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We cover 345+ SEND topics across benefits, education, council services and care support. The fastest way to get help is to ask. Or browse below to see what's covered.

Last updated: 13 June 2026

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Benefits

Core Disability Benefits

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

A tax-free payment for children under 16 who need extra care or have difficulty getting around. Your income doesn't affect eligibility - it's based on your child's needs.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

The adult version of DLA for those 16 and over. Your child will move from DLA to PIP around their 16th birthday.

Household Income and Carers

Carer's Allowance

A weekly payment if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who gets DLA or PIP.

Universal Credit: Disabled Child Additions

Extra money through Universal Credit if your child gets DLA or PIP. Includes the disabled child addition and the carer element.

Child Benefit Extensions (16-19)

Child Benefit continues past 16 if your child stays in approved education or training. From September 2025, disabled young people have more flexible qualifying rules.

Carer's Credit

National Insurance credits for carers providing 20+ hours per week who do not qualify for Carer's Allowance.

Child Maintenance for Disabled Young People

Child maintenance through CMS can continue until a disabled young person turns 20 if they remain in approved education or training.

Universal Credit: Looked After Children in Residential Settings

How Universal Credit is affected when a child enters local authority care or a residential placement.

Child Tax Credit Disability Element Backdating

How to backdate the disability element of Child Tax Credit.

How do I backdate child tax credit disability element?

Cost of Living and Travel

Warm Home Discount Scheme

An annual £150 discount on your electricity bill if you receive qualifying benefits like Universal Credit. DLA or PIP alone does not qualify, but UC does.

WaterSure Bill Cap Scheme

A bill cap that limits your metered water bill to the average for your area if you receive a qualifying benefit and have high essential water use due to a medical condition or 3+ children. Saves approximately £300/year.

Motability Scheme

Lease a car, powered wheelchair, or scooter using the higher rate mobility component of DLA or enhanced rate mobility PIP. Covers eligibility, application, adaptations, and what happens when DLA ends.

NHS Travel Cost Reimbursement

Help with travel costs to NHS appointments through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) and Low Income Scheme certificates.

VAT Relief on Disability Equipment

Zero-rate VAT relief on equipment, adaptations, and services for disabled people, including children.

Vehicle Tax Exemption

Exemption or reduction in vehicle tax (road tax) for vehicles used by or for disabled children receiving DLA higher mobility or PIP enhanced mobility.

Bedroom Tax Exemption (Disabled Children)

How disabled children can qualify for bedroom tax exemption under Housing Benefit if they need their own room.

NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3)

Help with NHS costs beyond travel, including prescriptions, dental, and optical charges for low-income families.

Hospital and Residential Stays: Benefit Rules

How hospital admissions and residential care placements affect DLA, PIP, Carer's Allowance and other benefits.

Priority Services Registers (Energy, Water, Telecoms)

Free registration for priority support from utility companies if your household includes someone with a disability or long-term health condition.

Energy Debt and Prepayment Meter Protections

Protections against forced prepayment meters and energy disconnection.

Can my energy supplier force a prepayment meter?

Household Support Fund and Crisis and Resilience Fund

Emergency council funding for disability-related essentials including energy bills, food, medical equipment running costs, and household items. HSF replaced by CRF from April 2026 with £1 billion per year.

Grants and Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare: Disabled Child Uplift

A government top-up scheme providing up to £4,000 per year for disabled children's childcare costs. Warning: claiming TFC terminates your entire Universal Credit claim.

Family Fund Grants

Discretionary grants from the government-funded Family Fund charity for families raising disabled children. Over £36 million awarded in 2024-25 across areas like equipment, holidays, and white goods.

Charitable Grants for Disabled Children

Equipment and support grants beyond Family Fund, including Newlife, Whizz Kidz, Caudwell, React, Variety, Children Today, and Cerebra. Covers the structured grant-finding workflow and how to apply to multiple charities simultaneously.

Work and Study Support

Access to Work

Government grant covering workplace support for disabled young people in apprenticeships, supported internships, and employment.

Parent-Carer Employment Rights

Employment rights for parents caring for disabled children, including Carer's Leave Act 2023, time off for dependants, flexible working, and reasonable adjustments by association.

UC Rules for Disabled Young People in Education

Universal Credit eligibility rules for disabled young people in full-time education, including the Regulation 14(b) exception, the Catch-22 problem, and age-based cliff edges.

Education

EHCP Journey

SEN Support in Mainstream Schools

The support your child should receive at school before or without an EHCP. Covers the graduated response, the SENCO's role, and when to push for more.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

A legal document that describes what support your child must receive at school. We help with requesting assessments, understanding draft plans, and annual reviews.

Ceasing an EHCP

What to do if the council wants to stop your child's EHCP. Covers lawful grounds for ceasing, the notice period, and how to appeal.

Personal Budgets (EHCP)

Your right to a personal budget when your child has an EHCP, allowing you to choose how funding is spent on their support.

