IPSEA is a charity specialising in SEND law in England. It helps children and young people with SEND get the education they are legally entitled to, and supports families and young people with free and independent legal information, advice and support.
It may be a helpful resource for clergy households where a child or young person has special educational needs or disabilities, and parents, carers or family members need support to understand their rights, secure help in school or college, or challenge decisions made by a local authority. IPSEA covers issues including EHC plans and needs assessments, choosing a school or college, exclusions, disability discrimination, transport, and support for young people aged 16 to 25.
Alongside detailed online guides, IPSEA offers an Advice Line and Call-in Helpline for current SEND issues, a Tribunal Helpline for appeals and disability discrimination claims, and a Tribunal Support Service for some families going through a SEND Tribunal appeal. It also provides template letters, webinars and training to help parents, carers and young people understand the law and decide on next steps.
What support does IPSEA offer?
IPSEA offers free and independent legal information, advice and support on education issues arising from a child or young person’s SEND. Its services include helplines, tribunal support, online guides, template letters, webinars and SEND law training. Its advice relates to the law in England.
Who is it for?
IPSEA’s helplines are for parents, carers and family members of children and young people with SEND, and for young people with SEND who want support themselves.
How might it help?
It may be useful if you are trying to understand what support a child or young person should be receiving in education, whether an EHC needs assessment or plan may be needed, or what to do when a school, college or local authority is not meeting its legal duties. It may also help where an appeal or disability discrimination claim is being considered.