Involving parents and carers
Information and Resources
We have an online library of resources that you can access to find out more about disability policy and practice which includes a selection of materials specifically written with parents in mind. You may find the following resources a good starting point:
Where to go for Advice and Support
Navigating the often complex public services put in place to help your child can be confusing and stressful. Although we cannot offer one-to-one support for parents at CDC there are a number of fantastic organisations that can help you with direct information, advice and support.
Contact
Contact provide direct advice and support services to parent carers. They host a free national helpline which is open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.00pm: 0808 808 3555
https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/our-helpline/
Information, Advice and Support services
There are Information, Advice and Support (IAS) services in every local area in England who provide dedicated and impartial advice to young people and parent carers. You can find contact details for your local IAS by following the link below.
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/find-your-local-ias-service
National Network of Parent Carer Forums
There are over 150 local Parent Carer Forums across England which are used by over 52,000 parents every year. You can find your local group using the link below.
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help parents get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. They host an information service, advice line and tribunal helpline as well as training for parents, schools and local authorities.
Family Fund
Family Fund is the UK's largest charity providing grants for disabled children and their families. Last year they provided financial support to over 70,000 families. Find out how they can help you by following the link below.
Facebook group
For parents and carers of children and young people in residential special schools. To support one another, provide information and be a collective voice on the issues facing us and our children.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/residentialspecialschoolparents/