Free SEND Resources & Signposting for Families in Brighton & Hove, Sussex and beyond
Step-by-Step Guides to SEND Processes • Templates & Checklists • Trusted Organisations & Support Networks • Articles & Updates
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 call with us 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.
Naomi Fisher
Clinical psychologist and writer specialising in self-directed learning, trauma, and emotionally-based school avoidance. Her books and articles offer both validation and fresh perspectives.
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 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!