The SEND Code of Practice says:
“Local authorities must have regard to the importance of providing children and their parents and young people with information and support necessary to participate in decisions” (Page 30)
“Our vision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is the same for all children and young people – that they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college and lead happy and fulfilled lives” (Page 11)
Who are we?
SEND Advice Surrey provides information, advice and support to parents, carers, children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) aged 0 to 25 years.
The information, advice and support we provide is impartial, confidential, free and at ‘arms length’ to the Local Authority. Our experienced team will listen to your concerns and discuss any issues in confidence.
Our service is statutory and we aim to provide information, advice and support to empower parents, children and young people to:
- fully participate in discussions and make informed decisions
- express their views and wishes about education and future aspirations
- promote independence and self-advocacy
- develop positive relationships with nurseries, preschools, schools, colleges, universities, the local authority and supported services to achieve positive outcomes.
How can we help?
We can offer information on:
- your rights and responsibilities
- who to talk to in school about your concerns
- how your child is assessed and helped in school
- what happens during an education, health and care (EHC) assessment
- what happens during a statutory assessment
- what you can do if you are not happy with a decision made about your child’s SEND
- mediation
- Surrey policies and processes
- national policies and legislation
- advocacy services and other services.
Enquiries are varied and can range from concerns about a child’s progress in nurseries or school, through to children and young people who have complex needs and difficulties.
SEND Advice Surrey ensures that the views of parents, carers, children and young people are heard and understood and that these views inform local policy and practice. If you have any feedback on our website or any of the information on this site please let us know by emailing: sendadvice@surreycc.gov.uk
We provide support by:
- listening to your concerns
- exploring options
- talking through and preparing paperwork and completing forms
- joining you at meetings or helping you prepare for them
- ensuring your views are heard
- looking at ways of overcoming differences where there is disagreement.
- informing you about other local and national organisations that can help you.
National Helpline – Contact
Parents can visit the Contact helpline via their website at www.contact.org.uk for information or call the free helpline on 0808 808 3555 between 9.30am and 5.00pm – Monday to Friday or by email at helpline@contact.org.uk