Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
IPSEA is a registered charity (number 327691) offering free, independent, legally based information, advice and support to help families get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and or disability. They cover the whole of England (the law is different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). <SEND>
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IPSEA's website has hundreds of free and downloadable resources. They have model letters, frequently asked questions, a jargon buster and lots more. You can access these resources on the website.
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: This provides next step advice on:
- problems with schools
- requesting statutory assessments
- statements
- Education, Health and Care Plans
- annual reviews
- disability discrimination and exclusion
Tribunal helpline: Gives next step advice on SEN appeals and disability discrimination claims to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. When you call IPSEA they will also assess whether you need casework support.
Tribunal support: IPSEA's 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 IPSEA's assessment is that you need this support, it will be provided throughout the Tribunal process - including representation at a hearing if needed. Their casework volunteers work with parents to empower them to obtain the best possible result from their appeal.
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 and organisations.
Volunteering with IPSEA
If you are interested in completing IPSEA's rigorous and free training to provide voluntary advice and support based on the law. Visit the IPSEA website for volunteering information.