You don't have to navigate this alone

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)

- Call-in Helpline: 0300 222 5899 (For current opening hours, please visit ipsea.org.uk) - Advice Line and Tribunal Helpline: appointment-only. Book at ipsea.org.uk - Website: ipsea.org.uk

SOS!SEN

Free national helpline staffed by volunteers offering next-step SEN advice.

Term-time only: Mon–Fri 9.30am–12.30pm & 1–4pm · Tue/Wed evenings 8–10pm

Coram Children's Legal Centre

Free legal advice on child, family and education law.

Mon–Fri 10am–4pm (telephone) · Webchat 8am–5.30pm · Email 24/7

Contact

UK-wide charity for families with disabled children. Advice on benefits, education, health, social care and transition.

Mon–Fri 9.30am–5pm (Tue from 10.15am)

National Autistic Society

Information and support for autistic people and their families.

Mon–Thu 10am–4pm · Fri 9am–3pm

Mencap Learning Disability Helpline

Information and support for people with learning disabilities and their families.

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm (hours may vary — check mencap.org.uk)

Scope Disability Helpline

Free, confidential support on disability — by phone, webchat and email.

Mon–Sat 10am–5pm

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Investigates complaints about councils, including EHCP handling. Free to use.

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10am–1pm · Wed 1pm–4pm

SENDIASS (your local service)

Statutory free, impartial advice on SEND for parents and young people. Every local authority must provide a SENDIASS, and it works separately from the council itself. There is no single national directory — you reach your SENDIASS through your own council. The quickest way: search '[your council name] SENDIASS' in any search engine. Or use the link below to find your council on GOV.UK, then look for 'SENDIASS' or 'SEND Local Offer' on their website.

Varies by local authority