Strengthening your voice and influence
There are plenty of different services that can help you to strengthen your voice, influence your choices and get your voice heard.
Making the most of meetings
There are times when you may be invited to a meeting at your child’s school or setting. Alternatively, you may want to request a meeting yourself.
We have pulled together some helpful hints to follow to ensure that the meetings run smoothly. What’s more, you can find information and ideas about how to prepare for meetings so that you can get the best of out of them.
Learn more about making the most of meetings →
Local advocacy and support services
Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes.
Learn more about advocacy →
Useful links
Join the Parent Network
Join Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) – membership is free.
Learn more about joining HPCI →
Help shape and design services
Get involved in the planning and implementation of SEND services.
Learn more about coproduction →
Who to talk to
Contact a Herts SEND service
Find the team that you need, whether you need advice or want to follow up on your child’s support.
Learn more about SEND contacts →
If things are not working
Make a complaint is you are unhappy about the actions taken (or lack of actions) taken by a service.
Learn more about making a complaint →
Contact impartial mediation
You must contact the mediation service before you can appeal to the SEND tribunal.
Learn more about mediation →
IPSEA helplines and services
Advice and helplines regarding legal rights and entitlements to special education provision.
Learn more about the helpline →
Contact (Contact a Family)
1-1 telephone appointments for parent carers looking for emotional support.
Learn more about the 1:1 support →
Get in touch with us
If you can't find what you need, feel free to get in touch with us. Our opening hours are:
- Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm
- Friday from 9.30am to 2pm
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 3 working days.
Other sources of help and support:
Hertfordshire Local Offer
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.
Visit the Local Offer →
Contact
A charity for families with disabled children offering information and advice.
Visit Contact →
HPCI
An independent parent carer organisation ensuring family voices are heard.
Visit the HPCI →
IPSEA
Independent information, advice and support, with free guides, resources and template letters.
Visit IPSEA →