Local Offer
The Local Offer is a way of giving children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers information about what activities and support are available in the area where they live.
The Council for Disabled Children (CDC) have produced a video which provides information about what a Local Offer is.
The Local Offer contains information for children, young people and families, and for adults. It brings together helpful and useful information located in one easily searchable website which is accessible through smart phones and tablets.
The Local Offer contains a wide range of information and services to support children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. These include services provided by the Local Authority and the health service, as well as services provided by the voluntary and private sectors (e.g. charities and disability groups, nurseries, youth clubs, leisure activities etc.).
Information is available for young adults, to help you make informed choices about things that are important to you such as where to live; transport; social activities, work and training; and becoming an adult.
Bedford Borough: Bedford Local Offer
Central Bedford: Central Bedfordshire SEND Local Offer
Luton: Luton’s Local Offer SEND information hub | Luton Directory
Milton Keynes: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) local offer | Milton Keynes City Council (milton-keynes.gov.uk)
Other resources:
IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, They provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. They also provide training on the SEND legal framework and influence policy at both a local and national level.
Online legal guides, resources and template letters
Transforming Care: Children and Young People’s Self-Referral Pathway is a pathway for children or young people aged under 18 years of age with autism and/or learning disabilities who may be at risk of a specialist mental health hospital admission, or different living arrangements due to unsafe behaviours.