Resources
SEND Resources
Trusted links, key terms explained, and ways SpektraBot can help you right now.
Ask SpektraBot
SpektraBot answers SEND questions using the Code of Practice and trusted guidance. Here are some things you can ask right now.
For Parents & Carers
- “What is an EHCP and how do I request one?”
- “My child's school says they can't meet their needs. What are my options?”
- “How do I prepare for an Annual Review?”
- “Can I appeal if my EHCP request is refused?”
- “My child has a social worker. What happens to their EHCP?”
- “What is a Personal Education Plan (PEP) for looked-after children?”
Trusted SEND Organisations
These organisations offer free, trusted support for families and professionals dealing with SEND.
IPSEA
Free legal information and advice for families of children and young people with SEND.
Visit site →SENDIASS
Every council has a free, independent advice and support service for SEND.
Visit site →Contact
Charity supporting families with disabled children. Helpline, guides, and local groups.
Visit site →Council for Disabled Children
The main body for disabled children’s services in England, with policy and practice guides.
Visit site →Gov.uk SEND Guide
The government’s guide to what support is available for children and young people with SEND.
Visit site →SEND Code of Practice
The official rules that councils, schools, and health services must follow for SEND.
Visit site →Family Rights Group
Advice for families whose children are involved with or need children’s social services, including children in care.
Visit site →Fosterline
Independent advice for foster carers, including help with PEPs and SEND for children in care.
Visit site →Key SEND Terms
Common terms you'll encounter in the SEND system, explained in plain English.
- EHCP
- Education, Health and Care Plan: a legal document describing a child's needs and the support they must receive.
- SEN Support
- The level of help schools provide before an EHCP, using the graduated approach.
- Graduated Approach
- A four-stage cycle (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) used to identify and meet children's needs.
- Annual Review
- A yearly meeting to check an EHCP is still right and update it if needed.
- SENCO
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator: the teacher responsible for SEND in a school.
- Local Offer
- Information published by every local authority about the services available for children and young people with SEND.
- Tribunal
- The First-tier Tribunal (SEND) where families can appeal decisions about EHC needs assessments and EHCPs.
- Mediation
- A meeting with an independent mediator to try to resolve disagreements before going to tribunal.
- PEP
- Personal Education Plan: a statutory plan for every looked-after child, setting education targets alongside any EHCP.
- VSH
- Virtual School Head: an LA officer promoting education for looked-after children and children with a social worker.
- IRO
- Independent Reviewing Officer: chairs reviews for looked-after children, monitoring their care and education plans.
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SpektraBot is ready to help. Ask about EHCPs, school meetings, your rights, or anything else.
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