Independent Parental Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691). 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 education needs (SEN) and disabilities.
IPSEA's website has hundreds of free and downloadable resources, including model letters, frequently asked questions, a jargon buster and lots more. You can access these resources via their Home page.
The following free services are delivered by IPSEA's trained volunteers:
INFORMATION SERVICE: By completing the online Information Service form, you will get a quick response clarifying your legal position, signposting you to help.
ADVICE LINE: 0800 018 4016
This provides next step advice on:
- problems with schools
- requesting statutory assessment, statements and Education, Health and Care Plans
- annual reviews
- disability discrimination and exclusion.
ISEA's Advice Line number is 0800 018 4016. Please visit their website to find out the opening times and details on how to book an appointment for getting one of their advisers to call you.
TRIBUNAL HELPLINE: 0845 602 9579
Gives next step advice on SEN appeals and disability discrimination claims to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. When they call they will also assess whether you need casework support.
Please visit their website to find out opening times and details of how to book an appointment for getting one of their advisers to call you.
TRIBUNAL SUPPORT:
Tribunal Casework Volunteers provide free individual support to families appealing to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. This unique service can only be accessed by calling the Tribunal Helpline. If their assessment is that you need this support, it will be provided throughout the Tribunal process - including representation at a hearing if needed. Casework volunteers work with parents to empower them to obtain the best possible result from their appeal.
Click here to join IPSEA's mailing list so that they can send you relevant updates and information.
IPSEA training
IPSEA provides a wide range of SEN training for Parents, School Staff, Parent Forums, Support Groups, Local Authority SEN teams, Parent Partnership Schemes, School Governors and other groups / organisations. Click here for details.
Volunteering with IPSEA
If you are interested in completing our rigorous and free training to provide voluntary advice and support based on the law, you can read more here.
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/volunteer-for-us