Statementing Help

A statement of special educational needs (SEN) sets out your child's needs and the help they should have. It is reviewed annually to ensure that any extra support given continues to meet your child's needs.  The following organisations offer help and advice with the statementing process.

ACE

The Advisory Centre for Education is an independent registered charity offering information about state education for 5-16 year olds. They offer a free telephone advice service on special-education needs on 0808 800 5793. They also post on their website many useful Advice Booklets. Check out 'Getting the Statement Right: A Practical Guide to Parents Legal Rights'. They are based at 1c Aberdeen Studios, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2DQ and online at ace-ed.org.uk

IPSEA 

The Independent Panel for Special Education Advice is a volunteer-based organisation which offers free independent advice, free advice on appealing at tribunal (including representation when needed), and free second professional opinions. Many of the volunteers are parents of children with special educational needs. Tip: Look out for a letter dated Dec 2005 from the Education Minister which is posted on their website. It requires the local authorities to quantify the provisions given to your children in their statements! Telephone 0800 018 4016 (Mon-Thu 10am-4pm and 7-9pm, and on Fri 10am-1pm and 7-9pm). They are based at 6 Carlos Mews, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1EA and on the web at ipsea.org.uk

Partnership with Parents (PWP)

Partnership with Parents is funded by Surrey County Council and provides a confidential information advice and support service for parents of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). On their website you can print off leaflets, including one called 'Pre-school children with special or additional needs', which explain how the process works quite clearly. Their helpline is 01737 737 300 and their website is pwpsurrey.org

Read our Members Recommendation about PWP