School Named in EHCP Not Admitting

What to do when a school named in your child's EHCP refuses to admit them, including enforcement routes.

EHCP Transfers When Moving Local Authority

What happens to your child's EHCP when you move to a new council area. Covers the Regulation 15 transfer process, timelines, and what to do if the new LA tries to change the plan.

In-Year School Changes for Children With EHCPs

How to change school mid-year when your child has an EHCP, outside of the normal phase transfer window. Covers emergency reviews, Section I amendments, and LA duties during placement breakdown.

Academy SEND Complaints (Trust to DfE)

How to complain about SEND provision in academy schools, from trust complaints procedure through to DfE escalation.

Separated Parents and SEND Decisions

How parental responsibility works when parents are separated or divorced, including who has the right to be consulted on SEND decisions, appeal to the Tribunal, and what happens when parents disagree.

Area SEND Inspections (Ofsted/CQC)

How Ofsted and CQC jointly inspect local area SEND services, and how parents can use inspection findings.

Inclusion Rooms and Behaviour Hubs

In-school isolation rooms and behaviour units, legal safeguards, and how to challenge misuse for SEND pupils.

KS2 Access Arrangements (SATs)

Access arrangements for Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests, including extra time, scribes, and readers.

School Accessibility Plans

Equality Act 2010 duties requiring schools to plan for curriculum access, physical environment, and accessible information.

SEND Inclusion on School Trips

Reasonable adjustment duties for school trips and residentials, charging rules, and how to challenge exclusion.

Unregistered Alternative Provision

Safeguarding checks for unregistered settings, legal thresholds for illegal schools, and parent due diligence.

Parent-Funded Placements (Section 42(5))

What happens when parents fund an independent school placement and the LA claims relief from EHCP duties under Section 42(5).

EHCP Reassessment Requests

How to request EHCP reassessment under Section 44 and appeal refusals.

How do I request an EHCP reassessment?

Reapplying After EHCNA Refusal

Strategic guidance on choosing between appealing to the SEND Tribunal or submitting a fresh request after an EHC needs assessment refusal.

Preparing for Adulthood from Year 9

The mandatory preparing for adulthood planning that must happen at every EHCP Annual Review from Year 9 onwards, covering employment, independent living, community participation, and health.

Draft EHCP Delays and Escalation

What to do when your draft EHCP is delayed, stuck in limbo, or the LA misses statutory timescales. Covers Ombudsman remedies and escalation routes.

EHCP to University Transition

What happens to your EHCP at university, how to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), and ensuring social care continues.

Phase Transfer Deadlines

Statutory deadlines for EHCP phase transfers (15 February, 31 March, 5 months before transfer). What to do when the LA misses them.

Post-16 EHCP Hours and Unlawful Caps

Why LAs cannot cap post-16 EHCP provision to 3 days or fewer hours than needed. Covers s.21(5) CFA 2014, the Leeds case, and ESFA funding rules.

Preparing for Adulthood from Year 9

The statutory duty to focus on preparing for adulthood outcomes from Year 9 onwards. Covers the four PfA areas, annual review requirements, and enforcement.

Young Person Decision-Making Rights (16-25)

How SEND decision-making rights transfer from parents to young people at 16, including the MM v Greenwich capacity ruling and alternative person framework.

Health Advice Missing in EHCP Assessment - DCO/DMO Escalation

What to do when the ICB fails to provide health advice within the 6-week statutory deadline during an EHC needs assessment. Covers DCO and DMO escalation, Section 31 joint working duties, and complaint routes.

Family and Friends Carers - SEND Decision-Making Rights

SEND decision-making rights for kinship carers, SGO holders, CAO holders, foster carers, and private foster carers. Maps who can request EHCP assessments, choose schools, and appeal to the Tribunal based on their legal relationship to the child.

School Issues

Medical Conditions at School

Schools' legal duties to support pupils with medical conditions, including Individual Healthcare Plans, medication administration, and school trips.

School Attendance

Your rights and responsibilities around school attendance, including penalty notices, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), and School Attendance Orders.

School Exclusions and Suspensions

What to do if your child is excluded or suspended, including informal exclusions, independent review panels, and disability discrimination.

School sent my autistic son home to 'cool off' without any paperwork. Is this an illegal exclusion?

Removal from School Roll

Know your rights if your child is being removed from the school roll, pressured to withdraw, or moved to another school against your wishes.

Managed Moves and Alternative Provision

Your rights when a school proposes a managed move or your child is placed in alternative provision. Covers consent requirements, AP entitlements, off-rolling indicators, and how to challenge.

Dual Registration and Phased Reintegration

Your rights when your child is dual registered between schools, placed in alternative provision, hospital school, or going through phased reintegration. Covers attendance coding, registration requirements, and time limits.

School Admissions Appeals

How to appeal a refused school place through an independent admissions appeal panel. Covers standard and infant class size appeals, evidence preparation, and what to do after the decision.

