.

• IPSEA

  Independent charity offering free legal advice on SEND law in England.

• SENDIASS (find your local service)

  Information, Advice and Support Services for parents in each local area.

• Contact — for families with disabled children

  Helpline and resources for families.

• Citizens Advice

  General advice; may signpost on education issues.

Disagreement and mediation

• GOV.UK — Mediation before an EHC plan appeal

  When to contact a mediation service, what mediation covers, and obtaining a certificate before tribunal.

• GOV.UK — SEND tribunal appeals

  First-tier Tribunal (SEND) — when appeals may apply.