- Every council in England must publish a Local Offer.
- It covers education, health and care services for SEND, 0 to 25.
- Use it to find support groups, short breaks, therapies and school options.
- SENDIASS gives free, impartial advice.
What is the Local Offer?
The SEND Code of Practice requires local authorities to publish a Local Offer setting out the support they expect to be available for children and young people with SEND, and how to access it.1
What does it usually include?
- Early years settings, schools and colleges, including specialist provision
- Health services, like speech and language therapy and autism assessment pathways
- Social care, including short breaks
- Support groups and parent carer forums
- How to request an EHC needs assessment3
- Local SENDIASS contact details
How do I use it well?
Try
- Searching by your child's age and needs
- Looking for parent carer forums and support groups
- Noting names and numbers of services to contact
- Asking SENDIASS when something isn't clear
Skip
- Assuming services need a diagnosis
- Waiting for someone else to refer you
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