A guide for Parent Carers of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
WHAT’S IN THE GUIDE
- Targeted Support
- Early Years
- Early Years SEN Support
- Schools and Learning
- Schools SEN Support
- Preparing for Adulthood
- Change of Legal Status and Decision Making
- Health Services
- Social Care
- Supporting parent carers
- Young carers
- If you are concerned about a child’s safety?
- Money, Benefits and Financial Support
- Useful contacts
A guide for Parent Carers of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
South East Guide to SEND 2025/26
South East SEND Guide for Parents and Carers (Free Download)
The South East SEND Guide is a free, trusted resource for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the South East of England.
It provides clear, practical advice on education, health and social care, including guidance on EHCPs, funding, local services and support available from birth through to adulthood.
What is the South East SEND Guide?
The South East SEND Guide is designed to help families understand and navigate the often complex SEND system.
Whether you are at the start of your journey or looking for more advanced support, the guide brings together essential information, expert advice and signposting to trusted organisations in one place. Wherever you are, you can jump right in.
Who is this SEND guide for?
This guide is for:
- Parents and carers of children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND
- Families living in the South East of England
- Those seeking information on education, health and care support
- Anyone needing guidance on EHCPs, funding and local services
- Professionals supporting families with SEND
What does the guide cover?
The South East SEND Guide includes:
- Understanding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Early years and Targeted Support
- Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs)
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Schools, colleges and post-16 options
- Health and therapy services
- Social care support
- Change of legal status and decision making
- Financial support and benefits
- Preparing for adulthood
- Supporting parent carers and family
- Local services and support across the South East
How this guide helps parents and carers
Navigating SEND support can feel overwhelming. This guide helps by:
- Explaining complex processes in clear, accessible language
- Providing step-by-step guidance on EHCPs and assessments
- Signposting to relevant services and organisations
- Helping families make informed decisions about care and education
- Bringing together trusted information in one easy-to-use resource
Why you can trust this SEND guide
- Produced by an experienced editorial team specialising in care and support
- Developed in collaboration with SEND professionals
- Based on real-life experiences of families and carers
- Regularly updated to reflect current guidance and services
- Features content from high-profile organisations such as the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and Young Epilepsy
Download your free South East SEND Guide
You can access the guide in the format that works best for you:
Related advice and support
You may also find the following helpful:
- Guidance on understanding the EHCP process
- Advice on EHCP reviews, changes and transitions
- Support for navigating education and care options
FAQs about SEND support in the South East
What is a SEND guide?
A SEND guide provides information and advice on education, health and social care support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Who is the South East SEND Guide for?
It is designed for parents, carers and professionals supporting children and young people aged 0–25 in the South East of England.
Does the guide include EHCP information?
Yes, the guide explains the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, including assessments, reviews and ongoing support.
Is the guide free?
Yes, both the digital download and printed version are free to access.
What areas does the guide cover? Is it just for the South East?
The content in the Guide is accessible for families anywhere in the UK. Regional contact information is included in our Useful Contacts section which supports families across the area, including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex, and surrounding communities.