Resources
SEND Resources
Trusted links, key terms explained, and ways SpektraBot can help you right now.
Ask SpektraBot
SpektraBot answers SEND questions using the Code of Practice and trusted guidance. Here are some things you can ask right now.
For Parents & Carers
- “What is an EHCP and how do I request one?”
- “My child's school says they can't meet their needs — what are my options?”
- “How do I prepare for an Annual Review?”
- “Can I appeal if my EHCP request is refused?”
- “My child has a social worker — what happens to their EHCP?”
- “What is a Personal Education Plan (PEP) for looked-after children?”
Trusted SEND Organisations
These organisations offer free, authoritative support for families and professionals navigating SEND.
IPSEA
Free legally based information and advice for families with children and young people with SEND.
Visit site →SENDIASS
Every local authority has a free, impartial information, advice and support service for SEND.
Visit site →Contact
Charity supporting families with disabled children. Helpline, guides, and local groups.
Visit site →Council for Disabled Children
The umbrella body for the disabled children's sector in England, hosting policy and practice resources.
Visit site →Gov.uk SEND Guide
Official government guide explaining the support available for children and young people with SEND.
Visit site →SEND Code of Practice
The statutory guidance that local authorities, schools, and health bodies must follow.
Visit site →Family Rights Group
Advice for families whose children are involved with or need children's social services, including looked-after children.
Visit site →Fosterline
Independent advice for foster carers and prospective foster carers, including guidance on PEPs and SEND in care.
Visit site →Key SEND Terms
Common terms you'll encounter in the SEND system, explained in plain English.
- EHCP
- Education, Health and Care Plan — a legal document describing a child's needs and the support they must receive.
- SEN Support
- The level of help schools provide before an EHCP, using the graduated approach.
- Graduated Approach
- A four-stage cycle — Assess, Plan, Do, Review — used to identify and meet children's needs.
- Annual Review
- A yearly meeting to check an EHCP is still right and update it if needed.
- SENCO
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator — the teacher responsible for SEND in a school.
- Local Offer
- Information published by every local authority about the services available for children and young people with SEND.
- Tribunal
- The First-tier Tribunal (SEND) where families can appeal decisions about EHC needs assessments and EHCPs.
- Mediation
- A meeting with an independent mediator to try to resolve disagreements before going to tribunal.
- PEP
- Personal Education Plan — a statutory plan for every looked-after child, setting education targets alongside any EHCP.
- VSH
- Virtual School Head — an LA officer promoting education for looked-after children and children with a social worker.
- IRO
- Independent Reviewing Officer — chairs reviews for looked-after children, monitoring their care and education plans.
Have a SEND question?
SpektraBot is ready to help — ask about EHCPs, school meetings, your rights, or anything else.
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