Education and training

With so many sources of advice available, it can be difficult to know what young people with SEND are entitled to regarding their education and training. IPSEA are the leading independent charity in SEND law. Their free legal guides and template letters can be found here.

They also have a range of training available to parents / carers which have included topics such as 'a guide to EHC Plans' and 'Your Rights As A Parent Carer'. These can be found here.

Alternatively, IPSEA also have a range of telephone helplines available to families. 

 

An EHCP is a legal document which describes a young person's special educational needs, the support that they need and the outcomes that they would like to achieve. Provision outlined in an EHC Plan must clearly outlined and be provided.

For more information on the EHCP process, you can visit:

• Government advice | SEN help
• IPSEA | For independent advice

Do you need a diagnosis for an EHCP?

A diagnosis is not required to secure an EHCP. It is about the identified needs and whether these can only be met with an EHCP. Some children and young people with an EHC plan will have a diagnosis and some will not. For more FAQs about EHCPs, please see the SENDIASS website FAQ's.

For young people who aren't currently accessing education or training you can access specific support via: 

• IPSEA | Children out of school

If the young person would be in Year 11 or 12 or is at risk of not engaging in these years, you may be able to access an adolescent early help assessment. More information on this can be found at: 

• Suffolk County Council | Early help assessments