About Us
We offer
Information, advice and support to children, young people and parents/carers about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes health and social care where it is linked to education.
We are
A free, confidential and impartial service based in Kent. Staff and volunteers are independently trained in SEND.
We have
A Steering Group which includes parents, young people, representatives from local voluntary groups, children's services, parent/carer forum, education and social care. Together we plan the services we offer across Kent.
About the Information Advice and Support Service
We Can Give You
Information on:
- The law on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability, Health and Social Care where they link to education
- Local policy and practice
- Personal budgets and working together (personalisation)
- The SEND Information Hub (Kent County Council's Local Offer)
- Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and Statements of SEN
- Moving from a statement to a EHC plan or stages of education, this is called transition
- Mediation and dispute resolution, Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal Service and complaints procedures
Advice about:
- Gathering, understanding and interpreting information and applying it to your own situation
- Signposting to other services for information, advice and support
- What to do when things go wrong
- How to get the best from a meeting
Support with:
- Preparing for and attending meetings
- Writing letters
- Understanding reports
- The EHC Plan process and annual reviews
- Admissions and Exclusions
- Post 16 provision
- Working in partnership with schools and the local authority to develop positive relationships
Supporting Kent’s Parent, Carer Forum - Kent Parents and Carers Together (PACT)
Information, Advice and Support Kent supports Kent PACT, helping to ensure the voice of parent carers is heard by the people who plan services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Please see link to their website for further information: