At Orchard, we believe educational success is built upon strong relationships, trusted partnerships and supported families. Orchard Connect is our family and community support offer, providing practical guidance, emotional support and opportunities for families to connect with others who understand the SEND journey.
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1. Know who does what
1. Know who does what
Children with SEND may be supported by several different professionals. Ask who is involved, what their role is, what they have recommended and how their advice will be reflected in your child’s support.
2. Prepare for meetings
2. Prepare for meetings
Before a meeting, write down your main concerns, the changes you would like to see and the questions you need answered. Take notes and finish by agreeing what will happen next, who is responsible and when progress will be reviewed.
3. Keep good records
3. Keep good records
Keep reports, plans, letters and important emails together in one place. After significant conversations, send a brief email confirming what was discussed and agreed; a simple timeline can also help you identify patterns, progress and delays.
4. Ask for SEN support
4. Ask for SEN support
A child does not need a formal diagnosis to receive SEN support. Share what you notice at home, ask what school is seeing and request a clear assess–plan–do–review cycle with support, outcomes and review dates that everyone understands.
5. Understand EHCPs
5. Understand EHCPs
An Education, Health and Care Plan should clearly describe your child’s needs, the outcomes being pursued and the provision required to support them. Read each section carefully and check that provision is specific, detailed and capable of being monitored.
6. Know your rights
6. Know your rights
If you are unsure whether the correct support is being provided, seek independent advice early. Specialist organisations can help you understand SEND law, EHC needs assessments, annual reviews, exclusions, mediation and appeals.
7. Check financial support
7. Check financial support
Families may be entitled to benefits and practical support, including Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, short breaks or help with additional costs. A benefits check can help ensure that you are receiving everything to which your family is entitled.
8. Find your people
8. Find your people
You do not have to navigate SEND alone. Parent-carer forums, local groups and trusted communities can provide practical knowledge, reassurance, friendship and opportunities to help improve local services.
Local SEND information and advice
Local SEND information and advice
Finding the right help can feel overwhelming. The organisations below offer free or independent information, advice and support across education, health, caring, family life, legal rights and finances. Start with your local SENDIASS if you are unsure where to turn.
SENDIASS
SENDIASS
Wakefield SENDIASS — formerly WESAIL
Wakefield SENDIASS — formerly WESAIL
A free, confidential and impartial service for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND, and their parents or carers, living in the Wakefield district. It can help with SEN support, meetings, EHC needs assessments and plans, exclusions, mediation, appeals and communication with schools or the local authority.
Telephone: 01924 965588
Email: wakefieldsendiass@family-action.org.uk
This is the main SENDIASS contact for families living in Pontefract and elsewhere within Wakefield district.
Leeds SENDIASS
Leeds SENDIASS
Free and impartial SEND information and advice for children, young people and families living in Leeds. Its telephone number is a voicemail service rather than a live advice line; callers should leave a message.
Telephone: 0113 378 5020
Email: sendiass@leeds.gov.uk
Wakefield Local Offer
Wakefield Local Offer
Wakefield’s searchable directory of services and information for children and young people aged 0–25 with additional needs. It covers education, EHCPs, health, social care, short breaks, activities, preparing for adulthood, personal budgets and local support groups.
Independent SEND and legal advice
Independent SEND and legal advice
IPSEA
IPSEA
IPSEA provides free, independent, legally based information and advice about SEND law in England. Its online guides, template letters and advice services cover SEN support, EHC needs assessments, EHCP contents, annual reviews, school placement, disability discrimination and SEND Tribunal appeals.
Advice is accessed through its online booking and helpline services; its administrative telephone number does not provide SEND advice.
SOS!SEN
SOS!SEN
SOS!SEN helps families understand their children’s educational rights and navigate SEN support, EHCPs, annual reviews, attendance difficulties and Tribunal appeals. It provides a free national helpline during school terms, email support and additional advice services.
Helpline: 020 8538 3731
Email support: hello@sossen.org.uk
Contact
Contact
Contact supports UK families caring for disabled children and young people aged 0–25. Its advisers can help with education, benefits, social care, health services, family finances and finding local support. It also offers parent guides, workshops and emotional support.
Freephone: 0808 808 3555
Monday–Friday, 9.30am–5pm; Tuesdays from 10.15am
Local connection and support for carers
Local connection and support for carers
Wakefield Parent Carer Forum
Wakefield Parent Carer Forum
An independent group led by parent carers of children and young people with SEND. It connects families, shares information and events, and represents parent-carer experiences when local SEND services are being planned and reviewed.
It is a forum for participation and connection rather than an individual legal casework service.
Telephone/text: 07462 103057
Email: info@wakefieldparentcarers.co.uk
Carers Wakefield & District
Carers Wakefield & District
Support for unpaid carers across Wakefield district, including parent carers. It offers information, advice, a listening ear, groups, workshops, events and guidance about carers’ assessments and other available help.
Telephone: 01924 305544
Email: info@carerswakefield.org.uk
Benefits, money and practical help
Benefits, money and practical help
Citizens Advice Wakefield District
Citizens Advice Wakefield District
Free, confidential and impartial advice about benefits, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, debt, housing, employment, consumer problems and other practical issues. Advice is available by telephone and through local drop-ins.
Free Adviceline: 0808 812 7134
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Disability Living Allowance for children
Disability Living Allowance for children
DLA may help with the additional costs of caring for a child under 16 who needs substantially more care, supervision or mobility support than another child of the same age. Eligibility is based on the help a child needs, not simply whether they have received a particular diagnosis.
DLA helpline: 0800 121 4600
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Emotional and urgent support
Emotional and urgent support
FamilyLine
FamilyLine
Family Action’s free service for adults who feel overwhelmed, worried or in need of emotional support around parenting, caring, family relationships or financial pressures.
Telephone: 0808 802 6666
Text: 07537 404282
Monday–Friday, 9am–7pm
Urgent mental-health help
Urgent mental-health help
For urgent mental-health support for a child, young person or adult, call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. This is available to people of all ages.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E.
NHS 111: 111
Samaritans: 116 123
Childline for anyone under 19: 0800 1111
Contact details and opening arrangements can change. Orchard Connect reviews this page regularly, but families should check the organisation’s website for the latest information. Orchard Connect provides guidance and signposting but does not replace independent legal, medical or financial advice.
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