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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
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  • who-we-are
  1. About us
  2. Who we are

Who we are

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691) operating in England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

Why families need IPSEA

By law, children with SEND are entitled to educational support that meets their individual needs. Since IPSEA was formed in 1983, we have helped to improve educational support for thousands of children with all kinds of SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legally-based information, advice and casework support.

Our unique range of services has been developed to ensure that families understand their children’s legal rights and entitlements and that they are empowered to enforce those rights to secure the right education for their child.

How we help

IPSEA has a suite of free downloadable guides, resources and template letters available to parents and carers. These guides are complemented by a free Advice Line and Call-in Helpline which provide legally based information and next step advice on any educational issue that is a result of a child's SEND. IPSEA’s Tribunal Helpline gives next step advice on appeals and disability discrimination claims to the SEND Tribunal and is also the gateway to our Tribunal Support Service where a referral can be made for more extensive casework support from a volunteer, including representation at the hearing. Our advice services are delivered by a national network of around 100 highly-trained volunteers, supervised and supported by IPSEA’s Legal Team members.

IPSEA provides legal training for parents, school staff, parent carer forums, support groups and other organisations in order to increase their knowledge and understanding of the SEN legal framework. The proceeds raised from our training courses helps fund IPSEA’s core services (Advice Line, Tribunal Helpline and Tribunal Support Service).

We also work to challenge unlawful SEND policy and influence policy development at both a local and national level. Our policy work is informed by information and evidence captured through our training and advice services, and has been instrumental in shaping law and policy in the field of special educational needs and disability. 

 

Our trustees

Our trustees

Our voluntary board of trustees play a vital role in the successful running of IPSEA Read more

Published: 27th July, 2017

Updated: 14th June, 2022

Author:

Our staff

Our staff

Our staff members have a wide variety of skills and backgrounds, and work hard to fulfil IPSEA's goals and objectives Read more

Published: 27th July, 2017

Updated: 25th July, 2022

Author:

Our history

Our history

IPSEA is the leading organisation providing independent legally based advice and support to families of children with SEND Read more

Published: 27th July, 2017

Updated: 8th August, 2022

Author:

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Showing 10 of 3

Latest

  • SEND law and young people (post-16): 12th October

    SEND law and young people (post-16): 12th October

    A one-day training session designed specifically for parents, carers and supporting family members of children who are approaching or above compulsory school age

  • Introduction to SEND Law: 30th September

    Introduction to SEND Law: 30th September

    Designed specifically for parents, carers and supporting family members, this training provides an introduction to the law on special educational needs and disabilities

  • Level 3 SEND law: 31st October

    Level 3 SEND law: 31st October

    An advanced level training day designed for professionals advising or supporting families of children and young people with SEND, with particular emphasis bringing different types of appeal to the SEND Tribunal

  • Level 1 SEND law: 8th September

    Level 1 SEND law: 8th September

    An introduction to the SEND legal framework for professionals advising or supporting families of children and young people with SEND

Most read

  • Asking for an EHC needs assessment

    Asking for an EHC needs assessment

  • EHC needs assessments

    EHC needs assessments

    An EHC needs assessment is an assessment of a child or young person’s education, health and care needs

  • Making a request for an EHC needs assessment: Model letter 1

    Making a request for an EHC needs assessment: Model letter 1

  • Model letters

    Model letters

    Download and make changes to our model letters to fit your situation

  • Advice Line

    Advice Line

    Book an appointment for free and independent legal information, advice and support on any educational issue that is a result of a child or young person’s SEND

  • What happens in an EHC needs assessment

    What happens in an EHC needs assessment

  • Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

    Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

  • Contact us

    Contact us

  • The annual review process

    The annual review process

  • Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    The SEND Tribunal is an independent national tribunal which hears parents’ and young people’s appeals against LA decisions about the special educational needs of children and young people

How you can help IPSEA

How you can help IPSEA

Have you found the information on our website helpful today? If so, please consider donating! At IPSEA, we rely on your donations and fundraising efforts to help keep our vital services running. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 19th March, 2014

Updated: 11th March, 2020

Author:

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The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
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IPSEA is registered charity number 327691
Limited company 2198066

Registered office: IPSEA, 24-26 Gold Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1EJ

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