Special Educational Needs (SEN)
There are a range of services available for children with disabilities, their families or carers. All services are listed on the Local Offer website. More detail about the Local Offer website is available below.
Some services are available to all children and young people within the Wakefield District and some require an assessment of need, which you can find more on here.
The Local Offer
The Local Offer in Wakefield is for children and young adults, aged 0-25 years, with additional needs and their families. It also aimed at practitioners who work with them providing support or assistance.
The Local Offer is available as a website which you can search using different filters to find information you may need. The website includes details about things like personal budgets, short breaks and things to do as well as information about Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), support groups in the area and more.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
All schools must meet the needs of children and young people with a special educational need and/or disability. Schools must have policies and plans in place to meet these needs, including pupils without an education, health and care plan.
Please view the school's website or contact the school for their SEN Policy which will include information on a "medicines in school" policy, access plan, admissions and auxiliary aids and equipment.
Information, support and advice
Information Network (IN)
The IN is a register of families with children and young people, aged 0-25 years, with additional needs and the practitioners who work with them. It is also used as the Disabled Children’s Register in the Wakefield area.
The Disabled Children’s Register is something every Council must have and keep up to date under the Children’s Act 1989. It is free to join but you can choose if you would like to be included.
The IN helps us with understanding what services and support may be needed in the local area. It is also used to give anonymous information about disabled children in Wakefield district when it is asked for.
You can find out more about the IN and how you can tell us what information you would like to receive and from whom here: http://wakefield.mylocaloffer.org/information-network
Special Educational Needs and / or Disabilities, Information Advice Support Service (SENDIASS)
If you are a parent or carer of a child or young person aged 0–25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in Wakefield District, SENDIASS can help. This service provides information and advice to meet your specific requirements. It is also here to assist if you are unable to access or navigate the Local Offer website.
SENDIASS is for young people, their families, and the professionals who help them.
SENDIASS, run by Family Action, offers free and confidential support. The service gives impartial information and advice on special educational needs and disabilities. This guidance includes education, health, and social care. It helps families and young people know their rights. This way, they can make informed choices and find the right support.
Parent/Carer Forum
Wakefield Parent Carer Forum is an independent parent carer forum who work with families of children with special educational needs and/or disability, aged 0-25 years old, living in the Wakefield area.
The forum is led by a small group of local parents who are looking forward to listening to, and representing the views of parents, young people and children in the future.
These parents all have a wide experience of what it is like to be a parent of a child with an additional need or disability in the Wakefield area. They want to work with you to make a positive difference and improve the quality of life for all children and families in Wakefield.
Key contacts:
Follow us on Facebook - Wakefield Parent Carer Forum
email - info@wakefieldparentcarers.co.uk
WESAIL
Telephone: 01924 965588, available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: wakefieldsendiass@family-action.org.uk
Web: www.family-action.org.uk/wakefield-sendiass