Free SEND Resources & Signposting for Families in Brighton & Hove, Sussex and beyond
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Write to Your MP: SEND Reform Letter Templates:
The proposed SEND reforms will affect every family navigating this system - not just now, but for years to come.
MPs are the people who will ultimately vote on whether these changes become law.
That means your voice - as a constituent - carries weight.
But knowing what to say (and how to say it) can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve created a series of adaptable template letters - designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and in a way that actually lands.
These are not generic scripts to copy and paste.
They are:
Legally grounded
Strategically framed
Designed to be personalised with your own experience
Even a few sentences about your situation can make your letter significantly more powerful.
Available Now:
1. General Template (for all families and supporters)
A strong, balanced overview of the proposed reforms and why they matter.
Best for: anyone wanting to raise concerns, even without direct SEND experience.
Click here to download template letter no.1.
2. EOTAS Families Template
Focused on children educated outside of school and the complete omission of EOTAS from the White Paper.
Best for: families whose child is currently in receipt of EOTAS, or who are seeking EOTAS, and need to highlight both the absence of EOTAS in the proposals and the realities that led them there.
Click here to download template letter no.2.
3. Children Missing Education Entirely Template
A clear, legally grounded template for families whose child is not currently receiving suitable education - including where there is no provision, significant gaps, or an EHCP is not being delivered.
Best for: families needing to explain the reality of “missing education” and the legal duties currently being breached.
Click here to download template letter no.3.
4. Families Who Have Used Appeal Rights Template
A clear, experience-led template for families who have used (or needed) their right to appeal a local authority decision - including where the threat of appeal led to change.
Best for: showing how legal rights are what actually secure support, and what would be lost if those rights are restricted.
Click here to download template letter no.4.
5. Supporters and Allies Template
A simple, accessible template for grandparents, friends, neighbours, colleagues and anyone who wants to speak up - even without direct SEND experience.
Best for: showing wider public concern and reinforcing that this issue affects far more than just SEND families.
Click here to download template letter no.5.
Click here to download one-page explainer.
6. Alternative Provision Providers Template
A focused template for AP providers working with children who cannot access mainstream school, highlighting the absence of AP and EOTAS from the White Paper.
Best for: providers wanting to raise concerns about commissioning, funding, and the risk of children falling through gaps in the proposed system.
Click here to download template letter no.6.
Click here to download AP/EOTAS provider briefing toolkit.
7. School Staff, SENCOs and Governors Template
A practical, experience-led template for those working in schools, highlighting what the proposed reforms would mean in practice - including the shift of legal duty onto schools.
Best for: teachers, SENCOs, leaders and governors wanting to share frontline insight and raise concerns about capacity, accountability and funding.
Click here to download template letter no.7.
Click here to download school staff briefing toolkit.
How to Use These Templates:
Download the template that fits your situation
Read it through fully before editing
Replace the highlighted sections with your own words
Keep it honest - not perfect
Send it to your MP (you can find them here: members.parliament.uk)
You do not need to write an essay.
Two or three sentences about your experience is enough.
These reforms are being framed as an expansion of support. Many families inside the system are telling a very different story. This is your opportunity to make sure that story is heard.
Further information:
https://www.facebook.com/CanarySEND/
https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/category/send-education/sen-politics/schools-white-paper/
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/pages/category/schools-white-paper-what-you-need-to-know
Free Templates & Guides
Start Your EHCP Journey
At Canary SEND, we know that the first step — requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) — can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a free toolkit to help you get started with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Read the Guide
➡️ Download the Canary SEND Toolkit: How to Request an EHC Needs Assessment (PDF)
This guide explains the process in plain language, with practical tips on gathering evidence, looking after yourself, and understanding the legal test the local authority must apply.
Step 2: Use the Editable Letter Template
➡️ Download the Canary SEND Toolkit: EHC Needs Assessment Request Letter Template (Word)
A ready-to-customise template letter you can adapt to your child’s situation. Editable in Word, so you can save, adjust, and re-use as needed.
