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Problems

Education

Agencies which provide information and support

  • Advisory Centre for Education: 0808 800 5793, email ace-ed@easynet.co.uk, www.ace-ed.org.uk - Helpline offering advice on special educational needs, exclusion from school, admissions, bullying, 24 hourexclusion helpline on 020 7704 9822. Information on taking medicine in school, school trips, health and safety, appeals, judicial reviews, home school transport, disputes.

  • Children's Legal Centre Advice Line: 01206 872466, email clc@essex.ac.uk, www.childrenslegalcentre.com - Advice and information on all aspects of law and policy affecting children and young people. Also Education Line offering legal advice on all aspects of education law on 0845 456 6811.

  • Education Otherwise Association Ltd: 0845 478 6345, email eoemailenquiry@education-otherwise.org, www.education-otherwise.org - Telephone information and support for families who wish to educate their children outside school. Membership organisation with support groups.

  • IPSEA - Independent Panel for Special Education Advice: 0800 018 4016, www.ipsea.org.uk - Advice and support for parents of children with special educational needs. Advice on LEA's legal duties, support and possible representation for parents appealing to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. Also when required, second professional opinions on a child's needs and the provision required to meet those needs.

  • Learn Direct National Learning Advice Line: 0800 100 900, www.learndirect-advice.co.uk – Details of wide range of courses (local, distant, online).

  • National Association for Gifted Children: 0845 4500221, email amazingchildren@nagcbritain.org.uk, www.nagcbritain.org.uk, PO Box 325, Kings Lynn PE34 3XW - Helpline offering advice and support to parents, teachers and other professionals involved in the education and welfare of gifted and talented children.

  • Network 81: 0870 7703306, email network81@tesco.net, www.network81.co.uk - Network of parents of children with special educational needs offering a helpline and other advice and information services. Range of literature on topics including selecting a school, assessment and statementing. Runs parents support groups.

  • Parents for Inclusion: 0800 652 3145, email info@parentsforinclusion.org, www.parentsforinclusion.org - Helpline offering advice, listening and referrals for families trying to achieve mainstream education for their disabled children including issues of behaviour, learning, medical and physical disabilities. Helpline run by parents, term time only.

  • Rathbone's Asian Education Advice Line: 0800 085 4528, email advice@rathbonetraining.co.uk, www.rathbonetraining.co.uk - Advice line for Asian parents of children with learning difficulties. Advice on the law and procedures around education for children with special needs. Subjects include statementing, appeals, school exclusions and admissions.

  • Rathbone's Special Education Advice Line: 0800 917 6790, email advice@rathbonetraining.co.uk, www.rathbonetraining.co.uk - Helpline providing advice on the law and procedures around education for children with special needs.

  • Skill - National Bureau for Students with Disabilities: 0800 328 5050, email info@skill.org.uk, www.skill.org.uk - Helpline offering information and advice on disability issues in post-16 education. Issues covered include applying to further and higher education, financial assistance while studying, examination arrangements, disclosing disability, looking for work, benefits and community services for students with disabilities.

  • UKCOSA The Council for International Education: 020 7107 9922, www.ukcosa.org.uk - Telephone advice for international students and prospective international students studying at post-secondary level. Subjects covered include immigration, fee status, financial aid and sources of funding and rights as an Economic Area student.

Useful websites

  • www.additionalneeds.net - Provides information, activities, resources for teachers, parents, pupils and others who have an interest in additional needs. Includes sections on anger management and challenging behaviour.

  • www.basic-skills.co.uk - Website provides everything from programmes to improve literacy and numeracy to resources for teachers and parents.

  • www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise - Help for improving English, maths, writing, understanding the web, interactive exercises and games etc.

  • www.bbc.co.uk/learning - Find a course and learn a language, build skills in other areas.

  • www.chompchomp.com - Interactive exercises to improve understanding of grammar

  • www.mindtools.com - Lots of free information to help people with studying and learning including communication skills, problem solving, decision making, time management, stress management.

  • www.teachernet.gov.uk - Set up by teachers to share resources with lots of information and support.

  • www.women-returners.co.uk - An organisation dedicated to helping women  achieve their aspirations. The site offers an online CV builder, job search and interview advice and tips on building your confidence.

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