Bullying of SEND Children

What to do if your disabled child is being bullied at school. Covers the legal framework, when bullying becomes disability discrimination, and how to escalate.

Reduced Timetables

Your rights when a school puts your child on a reduced or part-time timetable. Schools have no statutory power to do this except in very exceptional circumstances.

Exam Access Arrangements

Adjustments for disabled students taking GCSEs, A Levels, and other exams. Covers extra time, readers, scribes, and more under JCQ rules and the Equality Act 2010.

Restrictive Interventions in Schools

Guidance on restraint, seclusion, and use of force in schools, including new April 2026 recording and reporting duties.

School Governor/Trust Accountability for SEND

How to hold school governors and academy trust boards accountable for SEND delivery. Covers the s66 best endeavours duty, SEN information report, Ofsted SEND checks, and complaints escalation.

Fair Access Protocol

Local protocols for placing unplaced children, including those with SEND. Covers how FAP works, timescales, and challenging placement decisions.

SEND Inclusion in Wraparound, Breakfast, and After-School Clubs

Rights of disabled children to access breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, wraparound childcare, and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) provision. Covers reasonable adjustments, Childcare Act 2006 s6 sufficiency duty, challenge routes (SEND Tribunal, County Court, LGSCO), and DfE programme requirements including HAF eligibility and delivery metrics.

Toileting and Intimate Care in School

Schools must provide toileting and intimate care support as a reasonable adjustment. Covers Equality Act duties, Individual Healthcare Plans, and challenge routes for refusal.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) in Schools

Schools and colleges must have PEEPs for disabled pupils who need help evacuating in an emergency.

Medical Conditions Duty vs Section 19 Duty

The boundary between schools' duty to support pupils with medical conditions (Section 100) and LAs' duty to provide alternative education (Section 19).

Overseas Moves to England - School Admissions and SEND Continuity

How families moving to England from overseas secure school places and SEND support. Covers School Admissions Code 2021, unlawful admissions questions, service personnel rights, refugee and asylum seeker education rights, and EHCP transfer on return.

Digital Accessibility of SEND Communications

How Equality Act 2010 and Accessibility Regulations 2018 require schools and LAs to make SEND communications accessible. Covers WCAG 2.2, reasonable adjustments for digital documents, school partial exemptions, and escalation routes.

Alternative Education

Section 19: Alternative Education

Your council's legal duty to arrange education when your child cannot attend school for health or other reasons, even without an EHCP.

EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School)

Education packages outside school for children with EHCPs when school is not appropriate. Covers home tuition, placement breakdowns, and your rights.

Elective Home Education

Your right to educate your child at home, including the deregistration process, LA monitoring powers, and how to distinguish a genuine positive choice from pressured off-rolling.

Flexi-Schooling for SEND Pupils

Part-time school attendance combined with home education. Covers arrangements, EHCP interaction, and school discretion for SEND children.

Funding

Early Years SEND Funding

Funding available for young children with SEND in early years settings, including the Disability Access Fund, Early Years Pupil Premium, and SEND Inclusion Fund.

16-19 Bursary Fund

Financial help for 16-19 year olds staying in education. Covers the vulnerable bursary and discretionary bursary, including how disability and care status affect eligibility.

Free School Meals

Free school meals for children whose families receive qualifying benefits. DLA or PIP does not create eligibility, but UC does if net earnings are under £7,400. Major expansion in September 2026.

Supported Internships

A structured programme for young people aged 16-24 with an EHCP, combining workplace experience with study. Unpaid but exempt from minimum wage, with 60-70% employment outcomes at the best providers.

SEND and Apprenticeships

Reasonable adjustments, learning support funding, and employer duties for apprentices with SEND.

Early Years SEND in Nursery Settings

SEND support for children in nursery and childminder settings. Covers early identification, SENCO duties, and funded support for under-5s.

High Needs Funding and LA Financial Constraints

How LA budget pressures (DBV, Safety Valve, DSG deficits) affect EHCP decisions and how to challenge cost-based refusals.

Pupil Premium Plus for Previously Looked-After Children with SEND

How Pupil Premium Plus funding works for previously looked-after children (adopted, SGO, CAO) with SEND. Covers eligibility, school vs VSH management, PP+ rates, governor accountability, and complaint escalation.

School SEN Funding - The Three-Element Model

How school SEN funding works in England: Element 1 (AWPU base funding), Element 2 (notional SEN budget, first GBP 6,000), and Element 3 (LA top-up). How to challenge schools that claim they have no funding for SEN support.

School Choice

Special Schools and School Placement

Your right to request a specific school placement in your child's EHCP. Covers school types, the three lawful refusal grounds, and how to appeal with a 92-99% tribunal success rate.

Section I Placement Law

Parental preference rights for school placement in EHCPs, the three grounds for LA refusal, and how to challenge.

Summer-Born and Delayed Entry Requests

How to request delayed school entry for summer-born children (April-August) and interaction with EHCP processes.

