Serving the people of Bradford, Harrogate, Selby and Craven Districts

When you care for a child with SEND it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty that surrounds their future life.

Many parents worry that they do not understand the education, health and care systems well enough to get the best for their child. You probably feel that you are having to learn a whole new language – SEND, EHCP, SENCo, TA, and the list goes on! North Yorkshire Parent Carer Voice has produced this ‘Jargon Buster‘, to help you.

If you don’t know what rights your child has then you don’t know whether they are getting the services and support they are entitled to. There are organisations and national charities who can help:

SENDIASS - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services

SENDIASS – The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services offer information, advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. They will help you find information on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and how your child can get extra support at school.

IPSEA - Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of SEND.

IPSEA has a suite of free downloadable guides, resources and template letters available to parents and carers. These guides are complemented by a free Advice Line and Call-in Helpline which provide legally based information and next step advice on any educational issue that is a result of a child’s SEND. IPSEA’s Tribunal Helpline gives next step advice on appeals and disability discrimination claims to the SEND Tribunal. They also offer  legal training for parents, school staff, parent carer forums, support groups and other organisations in order to increase their knowledge and understanding of the SEN legal framework.

Contact - the charity for families with disabled children

Contact’s website has advice and information about all kinds of concerns a family might have about raising a child with additional needs.

They run a free helpline and offer a Listening Ear support service. They produce a range of email newsletters and parent guides available to download or order as well as a range of fun workshops and information sessions, on topics ranging from benefits and money matters to helping your child sleep and wellbeing.