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SOS!SEN

We offer a free, friendly, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

We concentrate on helping people to find their way through the legal and procedural maze which is so daunting to so many who try to obtain satisfactory provision for a child’s special needs.
 

We offer advice on:

  • getting the right educational help for your child
  • liaising with the school or local authority
  • interpreting official letters
  • requesting an EHC Needs assessment for your child
  • finding independent expert professional advice
  • appealing to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO CALL PEOPLE BACK ON THE HELPLINE. ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS WORK FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE ANSWER MACHINE FACILITY TO CALL YOU BACK.

If you are unable to get through to the helpline, then it is best to try again - once a caller finishes talking to an adviser the line will be free again. We also have 10 advice centres where you can visit for face-to-face advice.

Who to contact

Telephone
E-mail
admin@sossen.org.uk
Website
SOS!SEN Website
Notes

SOS!SEN can be contacted by email on admin@sossen.org.uk    

Please be aware we can only deal with administrative queries by e-mail. The administrative office is not able to give advice on individual cases through email. We can point you in the right direction for advice centres, workshops, events and helpline opening hours.

Getting the best from the Helpline

We do understand that callers may be worried when they call and it will be easier to ensure that the volunteer gives you the best advice possible if they have a concise but complete account of your concerns. It also ensures that not only can your case be dealt with well, but that more parents can be helped during the session time available.

Before you contact us, you might want to review:

  • A copy of the SEN Code of Practice. 
    A PDF version of the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (from September 2014) can be downloaded from the Department of Education website here.
  • There is other useful information, including a Guide for Parents which can be found here.

When you phone the helpline you will find the volunteer welcoming, please try to:-

  • Call from a landline as the line is usually clearer.
  • Find a quiet, distraction free location.
  • Have all your papers in order with you, so that you can refer to them easily.
  • Note down beforehand the key points e.g. all the needs you know or feel your child may have, the name of the local authority you live in and any information from the school.
  • Have pen and paper to hand and write down the information given.

Other Details

Availability

Referral required
No

Local Offer

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