Type of service: Advocacy (general), Advocacy (legal), Family support and information services, Helplines

Website: http://www.senac.co.uk

Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC) offers independent advice, information and advocacy to parents of children and young people with learning difficulties, on all aspects of the statutory framework of special educational needs provision in Northern Ireland. We operate a confidential telephone advice line on 028 9079 5779. We also offer a children's advocate to represent children and parents at school and Education Authority level. Parents often use our service for advice on wording of Statements, letter writing and communications with schools and the Education Authority. Our Helpline is run by trained volunteers and we offer training at regular intervals for those interested in offering their skills and experience. SENAC work with many organisations and all political parties on policy change and development. SENAC also have a specialist advocacy service for children and young people within the care system. Every Chance to Learn (ECL) is an additional resource for those professionals who support children in the care system. It offers specialist knowledge and advocacy in relation to a complex and legalistic special educational needs (SEN) framework. People can telephone ECL on 028 9079 7706. The service is also aimed at professionals in family support and education..

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

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Generic, Staff and volunteers get autism awareness training

Other specialisms: Education, Learning disability