# What is the Local Offer, and how do I find SEND support near me?

> What every council's Local Offer should include, how to use it, and where to get independent advice.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/local-offer-send
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Every local council in England must publish a Local Offer: information about the education, health and social care services available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aged 0 to 25. You can find it on your council's website. It usually lists short breaks, support groups, school options, therapies and how to request an EHC needs assessment.

**Key takeaways**
- 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 assessment[3]
- 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

**Find your council.** If you're not sure which council covers you, use GOV.UK's "Find your local council" tool.
  [2]

**Outside England?.** Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland organise support differently. See [How is autism support different in Scotland,
  Wales and Northern Ireland?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-support-scotland-wales-northern-ireland)

Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Find your council's Local Offer
- [ ] Note your local SENDIASS contact
- [ ] Join a local parent carer forum or group

## Common questions

### Where do I find my Local Offer?

Search your council's website for 'Local Offer', or use GOV.UK to find your local council first.

### What is SENDIASS?

SEND Information, Advice and Support Services give free, impartial advice to families about SEND. Every area has one, usually listed on the Local Offer.

### Does my child need a diagnosis to use services on the Local Offer?

Many services don't require a diagnosis. Each service sets its own eligibility, so check the details.

## Sources

1. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years (chapter 4, the Local Offer). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
2. GOV.UK: Find your local council. https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
3. IPSEA: Asking for an EHC needs assessment. https://www.ipsea.org.uk/asking-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.