Understanding SEND & Statutory Services

Due to its complexity, navigating the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system can be quite overwhelming. Therefore, we have gathered comprehensive information to help you understand the process, including the necessary steps and where to access relevant resources.

The SEND Code of Practice

We recommend that you read or refer to the SEND Code of Practice, understand your rights, and understand what statutory services are commissioned by Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs—Health).

The Local Offer

Since September 2014, every local authority has been required to publish information about the services available in their area for children and young people from birth to 25 who are Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). They also provide information about services outside of the area that children and young people from their area will use. This is called the “Local Offer”. The Local Offer provides children and young people with SEND and their families with information about the support services the local authority expects to be available in their local area. Each local authority is responsible for creating a Local Offer and ensuring it is accessible to everyone.

Information, Advice and Support Services

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, all local authorities are legally required to ensure that disabled children and young people, children and young people with special educational needs, and their parents have access to impartial Information, Advice, and Support (IAS) service, sometimes referred to as SENDIASS.

The Disabled Children’s Register

This is a database of information about children and young people aged 0 to 25 with disabilities who live in your county. The register helps us plan and improve local support and services for children and young people with SEND and their families. By law, all local authorities must keep a Disabled Children’s Register. 

Parents and carers of disabled children or young people can add their details to the register using an online form. 

  • You do not have to provide proof of your child’s disability, such as an assessment, to add them to the register. 
  • You do not have to register your child with us if you do not want to. You do not need to be on the register to get health or social care support.
  • You can request to have your child’s details removed anytime.