Government websites

  • Tribunals Service
    The First–tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability), formally SEND or SENDIST, is the independent judicial body that considers parents’ appeals against local authority decisions on SEN, and disability discrimination by schools or local authorities.
  • Department for Education
    English government department responsible for education and children’s services. It replaced the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) in May 2010. The website features an area devoted exclusively to Special educational needs, and includes sections on Latest news and a comprehensive list of FAQs.
  • DirectGov
    A UK government-run site that acts as a portal for public-sector information and services. Lots of information about special educational needs, together links to online resources.
  • Local authorities search
    A complete listing of the country’s local authorities, together with contact details.
  • Local Government Ombudsman
    The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) looks at complaints about councils and some other authorities and organizations, including education admissions appeal panels. It is a free, independent service.

Support organizations

  • ASD Friendly
    A support network of parents with autistic and Asperger’s children. Discussion forums and live chat events enable parents and carers to share and exchange experiences and information.
  • British Dyslexia Association
    The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is a national charity committed to promoting a dyslexia-friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential. The site is full of information for dyslexics themselves, as well as for parents, carers and teachers of dyslexic children.
  • Carers Direct
    Carers Direct is a national information, advice and support service for carers in England. Available online and as a free, confidential helpline seven days a week, it provides accurate, relevant information for carers and those who support them.
    Click HERE for an overview.
  • Gransnet
    Gransnet is the social networking site for Britain’s 14 million Grandparents. Launched in 2011, Gransnet is a website for the original baby boomer generation to get together to discuss news, culture, relationships and their busy and changing lives.
    It also provides a forum to discuss Special Educational Needs that their grandchildren may have and how to support them though the process.
  • IPSEA
    Independent Parental Special Education Advice is a registered charity offering free and independent advice to parents of children with special educational needs in England and Wales.
  • Mumsnet
    ‘By parents - for parents’, Mumsnet has a wealth of information and helpful advice on all aspects of parenting. Mumsnet is an online network of parents pooling their knowledge on everything from how to get a baby to sleep through the night to the best places to go on holiday with a five-year-old. Visit mumsnet for advice, tips and product recommendations from the people who know best: other parents.
  • nasen
    Formerly the National Association for Special Educational Needs, nasen is a UK organization that aims to promote the education, training, advancement and development of all those with special and additional support needs. nasen publishes journals such as the British Journal of Special Education, Support for Learning, a new online publication, the Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, and the magazine Special.
  • National Autistic Society
    The NAS champions the rights and interests of all people with autism and aims to provide them and their families with help, support and services that they can access, trust and rely upon and that may make a positive difference to their lives. The NAS has developed two new resources to help people on the autism spectrum learn about managing their money. Click HERE for more information on the new resources.
  • Well at School
    Well at School aims to provide information, advice and resources for everyone working with children and young people who are affected by a medical or a mental health condition. We also provide up to date information and practical strategies from our school staff, medical staff and students.

Choosing a school

  • Gabbitas
    An independent educational consultancy company offering advice to parents on finding and choosing an appropriate school for their child.
  • Good Schools Guide
    Help, advice and guidance schools and schooling for children with special needs, including special schools, mainstream schooling, and resourced provision.

Legal services

  • Citizens Advice Bureau
    Information and advice on rights in benefits, housing, education, employment and debt, and consumer protection.
  • Legal aid
    The Community Legal Advice website offers free, confidential and independent legal advice. It features a legal aid eligibility calculator that should help you find out whether or not you qualify for legal aid.
  • Just for Kids Law
    A charity that provides specialist support, advice and legal representation to young people. JfK Law was winner of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award 2010.

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