Independent School SEND Duties

How SEND duties differ between independent (private) schools, section 41 approved schools, and maintained schools. Covers ISS Regulations 2014, Equality Act obligations, and strategies for securing independent school placements.

Inclusion Bases in Mainstream Schools

Understanding inclusion bases as mainstream placement under 2026 SEND reforms.

What is an inclusion base?

Independent School Closures - LA Duties to Displaced EHCP Children

When an independent school named in your child's EHCP closes, the LA must arrange interim provision from day one, initiate an emergency review, and amend the EHCP within 12 weeks. Covers the four closure triggers and enforcement routes.

Information and Support

SEND Local Offer

Every council must publish a Local Offer listing SEND services for 0-25 year olds. Learn what it must contain, how to find yours, and how to challenge gaps.

Support Without Diagnosis

How to access school support, benefits, and social care for a child with SEND even without a formal diagnosis.

Looked After Children with SEND

SEND rights and processes for children in care, including Virtual School Head duties, PEP requirements, and EHCP protections.

SEND Reform 2026: Schools White Paper

The 2026 Schools White Paper proposes replacing the SEN Support/EHCP binary with a four-tier system. Covers Individual Support Plans, Specialist Provision Packages, Triple Lock protections, and what it means for your child's current rights.

SEND in Youth Custody

EHCP rights during detention and release planning. Covers statutory duties, education in custody, and transition support for detained young people with SEND.

SENCO NPQ Transition

The transition from NASENCO to NPQ for SENCOs. Covers compliance deadlines, what schools must do, and implications for SEND families.

Cross-Border LA Responsibility

Which local authority is responsible when your child lives in one council area but attends school in another. Covers EHCP, transport, social care, and health commissioning.

NRPF and SEND Rights

SEND rights for families with No Recourse to Public Funds. EHC assessments, EHCP provision, and Section 17 support are not public funds and must be provided regardless of immigration status.

Armed Forces Families: SEND Rights on Posting and School Moves

Statutory protections for Armed Forces families with SEND children during postings. Covers advance school place allocation (paragraph 2.21), Armed Forces Covenant due regard duty, EHCP transfers between LAs, CEAS and MODLAP support services, and the Service Pupil Premium.

Young Person Control at 16-25

How SEND decision-making rights transfer from parent to young person at the end of compulsory school age, including capacity, appeals, and the alternative person framework.

SEND Financial Pressures and Parental Rights

Understanding DBV and Safety Valve programmes, LA financial pressures on SEND budgets, and why your statutory rights cannot be overridden by cost.

Down Syndrome Act 2022

The Down Syndrome Act 2022 requires relevant authorities (NHS, LAs, schools, housing, social care) to give 'due regard' to the needs of people with Down syndrome when exercising their functions. Covers implementation status, draft guidance, and enforcement routes.

Autistic Masking in SEND Assessment

When an autistic child masks at school and appears to cope, but experiences meltdowns at home. Covers how masking affects EHCP assessment, DLA claims, and school support, with evidence strategies for the home-school gap.

Non-Verbal and Minimally Verbal Autism - Communication Assessment and EHCP Provision

Communication needs assessment and EHC plan provision drafting for non-verbal and minimally verbal autistic children in England. Covers s21(5) 'educates or trains' test, RCSLT AAC selection framework, NHS specialised AAC pathway (13 laAces hubs), Section F specificity, and functional communication training (FCT) with NICE NG11 review cadence.

Disputes and Evidence

Educational Psychology Assessments

What educational psychologists do, how to get an EP assessment through the council or privately, and how EP reports support EHCP requests and tribunal appeals.

Upper Tribunal SEND Appeals

How to appeal a First-tier SEND Tribunal decision to the Upper Tribunal. Covers the UT4 process, permission requirements, and grounds for appeal.

DfE Complaints About Maintained Schools

Escalating complaints about maintained schools via ss.496/497.

How do I complain to the DfE about a maintained school?

LA Sufficiency Duty for SEND

How LAs must ensure sufficient SEND provision and how to challenge gaps.

What is the LA sufficiency duty?

Private Neurodevelopmental Diagnosis

How private autism/ADHD diagnoses are treated in EHCP and tribunal settings.

Will the LA accept a private diagnosis?

OAP vs EHCP Legal Threshold

The real legal test for EHCP assessment under s.36(8) CFA 2014, why 'Ordinarily Available Provision' cannot be used to refuse an assessment, and how to challenge OAP-based refusals.

Commissioning Independent Experts

How to find, vet, and commission independent educational psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists for SEND Tribunal appeals.

Recording Meetings and Correcting Records

Your rights to record school and LA meetings, and how to correct inaccurate records using GDPR and education records regulations.

Section 26 Joint Commissioning Failures

How to challenge failures in joint commissioning between Local Authorities and ICBs under Section 26 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Covers therapy provision gaps, dispute resolution, and complaint routes.

