Slough SEND Parent Carer Forum

Local & National Support

Local Support in Slough

Slough Local Offer

Every local authority must publish a Local Offer explaining:

  • SEND education support
  • Health services
  • Social care support
  • Activities and services for children and young people
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Slough Information, Advice and Support Service

Slough’s SEND IASS provides:

  • Free, impartial advice for parents and carers
  • Help understanding SEND law and processes
  • Support preparing for meetings or appeals

The Autism Group

Based in Maidenhead, they provide:

  • Special interest clubs for autistic children and young people aged 9–25, held on Saturdays in central Maidenhead
  • Free TAG talks and workshops giving parents insight and simple strategies to support their young person
  • Parent support through coffee and chat sessions across East Berkshire, plus 1-to-1 help via TAG@Home

Autism Berkshire

Founded in 1990, Berkshire Autistic Society is the leading autism charity in the area. Delivering training, specialist services, and leisure activities.

Schools and SENCos

For many families, the first step is:

  • Speaking to the school special educational needs coordinator (SENCo)
  • Discussing concerns with teachers
  • Requesting meetings to review support

Schools should be able to guide parents towards additional services where needed.

Slough Children First

Owned wholly by Slough Borough Council, Slough Children First provides social care and support services to children, young people and families.

Slough SEND Parent Carer Forum" featuring the slogan "EVERY VOICE MATTERS" on a blue banner. The central graphic shows a diverse stylized family under a rainbow, flanked by a puzzle piece and a heart puzzle. Additional icons at the bottom include stars, a speech bubble, and a group of three colorful figures

Slough SEND Parent Carer Forum (us!)

We provide:

  • Peer support and advice from other parents/carers
  • A path for you to have your say in Slough and Berkshire’s SEND support and governance
  • Support with navigating key SEND services

National Support

The independent provider of special education advice (IPSEA) work to provide free, independent legal advice on SEND law, EHCPs, appeals and tribunals.

They can provide:

  • Expert advice on your rights
  • Tribunal support
  • Template letters & guides
  • Helpline & email advice

Contact for famlies with disabled children is a leading charity for families raising disabled children.

They can provide:

  • Free helpline & listening ear service
  • Parent-to-parent support
  • Practical guides & financial help
  • Local groups & events

Scope is a disability equality charity offering both practical and emotional support

They provide:

  • Information on rights & benefits
  • Education & employment advice
  • Campaigning for better inclusion
  • Parent support services

YoungMinds is a UK charity fighting for children and young peoples’s mental health; they also have parent guides and a helpline

They can provide:

  • advice on anxiety, school refusal & emotional wellbeing
  • Parent guides & helpline
  • Crisis support information

SOS!SEN is an independent national helpline for special education advice

They can provide:

  • Free confidential telephone support
  • Help securing the right educational provision
  • Advice on SEN processes