Introduction
To ensure Somerset’s SEND Local Offer is accessible to all, we need to focus on helping people to understand the information we are sharing with them. We are committed to ensuring our services and staff are accessible and approachable, working collaboratively in an open, honest and transparent way.
Somerset Parent Carer Forum
Somerset Parent Carer Forum feels passionately about ensuring all our children have the best chance in life and receive the correct support and services in order to achieve their full potential. The forum runs regular coffee mornings (Finding Your Way) to provide opportunities for families to meet up and share time in a non-judgemental atmosphere with people who get it. In addition, throughout the year they run information events, training sessions and produce newsletters.
SENDIAS
Support is available to SEND families and individuals who are in need when applying for or in the process of the Education Health and Care needs assessment or plan process. The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Service (SENDIAS) is free, confidential and impartial.
CCS Village & Community Agents
CCS Village and Community Agents provide confidential, practical community-based solutions for you, wherever you are in Somerset. They can support adults (parent carers) who are struggling with a problem that can be fixed or improved by accessing the right people or services in the local community.
Choice Advice
The Somerset Choice Advice Service is a free impartial service to help families with school admissions, appeals and transitions. It exists to ensure that parents are able to play an active and informed role in securing a school place for their child. Information can be provided about all schools in your area, however it is families who decide the best choice to make for their child’s requirements.
The Enham Trust
If families request to receive a Direct Payment they can get support to administer it from The Enham Trust.
SEND Information Organisations Group
The SEND Information Organisations Group is a network of national organisations who provide free information, advice and support to children and young people with SEND and their families.