Navigating SEND with clarity and confidence
We offer dedicated advocacy, support, and guidance to parent carers, providing clear, practical, and accessible information on Special Educational Needs & Disability Law, EHCPs, and educational support. This empowers you to effectively advocate for your child.
Additionally, through our Cothu programme, we host neurodiversity-affirming sessions specifically designed for parent carers of Autistic children and young people.
How we can help you
We bridge the gap between complex legal frameworks and your family's needs, offering a comprehensive suite of resources designed to inform, equip, and support you every step of the way.
Find out about Cothú parent sessions
Cothu (pronounced ka-hoo) is a 5-week, neurodiversity-affirming parent program developed by AUsome Training Ireland, specifically designed for parents and caregivers of autistic children and those on the pathway.
It provides practical, neuro-affirming tools to foster understanding, connection, and wellbeing, acting as an alternative to traditional, outdated autism training.
Parent feedback from week 2
"What a fantastic course this is.
It's challenging my response to other people's perceptions and with every week I feel my confidence grow.
I feel I have greater capacity to understand my child's communication as sensory overwhelm rather than "a behaviour". And alongside that I feel more liberated in myself and more connected to my daughter".
SEND law and EHCP guidance
Navigate what the law says about what education, health and social care services must do and the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, from SEN Support to initial requests and annual reviews to understanding appeal procedures, with our expert advice.
Advocacy for parent carers and young people
What does advocacy mean within SEND Assist?
Advocacy means helping someone to have their voice heard and to understand their rights.
An advocate:
- Listens to you
- Helps you understand your options
- Explains your rights
- Supports you to say what you want
- Speaks up for you if you find it hard to speak up yourself
Advocacy is about making sure your views, wishes and feelings are taken seriously.
SEND Assist advocacy often supports parent carers and young people, to understand their rights under laws such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and to communicate effectively with schools, the Local Authority, health and social care services.
Advocates do not make decisions for you — they help you make informed decisions.