Want to read more before diving in? Check out our blog post on how to request an EHC Needs Assessment.
Together, the guide and template give you the tools to make a strong, legally-sound request and start your EHCP journey with confidence.
Secure Alternative Provision for Your Child (with or without an EHCP)
At Canary SEND, we know how overwhelming it can feel when your child can’t attend school — whether due to anxiety, burnout, exclusion, or unmet needs. That’s why we’ve created a free toolkit to help you request alternative provision under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.
Step 1: Read the Guide
➡️ Download the Canary SEND Toolkit: How to Request Alternative Provision (without an EHCP) (PDF)
This guide explains your child’s legal rights in plain English, with practical tips on how to evidence their needs, what “suitable education” really means, and how to push back if the local authority resists.
Step 2: Use the Editable Letter Template
➡️ Download the Canary SEND Toolkit: Notice of Duty Under S.19 EA 1996 Letter Template (Word)
A ready-to-customise template letter you can adapt to your child’s circumstances. Editable in Word, so you can save, adjust, and re-use as needed.
Want to understand the bigger picture? Read our blog post on how to request alternative provision (even without an EHCP.)
Together, the guide and template give you the tools to make a clear, legally-grounded request — and ensure your child isn’t left without the education they’re entitled to.
If it all still feels overwhelming, or you’d prefer to talk it through, you can always book a free 15-minute call to explore how Canary SEND can support you step by step.
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Trusted Organisations & Further Support
Canary SEND doesn’t exist in a vacuum — we’re part of a wider community of parents, professionals, and campaigners all working towards better outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Alongside our own resources, here are some places we regularly signpost families to:
Local Sussex Resources:
mASCot
A Brighton-based peer support network for families with autistic children. A lifeline for connection, advice, and solidarity with other parents navigating similar journeys.
Think Different Consulting (TDC)
Specialist neuroaffirmative consultancy led by Sadie Gillett. TDC provides expert autism observations, detailed professional reports, and guidance on identifying needs and provision. They also offer 1:1 and group mentoring around autistic identity, self-understanding, and strengths-based support.
16 Billion Play Therapy
Sussex based play therapy providing neuroaffirmative, child-centred, trauma-informed approaches.
Sussex SEND Families
A grassroots community of parents and carers across Sussex, focused on peer support, information-sharing, and collective advocacy.
Amaze
Brighton & Hove and East Sussex charity offering practical support, information, and advice for SEND families. Known for their SENDIASS service and local knowledge.
National Resources:
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)
The gold-standard charity for free legal advice, resources, and tribunal support in SEND law. Their model letters, helplines, and training are invaluable.
SOS!SEN
Charity offering free, independent advice and advocacy to parents navigating the SEND system. Known for their helplines, workshops, and practical tribunal guidance.
PDA Society
Charity offering information, resources, and community support around Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profiles.
Not Fine in School
National parent-led campaign group raising awareness of children unable to attend school due to unmet needs, anxiety, and school trauma. Provides resources, peer support, and advocacy tools.
Square Peg
Advocacy group working to change the narrative around school attendance difficulties, shining a light on systemic barriers and amplifying family voices.
Eliza Fricker (Missing the Mark)
Author, illustrator, and advocate exploring the realities of parenting children who don’t fit the mould. Her work resonates deeply with families experiencing school trauma and burnout.
Special Needs Jungle (SNJ)
Independent, parent-led site offering news, analysis, and commentary on SEND policy and practice nationwide. Great for staying up to date on reforms and systemic issues.
Autistic Realms
AuDHD-led resources for neurodivergent people, families, and professionals to understand Autistic experiences through the theory of monotropism and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Autistic Speech & Language Therapy
A neuro-affirming resource hub from autistic SLTs, offering practical, affirming approaches to communication support.
*This list isn’t exhaustive — but these are some of the places families I and the families and professionals I have worked with have found most useful. If you know of another brilliant resource, feel free to let me know!