National and local organisations and services

There are a number of national organisations who can provide useful SEND information and advice.

Advice Now

Advice Now is an independent, not-for-profit website run by the charity Law for Life.

They provide accurate and practical information on rights and the law in England and Wales including guidance on:

  • special educational needs
  • the provision of educational facilities for children with specific needs
  • details of assessments, statements and your right of appeal

See more information on the Advice Now website: .

Afasic

Afasic is a UK charity which supports families and professionals working with children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments.

See more information on the Afasic website: .

British Dyslexia Association

The British Dyslexia Association provides information and advice on supporting children with dyslexia.

See more information on the British Dyslexia Association website: .

ChatterPack

ChatterPack offer a range of information relating to ADHD, Autism, Speech and Language and SEND related issues.

ChatterPack resources are free and include simple, step by step instructions and tips on how to adapt them for individual needs. You can also subscribe to a free monthly newsletter full of useful blogs, information and free resources.

See more information on the ChatterPack website: .

I CAN and The Communication Trust

I CAN is the children's communication charity.

They host a number of useful resources produced by The Communication Trust on their website.

See more information on the I CAN website: .

Contact

Contact provide direct advice and support services to families with disabled children.

They also host a where you can contact them by phone, web form, email or on social media.

See more information on the Contact website: contact.org.uk.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre

Coram Children’s Legal Centre provides free legal information, advice and representation to children, young people, their families, carers and professionals, as well as international consultancy on child law and children’s rights.

See more information on the Coram Children’s Legal Centre website: .

Family Fund

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for disabled children and their families.

If you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and need support with essential items, they may be able to help.

See more information on the Family Fund website: .

IPSEA

IPSEA help children and young people with SEND get the appropriate education, training and support which they are entitled to under the law.

See more information on the IPSEA website: .

KIDS

KIDS is a charity that works in partnership with parents and carers to enable disabled children and young people to develop their skills and abilities and to fulfil their potential, hopes and aspirations.

See more information on the KIDS website: .

National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society provide information on autism and Asperger's syndrome for parents, carers, professionals and adults with the conditions.

See more information on the National Autistic Society website: autism.org.uk.

National Deaf Children’s Society

The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people.

See more information on the National Deaf Children’s Society website: ndcs.org.uk.

PDA Society

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum, involving the avoidance of everyday demands and the use of ‘social’ strategies as part of this avoidance.

The PDA Society provide information, support and training about PDA for individuals, families and professionals.

See more information on the PDA Society website: pdasociety.org.uk.

Positive About Down Syndrome

A website by parents for parents and parents-to-be with a child with Down Syndrome.

See more information on the Positive About Down Syndrome website: positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk.

SOS!SEN

A free, friendly, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

See more information on the SOS!SEN website: sossen.org.uk.

Sense

Sense Information and Advice can help you find the right support for you and your family.

Sense offer free and impartial information about living with complex disabilities, including deafblindness.

See more information on the Sense website: sense.org.uk.

Sky Badger

Sky Badger is a charity that finds help and adventure for disabled children and their families all over the UK, building bridges between disabled children and the charities and services available to help.

See more information on the Sky Badger website: skybadger.co.uk.

Thomas Pocklington Trust

If you're a professional working with blind and partially sighted students in secondary, further or higher education then this website is for you.

See more information on the Thomas Pocklington Trust website: pocklington-trust.org.uk.