SEND Support

When a child or young person has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), navigating the education, health, and social care systems can feel confusing and overwhelming. Parents and carers often find themselves trying to understand complex processes, policies, and paperwork while ensuring their child receives the right help. This is where SEND support services play a vital role offering clear guidance, practical advice, and emotional reassurance throughout every stage of a child’s journey.

At SEND Family Guidance, we work alongside families and professionals to make sure children and young people with SEND receive the help they deserve in school, at home, and in the wider community.

What Are SEND Support Services?

SEND support services are local and national organisations that provide advice, information, and advocacy for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Their aim is to help parents understand their rights, access the right assessments, and ensure that education, health, and social care work together effectively.

Under the SEND Code of Practice, every local authority must offer an Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) that is free, confidential, and impartial. This service supports parents, carers, and young people in understanding SEND law, the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan process, and how to work collaboratively with schools and professionals.

These services can explain what support is available, guide you through paperwork, and help you prepare for meetings about your child’s needs. They are especially useful for families who may be new to the SEND system or unsure where to start.

How Support Services Help Families

SEND support services assist families in a range of ways, including:

• Explaining how to apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

• Supporting communication between schools, health professionals, and parents.

• Helping families understand the graduated approach used in mainstream schools.

• Providing emotional support for parents and carers during stressful periods.

• Advising on early intervention and mental health support options.

• Offering guidance on appeals, complaints, and tribunals if disagreements arise.

These services act as a bridge between families and professionals, ensuring that everyone involved works together to meet the child’s individual needs. For many parents, having someone explain each step of the process in plain language can make a huge difference in confidence and clarity.

Working with Schools and Professionals

In most cases, your child’s school will be your first point of contact for SEND support. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) oversees how the school identifies and assists pupils with SEND. They follow a graduated approach, meaning the level of support increases if your child’s needs become more complex or require specialist help.

SEND support services can attend meetings with you, help you interpret reports, or suggest questions to ask. They can also help you understand how your child’s support fits within the Education, Health and Care Plan framework, ensuring that teachers and professionals deliver what’s outlined in the plan.

Collaboration between families and professionals is key. When communication is open, children receive more consistent and meaningful support. Whether your child attends a mainstream school or a specialist setting, these services ensure that your voice as a parent is always heard.

Early Support and Accessing Help

Early support is one of the most important factors in improving outcomes for children with SEND. By acting early, schools and professionals can put strategies in place before difficulties escalate. SEND support services can help you access early years assessments, speech and language therapy, or mental health support for your child.

If you’re not sure where to begin, your local authority’s Local Offer is a good starting point. It lists local support groups, early intervention services, and other resources for families. Support services can guide you through this information, making it easier to find what’s relevant for your child.

Why SEND Support Services Matter

SEND support services empower families by giving them the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their children. They ensure that parents understand their rights under the SEND Code of Practice and can hold local authorities accountable for providing appropriate education and care.

By working together, families, teachers, health professionals, and social care teams, we can build a system that truly supports disabled children and young people. The role of these services is not only to guide parents through processes but also to promote understanding, compassion, and inclusion across the education and care sectors.

Empowering Parents and Building Confidence

At SEND Family Guidance, we believe informed parents make empowered decisions. Whether you need help understanding your child’s EHC Plan, preparing for a review meeting, or finding emotional support, we’re here to guide you.

SEND support is about partnership. It’s about creating an environment where every child, regardless of disability or need, can reach their full potential. With the right information and advice, parents and carers can navigate the SEND system confidently and ensure their child receives the education, health, and social care support they deserve.