Cost Recovery for Failed SEND Provision

Four routes to recover costs when the LA fails to deliver EHCP provision and you pay privately: LGSCO complaint, pre-action letter, judicial review, and SEND Tribunal. Covers the s42(2) absolute duty, s42(5) trap, and evidence requirements.

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 (c.21) received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. Covers the Children Not In School register, LA consent for home education of certain children (section 434A), the allergy duty, free school meals expansion, and confirms all existing EHCP rights remain in force.

Legal Rights & Appeals

Benefit Appeals

Challenging Benefit Decisions

What to do if your DLA, PIP or other benefit claim is refused. We cover mandatory reconsideration, tribunal appeals, and how to build a stronger case.

Discrimination Claims

Disability Discrimination in Schools

How the Equality Act 2010 protects disabled children at school. Covers the six types of discrimination, reasonable adjustments, and how to make a claim.

My child has been suspended multiple times for behaviour linked to his ADHD. Can I claim disability discrimination?

Evidence and Records

Getting Records for Evidence

How to request records from schools, councils, and the NHS to build evidence for EHCP requests, appeals, and complaints. Covers Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information, and education records.

SEND Tribunal

SEND Mediation

A free service to help resolve disagreements with your council about your child's education support, before going to tribunal.

SEND Tribunal

How to appeal if you disagree with decisions about your child's EHCP. We explain the process and what to expect.

The LA wants to name a school 8 miles away instead of our preferred school. Can they do that?

Enforcing Your Rights

Enforcing EHCP Provision

How to enforce delivery of EHCP Section F provision when the Local Authority or school is not providing what the plan specifies.

Challenging Decisions

Challenging Care Package Reductions

What to do if your child's care package is being reduced or withdrawn. Covers reassessment rules, legal grounds, and how to challenge unlawful cuts.

Aftercare Rights

Section 117 Aftercare

Free aftercare services for young people discharged from mental health detention, jointly provided by the LA and ICB.

Health & Therapies

Diagnosis and Assessment

Right to Choose: Autism Assessment

Your right to choose where your child is assessed for autism or ADHD. Covers the NHS Right to Choose policy, ICB duties, and how to challenge long waiting lists.

ADHD Medication Safety and Monitoring

Required safety checks and monitoring for children on ADHD medication.

What checks are needed before ADHD medication?

Mental Health

CAMHS and Children's Mental Health Services

How children's mental health services work in England, including referral routes, the iThrive framework, EHCP mental health provision, and what to do in a crisis.

Therapies

Speech and Language Therapy for Children

How to access NHS speech and language therapy, secure specific SaLT provision in EHCPs, and challenge inadequate or vague provision. SaLT that educates or trains is the LA's duty under Section F.

Occupational Therapy for Children

How to access occupational therapy for your child through the NHS, schools, or privately. Covers EHCP Section F provision, the link to Disabled Facilities Grants, and how to challenge long waiting times.

Paediatric Continence Services

NHS continence services for children with enuresis or encopresis. Covers referral pathways, school management plans, EHCP Section G provision, and how continence needs support DLA claims.

Equipment and Mobility

Wheelchair Services for Children

How NHS wheelchair services work for children, including referral, clinical assessment, powered wheelchairs, and the Personal Wheelchair Budget. The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 creates a specific duty to provide.

NHS Funding

Health Provision in EHCPs (Section G)

How to ensure health provision in your child's EHCP is arranged by the ICB, and what to do when it isn't.

Personal Health Budgets

How to request and manage a Personal Health Budget for continuing healthcare, Section 117 aftercare, or wheelchair services.

NHS England Abolition and DHSC Integration

NHS England is being abolished and integrated into the Department of Health and Social Care by April 2027. Covers the impact on children's services, ICB mergers, waiting lists, and how to enforce health duties during the transition.

Transition to Adulthood

Work and Study

Employment and Support Allowance for Young People

Income-replacement benefit for young people 16+ unable to work due to disability. ESA youth provisions are abolished; most young people should claim Universal Credit instead.

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

Non-means-tested funding of up to £27,783 per year for disabled students in higher education. Covers specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, and disability-related travel.

Post-16 Education

Post-16 EHCP

Your child's EHCP rights after age 16, including college placements, supported internships, and when the LA can and cannot cease the plan.

Post-16 SEN Support in Colleges (Without EHCP)

Rights of young people aged 16-25 with SEN but no EHCP in FE colleges. Covers section 66 best endeavours duty, college complaints, ESFA escalation, and Equality Act adjustments.

Adult Social Care

Transition to Adult Social Care at 18

What happens to your child's care and support when they turn 18. Covers the Care Act 2014 transition duties, adult eligibility, and the Section 66 continuity protection.

Mental Capacity and Finance

Appointeeship, Deputyship and Mental Capacity

Managing benefits and finances for a young person who may lack capacity. Covers DWP appointeeship, Court of Protection deputyship, and lasting powers of attorney.

