Helpful links

Please see below a list of useful links that may have additional information to help answer any questions. If you require further information or advise please contact your local SENDIASS service and a trained practitioner will get back to you as soon as possible.

Code of Practice

The SEND Code of Practice provides a legal framework and practical guidance on how to identify, assess, and support children with SEND.

Council for Disabled Children

The Council for Disabled Children (CDC) is the umbrella body for the disabled children's sector in England. It brings together professionals, practitioners, and organisations working to support children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND).

Contact

A UK-wide information and advice charity supporting parents and carers of children with disabilities or additional needs (age 0–25). Contact provides a free helpline, one-to-one emotional support (Listening Ear), community-based events, online resources, and professional workshops.

IPSEA (independent advisor of special educational advice)

A leading UK charity offering free, independent, legally based advice and support to families of children and young people (0–25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England and Wales.

Barnardo’s

A leading UK children’s charity, Barnardo’s supports children, young people, and families facing adversity—ranging from poverty and abuse to poor mental health and family breakdown—and delivers over 760 specialist services across the UK aimed at ensuring that every child can be safe, happy, healthy, hopeful, and feel they belong.

Childline

Childline is a free, confidential helpline and online support service run by the NSPCC for children and young people in the UK. It offers 24/7 counselling, advice, and emotional support on issues like bullying, abuse, mental health, and family problems.

National Children's Bureau

The NCB is a leading UK charity that works to improve the lives of children and young people, particularly those facing disadvantage. It brings together practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to influence policy, provide expert guidance, and deliver programmes that promote children’s rights, education, health, and wellbeing.

SENJungle

A UK parent-led platform offering guidance, news, and resources on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). SNJ empowers parents and carers to navigate the complex SEND system, especially around Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), through expert articles, toolkits, and personal stories.

Kooth

Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online mental health and wellbeing service available to children and young people in the UK. It provides access to professional counsellors, peer support, and self-help resources to help manage issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.

Child advice law

Child Law Advice is a UK service providing free, independent legal information and advice on child, family, and education law. It supports parents, carers, and young people with issues such as parental disputes, social services involvement, school exclusions, special educational needs (SEN), and children’s rights

Dyslexia UK

Dyslexia UK is a specialist organization providing support, assessments, and tutoring for individuals with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. Their services include diagnostic assessments, specialist teaching, workplace needs assessments, and advice for families, schools, and employers, aiming to help people with dyslexia reach their full potential.

National Autism Society (NAS)

The NAS is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. It provides information, support services, advocacy, and specialist schools, while campaigning to improve understanding and acceptance of autism across society.

MENCAP

Mencap is a UK charity supporting people with learning disabilities and their families. It provides personalised services, advocacy, employment support, housing, and community programmes, while campaigning for equality, rights, and inclusion for people with learning disabilities.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service provides free, professional careers advice and guidance for people in England. It offers personalized support with skills assessments, training options, CV writing, job applications, and career planning through online resources, a helpline, and face-to-face appointments.