The Send Handbook for Parents and Carers: How to Navigate the Send System and Support Your Child Through School

Being a parent of a neurodivergent child can be challenging and exhausting. It can feel like a constant battle to be heard and to gain the support that you and your child need. This book provides an accessible overview of the SEND system and how it works, so that you can successfully untangle and navigate the system and draw upon the best resources offered.

The handbook is divided into three main parts: SEND systems, policy and legislation; support for your child in school; and looking forward. Chapters:

• Introduce the world of SEND systems and break down key documentation and the roles and responsibilities of school staff
• Take you on your child’s journey through school and explore key aspects from assessment and EHCPs, to funding and gaining further support for your child
• Look ahead and consider important transitions through each of the school phases in your child’s journey and allows you to acknowledge some of your own fears and challenges as a parent
• Include a range of both practical and reflective activities to bring each area to life

The voices of parents and carers are woven in throughout the book, as well as key staff who you might encounter, from occupational therapists to speech and language therapists. This comprehensive guide will be an essential tool to support your journey to get the best from your child’s school experience.

Sarah Alix has worked in Education for nearly 20 years, with experience across a range of settings including schools and universities. She has a Doctorate in Education, a psychology degree, and post-graduate qualifications including the SENCo award and PGCert in Autism. Sarah currently works for the Sigma Trust in Essex leading the teacher training provision and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She has a great personal awareness and understanding of neurodiversity through her own family members.