Adult Health Services

Adult Autism and ADHD Services (18+)

What happens when your child turns 18 and needs ongoing autism or ADHD support. Covers the transition cliff, adult diagnostic pathways, Right to Choose, and Care Act assessments.

CAMHS to Adult Mental Health Transition

Navigating the transition from CAMHS to adult mental health services.

What happens when my child leaves CAMHS?

Housing

Supported Living for Young Adults

Housing with support for young adults 18+ with disabilities. Covers how supported living differs from residential care, tenancy rights, CQC regulation, and transition planning from children's services.

Local Authority Support

Transport and Access

School Transport

Help getting your child to and from school. We cover who qualifies, how to apply, and what to do if you're refused.

Blue Badge

A parking permit that lets you park closer to where you need to be. If your child gets higher rate DLA mobility, they automatically qualify.

Concessionary Travel

Free and discounted travel for disabled children and their companions, including the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme bus pass and the Disabled Persons Railcard.

Nimbus Access Card

A card that proves your disability or access needs to venues and attractions without sharing medical details. Covers application, evidence, and how to use it at theme parks, cinemas, and events.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

Extra help from your council with housing costs if you have a shortfall, with priority for disabled people in adapted homes.

Home and Housing

Disabled Facilities Grant

A council grant of up to £30,000 for adapting your home for a disabled child. Covers ramps, wet rooms, stairlifts, and more. No means test for children.

Council Tax Discounts

Council tax reductions and exemptions for families with disabled members, including the severely mentally impaired discount, disabled band reduction, and care leavers exemption.

Housing Priority for Disabled Children

How council housing allocation schemes give reasonable preference to households with medical or disability needs. Covers medical priority applications, suitability assessments, and how to challenge refusal.

Homelessness Placement Distance and SEND Provision

How temporary accommodation placement distance affects SEND provision, school transport, and EHCP delivery.

We've been placed in temporary accommodation far from my child's school. What are our rights?

Temporary Accommodation Suitability Reviews

How to challenge unsuitable temporary accommodation for families with disabled children.

Our temporary accommodation is not suitable for my disabled child. How do I challenge this?

Family Breaks

Short Breaks

Respite care and activities for disabled children, giving families a break while children enjoy time with others.

Disabled Children's Register

Every local authority must maintain a register of disabled children under the Children Act 1989. Registration is voluntary and consent-based, but unlocks services like Max Cards, short breaks, and priority access to support.

Childcare Sufficiency for Disabled Children

Your local authority's legal duty under the Childcare Act 2006 to secure sufficient childcare for disabled children aged 0 to 18. Covers how to challenge gaps using FOI requests, LGSCO complaints, and Equality Act claims.

Accessibility

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

A voluntary recognition scheme signalling a non-visible disability. Free from airports, railway stations, and many shops. Not a legal entitlement but widely recognised across the UK.

Parent Carer Forums

How PCFs work as statutory bodies to influence LA SEND policy.

What is a Parent Carer Forum?

Your Local Authority

Barking and Dagenham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Barking and Dagenham

Barnet - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Barnet

Barnsley - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Barnsley Metropolitan Borough

Bath and North East Somerset - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bath and North East Somerset

Bedford - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bedford Borough

Bexley - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Bexley

Birmingham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Birmingham

Bolton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bolton

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Bradford - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bradford

Brent - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Brent

Brighton and Hove - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Brighton and Hove

Bristol - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bristol

Bromley - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Bromley

Buckinghamshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Buckinghamshire

Bury - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bury

Calderdale - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Calderdale

Cambridgeshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Cambridgeshire

Camden - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Camden

Central Bedfordshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Central Bedfordshire

Cheshire East - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Cheshire East

Cheshire West and Chester - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Cheshire West and Chester

Cornwall - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Cornwall

County Durham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in County Durham

Coventry - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Coventry

Croydon - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Croydon

Cumberland - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Cumberland

Derby - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Derby City Council (unitary, East Midlands)

Derbyshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Derbyshire

Devon - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Devon

Doncaster - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the City of Doncaster

Dorset - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Dorset

Dudley - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Dudley (Black Country)

Ealing - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Ealing

East Riding of Yorkshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the East Riding of Yorkshire

East Sussex - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in East Sussex

Enfield - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Enfield

Essex - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Essex

Gateshead - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Gateshead

Gloucestershire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Gloucestershire

Greenwich - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the Royal Borough of Greenwich

Hackney - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Hackney (inner east London)

Hammersmith and Fulham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (inner west London)

Hampshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Hampshire

Haringey - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Haringey

Harrow - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Harrow (NW London)

Havering - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Havering

Herefordshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Herefordshire

Hertfordshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Hertfordshire

Hillingdon - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Hillingdon

Hounslow - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Hounslow

Islington - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Islington

Kent - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Kent

Kingston upon Hull - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the City of Kingston upon Hull

Kingston upon Thames - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (outer south-west London)

