Helpful organisations that can support you through the education process
IPSEA
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support. Its aim is to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). IPSEA also provide training on the SEND legal framework to parents and carers, professionals and other organisations.
Guide Dogs Education Support
www.guidedogs.org.uk/services-we-provide/education-support/
Guide Dogs’ Education Support team is on hand to help children and young people with sight loss to get the best from their education. The support offered is particularly valuable to help children move smoothly and confidently from one stage of education to another. There is also a wealth of detailed information and resources for download on the Guide Dog’s website.
Nystagmus Network Education Resource Hub
nystagmusnetwork.org/education-resource-hub/
The Education Hub contains information on early years, primary and secondary school, and the transition process between schools. Free education advocacy is also available to members of the Nystagmus Network.
RSBC
RSBC provide a service helping young people with vision impairments and their families through the education process. This information includes guidance on understanding diagnosis, starting primary school, and more.
KIDS
www.kids.org.uk/mediation-info
KIDS are a national charity, founded 49 years ago, providing a wide range of support services to disabled children, young people and their families. With their wealth of experience, KIDS support children with any disability from birth to 25 years of age. KIDS SEND Mediation Service is an independent mediation and disagreement resolution service, provided free of charge for parents/carers and young people. It helps to settle disagreements between parents or young people and local authorities and schools or other education providers. These disputes are often about the SEND of children and young people, and how best to meet their needs.
SOS!SEN
SOS!SEN is a national charity aiming to empower parents and carers of children with SEN. They encourage parents to tackle the difficulties they face when battling for their children’s rights. SOS!SEN concentrate on helping people to find their way through the legal and bureaucratic maze that is so daunting to so many.
Contact
Contact has a SEN helpline where you can talk to one of their education advisers about support for your child in school. They also have a wealth of information online regarding all aspects of SEN and schooling.
CYP IASSN
The children and young people’s branch of the Information, Advice and Support Services Network.
Council For Disabled Children
councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network
Find your local IAS Service. As part of the Children and Families Act 2014 it is a legal requirement that all local authorities ensure children and young people with SEND and their parents have access to an impartial Information, Advice and Support (IAS) service. The IASSN are funded by the Department for Education (DfE) to support this.
The Special Needs Jungle
The Special Needs Jungle is a site that is packed with useful information about special educational needs and disability issues faced by children and their parents. By providing resources, tips, facts and examples, SNJ aim to highlight resources and inspire and empower families to successfully navigate their way through the SEN system.
Thomas Pocklington Trust
Thomas Pocklington have published a report called Our Futures Matter regarding the state of education for pupils with SEND that you may find interesting.
RNIB
Left out of Learning is the report from the RNIB’s annual survey of local authorities across England in 2019.
SEND Unlocked
Their mission is to deliver the innovative user friendly SEND unlocked Directory, providing information, advice and guidance for accessing the wide range of support and services available to the SEND Community.
Add your details
If your school or college is not yet included on our list please get in touch at online@victa.org.uk and we will be happy to add you to our resources.
