Education

The National Autistic Society www.autism.org.uk

The National Autistic Society has fact sheets on a range of education issues including information on pre-school, primary, secondary, further and higher education. It also covers topics such as bullying, accessing extra support for your child and how to choose the right school.

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/education.aspx

There is also a section on their website specifically for education professionals with information on supporting students with an ASD and links to resources they can access.

http://www.autism.org.uk/Working-with/Education.aspx

The Education Rights Service is a specialist helpline and email service people can use for advice on issues concerning education law, special educational needs and provision.

http://www.autism.org.uk/Our-services/Advice-and-information-services/Education-rights-service.aspx

The Autism Education Trust www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk

The Autism Education Trust has information and resources for parents and teachers to help support students with an ASD. Through their website people can access the free Inclusion Development Programme (IDP) training modules for ASD.

http://www.aet-idp.org.uk/

There is also a transitions toolkit with suggested strategies to help support students when moving on to different educational settings such as from primary to secondary school.

http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/resources/transition%20toolkit.aspx

OAASIS www.oaasis.co.uk

OAASISis a service offering information, support and resources for parents and carers of children with an ASD and other learning difficulties. They have information sheets on their website including information on ASDs, statementing and how to find a special needs school.

http://www.oaasis.co.uk/Free_Publications_6/All_Publications

Direct.gov www.direct.gov.uk

Direct.gov has information on how to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) DSA is a non-repayable grant available to students studying for an undergraduate of postgraduate qualification and who face additional costs for study as a direct result of their disability.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898

There is also information on transitions planning in education.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/Youngdisabledpeople/DG_10039608

IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice)www.ipsea.org.uk

IPSEA has a website with information on special educational needs including template letters people can use for common issues.

http://www.ipsea.org.uk/What-you-need-to-know

IPSEA also has a free advice line and tribunal service people can contact for advice on their individual situation.

http://www.ipsea.org.uk/How-we-can-help

Local Parent Partnership Services

Parent Partnership Services are statutory services offering information, advice and support to parents/carers about special education needs (SEN). Services can vary locally but sometimes parent partnership services can support parents with statementing, tribunals, meetings and paperwork.

Dorset Parent Partnership Service

Dorset Parent Partnership offers free, independent information and support to parents and carers of children with SEN.

Jane Schmidt covers East and North Dorset, Weymouth and Portland

07748 624609        j.e.schmidt@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Anne Barker covers West Dorset and Dorchester

01300 341978        anne.barker@dorsetcc.gov.uk

http://www.dorsetforyou.com/390236

Bournemouth Parent Partnership Service

Bournemouth Parent Partnership Service offers free, confidential and impartial advice and support to parents and carers of children with SEN/Disability.

Tel: 01202 451970 (24 hour answer machine)

Contacts:

Araxy Camp (part time Co-ordinator)

01202 451971        Araxy.Camp@bournemouth.gov.uk

Cherie Sears (part time Co-ordinator)

01202 451970        cherie.sears@bournemouth.gov.uk

Claire Arnold (part time Admin Support)

01202 456120        claire.arnold@bournemouth.gov.uk

Poole Parent Partnership Service (PoPPs)

PoPPs offers free, confidential and impartial information, help and support for people who live in Poole who care for a child with SEN or who is excluded from school or at risk from exclusion.

Tel: 01202 261933

Email:parentpartnership@poole.gov.uk

PoPPs also holds friendly and informal drop-in sessions at the Quay Advice Centre for parents and carers who care for a child with a disability or SEB or concerns about exclusion from school.

http://www.boroughofpoole.com/education-and-learning/parental-support/popps-poole-parent-partnership-service/

Hampshire Parent Partnership Service

Hampshire Parent Partnership Service offers impartial information and support to parents   and carers of children and young people with SEN throughout Hampshire.

Tel: 01962 845870

Email: enquiries.pps@hants.gov.uk

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/parentpartnership

Somerset Parent Partnership Service

Somerset Parent Partnership is a free service providing information, advice and guidance to all parents and carers of children with SEN.

Tel: 01823 355578

Email: enquiries@somersetpartnership.org.uk

Their website also has information on local groups, fact sheets on common problems and links to other local services.

http://www.somersetparentpartnership.org.uk/channel/index/id/1270

Wiltshire Parent Partnership Service

Wiltshire Parent Partnership Service is part of the charity “ask” and offers free, impartial advice and support to parents of children and young people with SEN.

Tel: 08457 585072

Email: info@askwiltshire.org

Their website also has fact sheets and guides for parents and carers on common issues.

http://www.askwiltshire.org/our-services/ask-parent-partnership-service/

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schoolseducationandlearning/specialeducationalneeds/sensupportservices/senparentpartnershipservice.htm