Kirklees - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Kirklees

Lambeth - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Lambeth

Lancashire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Lancashire

Leeds - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Leeds

Leicester - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Leicester

Leicestershire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Leicestershire

Lewisham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Lewisham

Lincolnshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Lincolnshire

Liverpool - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Liverpool

Luton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Luton

Manchester - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Manchester

Medway - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Medway

Merton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Merton

Milton Keynes - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Milton Keynes

Newcastle upon Tyne - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Newham

Norfolk - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Norfolk

North Northamptonshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in North Northamptonshire

North Somerset - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in North Somerset

North Tyneside - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in North Tyneside

North Yorkshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in North Yorkshire

Northumberland - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Northumberland

Nottingham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Nottingham city

Nottinghamshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Nottinghamshire

Oldham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Oldham Metropolitan Borough

Oxfordshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Oxfordshire

Peterborough - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Peterborough

Plymouth - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Plymouth (unitary, South West)

Portsmouth - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Portsmouth

Reading - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Reading (Berkshire, Thames Valley, South East England)

Redbridge - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Redbridge

Richmond upon Thames - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Richmond upon Thames

Rochdale - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Rochdale

Rotherham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham

Salford - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Salford

Sandwell - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Sandwell (Black Country)

Sefton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Sefton

Sheffield - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Sheffield

Shropshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Shropshire

Solihull - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Solihull

Somerset - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Somerset

South Gloucestershire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in South Gloucestershire

Southampton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Southampton (South East unitary)

Southend-on-Sea - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Southend-on-Sea (Essex, East of England)

Southwark - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Southwark

St. Helens - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in St. Helens (Merseyside, North West)

Staffordshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Staffordshire

Stockport - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Stockport

Stockton-on-Tees - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Stockton-on-Tees

Stoke-on-Trent - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire, West Midlands)

Suffolk - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Suffolk

Sunderland - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Sunderland

Surrey - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Surrey

Sutton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Sutton

Swindon - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Swindon Borough

Tameside - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Tameside Metropolitan Borough

Telford and Wrekin - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Telford and Wrekin

Thurrock - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Thurrock (Essex Thames estuary, East of England)

Tower Hamlets - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Trafford - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Trafford Metropolitan Borough

Wakefield - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the Wakefield district

Walsall - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Walsall

Waltham Forest - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Waltham Forest

Wandsworth - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the London Borough of Wandsworth

Warrington - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Warrington

Warwickshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Warwickshire

West Northamptonshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in West Northamptonshire

West Sussex - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in West Sussex

Westminster - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Westminster

Westmorland and Furness - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Westmorland and Furness

Wigan - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan

Wiltshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Wiltshire

Wirral - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral

Wokingham - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Wokingham (Berkshire, South East)

Wolverhampton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Wolverhampton

Worcestershire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Worcestershire

York - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in York

Mental Capacity Act for 16-17 Year Olds

How the Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies from age 16, including the capacity test, EHCP rights transfer, Gillick vs MCA distinction, and Court of Protection powers.

Deprivation of Liberty for 16-17 Year Olds

The legal framework for deprivation of liberty affecting 16-17 year olds, including the Cheshire West acid test, Re D ruling, Court of Protection applications, and Liberty Protection Safeguards status.

Social Care Charging at 18

The transition from free children's services to means-tested adult social care at 18. Covers capital limits, tariff income, disability-related expenditure, and how to challenge unfair charging.

Blackburn with Darwen - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Blackburn with Darwen (unitary).

Blackpool - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Blackpool (unitary).

Bracknell Forest - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Bracknell Forest (unitary).

City of London - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in City of London (london_borough).

Darlington - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Darlington (unitary).

Halton - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Halton (unitary).

Hartlepool - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Hartlepool (unitary).

Isle of Wight - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Isle of Wight (unitary).

Isles of Scilly - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Isles of Scilly (unitary).

Kensington and Chelsea - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Kensington and Chelsea (london_borough).

Knowsley - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Knowsley (metropolitan).

Middlesbrough - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Middlesbrough (unitary).

North East Lincolnshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in North East Lincolnshire (unitary).

North Lincolnshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in North Lincolnshire (unitary).

Redcar and Cleveland - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Redcar and Cleveland (unitary).

Rutland - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Rutland (unitary).

Slough - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Slough (unitary).

South Tyneside - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in South Tyneside (metropolitan).

Torbay - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Torbay (unitary).

West Berkshire - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in West Berkshire (unitary).

Windsor and Maidenhead - Local SEND Services

Local contacts, processes, and services for SEND families in Windsor and Maidenhead (unitary).

Care and Support

Assessments and Funding

Disabled Children's Social Care

Your right to a social care assessment under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. Covers children in need, the children's disability team, and direct payments.

Section 20 Voluntary Accommodation

How local authorities accommodate children in need without a court order under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989. Covers consent and withdrawal rights, looked-after entitlements, corporate parenting duties, and key case law including Williams v Hackney [2018].

