CBC Local Offer
If you have a child or young person with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), then think of the Local Offer as all of the services and support available to them and you as a parent or carer. Our Local Offer website contains information about education, health and care services, voluntary agencies, leisure activities and support groups. Click the image for more details.
Assessment of SEND and EHC Plans in Educational Settings
Most children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) will have their needs met by their Nursery, Pre-School, School or College.
Some pupils with more complex special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) may need an assessment to see if they would benefit from having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is a legal document which sets out any additional support required to meet their special educational needs.
On this page, you can find out more information on what to do if you think your child has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
SENDIASS
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is for children and young people (up to 25 years) and their parents and carers, in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
SENDIASS is a free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support service on issues related to Special Educational Needs and disability.
We provide unbiased information and advice about what the law says, the local authority’s policies and procedures and about the policy and practice in local schools and other settings.
SENDIASS can offer:
- confidential support and someone to talk to in confidence
- information and advice about:
- Special Educational Needs support in the education setting
- Education health and care (EHC) needs assessment process
- EHC plans and annual reviews
- Appealing to the SEND tribunal
- Exclusion processes
- listen to your views and concerns
- work with you to explore your options
- help you prepare for meetings
- support you to find the confidence to express your views
- work in partnership with education settings, the local authority and other services to develop positive relationships
Autism Bedfordshire
Autism Bedfordshire’s services help break down the barriers to social participation for autistic people and their families by providing places where they can go and feel comfortable, accepted and not judged by society. With the encouragement and support of specialist trained staff we help autistic people build their confidence, self-esteem, and social skills through taking part in social activities and mixing with other people. Furthermore, we help them to develop practical skills and independence which will improve their prospects in life and help them be part of the community. Our aspirations are for them to have the same opportunities as people who are not on the spectrum, so that they can enjoy fulfilled and rewarding lives.
Family United
Families United Network (FUN) is a registered Charity and membership organisation which supports children, young adults living with additional needs and disabilities throughout Bedfordshire.
SNAP Parent Carer Forum
SNAP (Special Needs Action Panel) is a pro-active, independent forum of parent carers who all have children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As members of the National Network of Parent Carer Forum’s we support the development of parent carer participation, a process in which parents work together with professionals to make improvements to local services. We act as a conduit for a wide variety of local professionals in their work with children and young people with SEND.
Jargon Explained
The language of special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) can be difficult to understand. Below we have listed some of these commonly used terms, including explanations and abbreviations where applicable.