Type of service: Family support and information services, Parent partnerships, Parent partnerships

Website: http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk

Herefordshire SEND Information, Advice and Support Service provides the parents of children with SEN with information, advice and one to one support particularly when a childs needs are being identified and assessed. A new SEND Code of Practice covers children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities from birth to age 25. The new law (2014) has not changed our statutory duties but we now provide independent impartial advice and support not only to parent/carers whose son/daughter has Special Educational Needs and/or disability but to children and young people themselves up to the age of 25. One big change is that Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC plans) will replace Statements of SEN and Learning Disability Assessments - this process will be completed by 1st April 2018. During this period, we will still provide advice and support in compliance with the old legislation around statements etc. New legislation states that parent/carers and young people up to 25 are entitled to independent support for 20 weeks as individuals whilst undergoing assessment for an EHC Plan and our staff are legally trained to provide this service. The service will be available to answer any queries, deal with any concerns and issues after this initial support period. There is a published timetable which states when a current Statement of SEN will be converted to the new EHC Plan. The new EHC plans will also include both Health and Social Care duties.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Young person

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Generic