Hi, my name is Ellie_el43! Where I can find SEN support ?

Hi @Ellie_el43 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

Please could you tell me what kind of support you are looking for?

Knowing what sort of support you would like will make it easier for me to give you the right information and point you in the right direction and also avoid repeating anything you’ve already been told!

Some examples of support you might be looking for..

• Education support
• Support for yourself or your child
• Help accessing services
• Support getting a diagnosis
• Financial support
• All of the above
• Or something else

Please let me know if there is something specific and i will do my best to help😄

Hi again @Ellie_el43

Thank you for clarifying!

I know you mentioned a SEN plan in your post, how is your son getting on with that at the moment? Are you happy with the support the school is providing so far?

If you feel he might need a bit more help and support or if you feel like the school is struggling to meet your sons needs then it could be worth looking into an educational and health care plan (EHCP) and here is more information on applying for an EHCP assessment. Has the school ever brought that up with you?

Here is also a handy website that has some practical tips for school and SEND meetings as I know requesting a meeting and sometimes just being in a meeting with Professionals can be quite anxiety inducing so I hope this is helpful!

There is also SENDIASS and these are like the education experts to do with SEN in your local authority. They offer free and impartial information and advice on everything to do with EHCPs, SEN support, can go through paperwork and form fill, they can call and attend meetings with the school and sometimes they may allocate you a specific case worker. These are also great to contact if you're not happy with your son's school or if you feel like they are not listening to you as they are an impartial organisation.

IPSEA is also great to contact directly for free legal advice around education. They run an open diary booking system for appointments. It is difficult to get one but worthwhile if you do. They also have a really good website in general with lots of information around education!

Are you accessing any services at the moment? I found some information on your council websites on accessing support for disabled children which i hope will be helpful. There is also Local Offer which is a great website with lots of information about disability and SEN and what is available in your area so it is definitely worth having a look!

There may also be short breaks available for you and your son and often these can be a really good way for children to gain independence and confidence but also have some fun away from their family so you get time to rest and recharge.

Do you have much support around you at the moment? How are you feeling?

I know some parents of disabled children find support groups for parents of disabled children quite helpful and beneficial as it can make them feel a bit less isolated but also a place where they are able to share strategies and support. I had a look on your local offer that I mentioned above and found some parent support groups that may be helpful here and here. Hopefully you will find one that is suitable!

If you're on facebook then it may also be worth liking Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum as it looks like they are very up to date with what support is available in your local area.

Have you had a carer's assessment before? If not, you can request one under Children and Families Act and this is what to expect from a carer assessment. Carers assessments can often be the first door in opening doors to any support from the local authority that you may be eligible for!

It may also be worth registering as a carer with your local carers hub as usually they are able to offer more tailored and holistic support and it can also be a good way to meet other people who may have a similar experience to you.

There is also Listening Ear by Contact which is a great service for parents and carers of disabled children looking for emotional support. You will be able to talk to the adviser about how you are feeling and get some support for yourself.

How is your son doing at the moment? Are there any particular concerns you have such as sensory issues or friendships? Is he getting much support at the moment such as CAMHS?

I know sleep can be a big challenge for lots of disabled children so I created a three part sleep series which contain practical strategies and signposting here on the community that may be helpful.

Your local offer also has a things to do section which has some information on local groups, activities and clubs in your local area for disabled children which may be worth having a look at if that is something you think would be helpful for your son!

Do you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your son at the moment? If not, then it is definitely worth looking into as it may be something that your son is eligible for. I created an another three part series on DLA for parents and carers of disabled children on the community which may be helpful to look if you are thinking of applying.

Depending on other circumstances you may also be eligible for carer's allowance. There are also quite a few grants for families of disabled children available to for various different items/equipment/therapies etc.

I know this is a really long message, please feel free to just read bits whenever you need and don't overwhelm yourself.

I hope this was helpful, any questions or if you would any further information or support please let me know😄