Section 20 Voluntary Accommodation

Parent Carer Assessments

Your right to an assessment of your own needs as a carer, under the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014.

Direct Payments for Children

Your right to receive direct payments to arrange your child's care and support yourself, instead of using council-arranged services.

NHS Continuing Care for Children

NHS-funded care packages for children with complex health needs. Covers the Decision Support Tool, 10 care domains, Personal Health Budgets, and EHCP Section G.

Dynamic Support Registers and C(E)TR

Dynamic Support Registers for CYP at risk of admission to mental health or learning disability units. Covers self-referral, C(E)TR process, and keyworker access.

Keyworker Pathway for CYP Mental Health

Keyworker support for children and young people at risk of mental health admission. Covers referral, the keyworker role, and DSR linkage.

NHS Individual Funding Requests (IFR)

How to get NHS funding for treatments and equipment not routinely commissioned, through the IFR process.

Therapy Classification (Section F vs G)

How to get therapies classified as educational provision in EHCP Section F for stronger enforcement, using Section 21(5).

End of Life and Bereavement Pathways

Statutory support when a disabled child is terminally ill or has died, including DLA special rules, funeral fund, and bereavement leave.

Residential Holiday Schemes for Disabled Children

Ofsted-regulated holiday and short break schemes, operating limits, safeguarding requirements, and access routes.

Social Care Complaints (Statutory 3-Stage Process)

The formal complaints process for children's social care services under SI 2006/1738, including LGSCO escalation.

Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF)

How the ASGSF provides therapeutic support for adopted and SGO children. Covers eligibility, application process, fair access limit, and escalation when support is refused.

Private Fostering Arrangements for Disabled Children

How private fostering works for disabled children, including the extended age threshold (under 18), notification requirements, LA duties, and interaction with Section 17 and EHCP processes.

Legal Rights and Challenges

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

The PBS framework for supporting children with challenging behaviour. Covers EHCP Section F specification, functional behaviour assessments, and the April 2026 statutory guidance on restrictive interventions.

Communication Aids and Assistive Technology

Funding routes for AAC devices and assistive technology. Covers NHS specialised commissioning, EHCP provision, and charity grants.

Habilitation and Mobility Training for Vision-Impaired Children

Specialist habilitation and mobility training for vision-impaired children. Covers referral, qualification requirements, EHCP provision, and LA duties.

NHS Complaints for SEND Health Provision

Step-by-step route map for complaining about NHS health provision in EHCPs. Covers PALS, formal complaints, CQC, and PHSO/LGSCO.

Sensory Impairment Pathway

Access to qualified teachers of the deaf (QToD), visually impaired (QTVI), and multi-sensory impaired (QTMSI). Covers referral, qualification requirements, and workforce data.

Safeguarding Disabled Children in Child Protection Processes

How child protection processes apply to disabled children. Covers Section 47 enquiries, diagnostic overshadowing, communication adjustments, restrictive interventions, and the role of the DSL and SENCO.

Joining Up EHCP, CIN and Child Protection Plans

How EHCP, CIN and child protection plans interact when a child has concurrent plans. Covers CFA 2014 s25 integration duty, s26 joint commissioning, s28 cross-team cooperation, plan alignment, and escalation when teams blame each other.

Delegated Authority in Foster Care for SEND Decisions

How delegated authority works for foster carers making day-to-day SEND decisions. Covers placement plan requirements, school consent, medical consent, and what foster carers can and cannot decide without LA approval.

School Nursing Services for SEND Children

How school nursing services support children with SEND. Covers the Healthy Child Programme Part 3, LA commissioning, ICB delivery, workforce data, EHCP Section G health provision, and how to escalate when school nursing is unavailable.

Family and Siblings

Young Carers and Siblings

Rights and assessments for young carers (siblings of disabled children), including the statutory assessment duty under s17ZA, Regulation 4(2) content requirements, safeguarding override, section 26 complaints procedure, and transition at 18.

Autism Diagnostic Delay: Escalation Routes

What to do when the 3-month NICE standard for autism diagnosis is missed. Escalation from PALS to LGSCO and Right to Choose.

Health and Care Passports for Hospital Settings

How to create and use health passports to communicate a disabled child's needs during hospital admissions and appointments.

NHS Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag (RADF)

The NHS digital system for flagging reasonable adjustments needed by disabled patients across healthcare settings.

Wills, Trusts and Financial Planning

Financial planning for families of disabled children, including discretionary trusts, disabled person's trusts, wills, deputyship, and protecting means-tested benefits.

Section 47 Investigations and Disabled Children: Disparity, Misuse and Legal Remedies

Why disabled children are disproportionately drawn into Section 47 child protection investigations, how the process is sometimes misused to avoid providing support, and the complaints, Ombudsman, and judicial review remedies available when a referral is unjustified.

Ordinary Residence Disputes at 18

When Local Authorities disagree about who is responsible for adult social care after an out-of-area child placement. Covers Care Act deeming provisions and protections.

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