Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)

Takeley

Main information

IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

IPSEA has a suite of free downloadable guides, resources and template letters available to parents and carers. These guides are complemented by a free Advice Line and Call-in Helpline which provide legally based information and next step advice on any educational issue that is a result of a child's SEND. IPSEA’s Tribunal Helpline gives next step advice on appeals and disability discrimination claims to the SEND Tribunal and is also the gateway to our Tribunal Support Service where a referral can be made for more extensive casework support from a volunteer, including representation at the hearing.

Our advice services are delivered by a national network of around 100 highly-trained volunteers, supervised and supported by IPSEA’s Legal Team members. IPSEA provides legal training for parents, school staff, parent carer forums, support groups and other organisations in order to increase their knowledge and understanding of the SEN legal framework. The proceeds raised from our training courses helps fund IPSEA’s core services (Advice Line, Tribunal Helpline and Tribunal Support Service). We also work to challenge unlawful SEND policy and influence policy development at both a local and national level.

Our policy work is informed by information and evidence captured through our training and advice services, and has been instrumental in shaping law and policy in the field of special educational needs and disability. Parents/carers can book telephone advice appointments with us via our website. We can also offer an interpreter for advice calls, if required.

AGE RANGE: Children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities aged 0-25. Parents, carers and professionals working to support children with SEND.

Our services are delivered online via our website, online and in-person training courses and telephone advice. We can make adjustments to our usual service delivery to meet individual needs if required.