These organisations offer free independent advice and support on SEND subjects. This includes understanding and navigating the assessment, education, health and care planning system and processes. It's up to you who you choose to go for support.
Organisations in Kingston and Richmond
The Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) in Kingston and Richmond offers advice and support across a wide range of subjects. This may include help with personal budgets and how to use the Local Offer plus information about:
- local support networks
- education, health and social care services
- your rights in education, health and social care
- mediation and dispute resolution
The service is a free, confidential and impartial. It is for children and young people up to the age of 25yrs who have special educational needs or disabilities, and their parents or carers.
Independent and free of charge.
Covering SEND Law, EHCP processes, SEN Support, obligations on schools and Local Authorities. The Children's Team at Ruils will do everything they can to help you access the support you need.
Email: yolandabryant@ruils.co.uk
Skylarks SEN Advocacy and Mediation Service offers free legal advice for parents and carers of children with additional needs through their SEN Advocacy Clinic.
SOS!SEN offer advice on:
- getting the right educational help for your child
- liaising with the school or local authority
- interpreting official letters
- requesting an EHC Needs assessment for your child
- finding independent expert professional advice
- appealing to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal
SOS!SEN run monthly free walk in advice clinics in different locations including Hampton and Worcester Park locally.
Some services are chargeable.
National organisations
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691) operating in England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They also provide training on the SEND legal framework to parents and carers, professionals and other organisations.