This guide helps you quickly find SEND information on the Dudley Local Offer website. It:
- Lists the most commonly searched SEND topics so you know the type of words to use when searching.
- Provides direct clickable links to the most relevant pages, saving time and reducing frustration.
- Groups information into clear sections (EHCP, SEND support, schools, health, social care, activities).
- Includes search tips so you can find what you need even if your first search doesn’t work.
"EHCP"
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines the specific support a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) will receive.
"EHCP Funding"
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) funding is part of a national framework designed to ensure children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to thrive.
"EHC Needs Assessment (EHCNA)"
To determine whether a child or young person requires an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) they will need to have an Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA).
"SEND Team"
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team has responsibility for managing the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process, for issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) where appropriate, and arranging suitable education provision (either extra support in mainstream school or a specialist placement). The team is also responsible for maintaining Education, Health and Care Plans and making any changes which may be needed following Annual Reviews.
"SENDIASS"
Dudley SENDIASS provide a range of impartial information, legally based advice and support to help parents/carers, children and young people on all matters relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
"Parent Carer Forum"
Parent Carer Forums are grant funded to enable the voice of families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to be heard in the local area.
You can find further information on our SEND Support for Families page.
"Special Schools"
A special school is a school which caters for children and young people with complex special educational needs.
"Alternative Provision"
Alternative Provision (AP) means education arranged for children and young people who cannot currently attend a mainstream school full-time.
"Education Other Than in School (EOTIS)"
For most Children and Young People (CYP), this will mean they receive their education in a school or college setting. In very limited and exceptional circumstances, where this is not possible, CYP with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), may access their education otherwise than in school or college (EOTIS).
"Autism Assessment"
There are many signs that a child or adult may be autistic. To get an autism diagnosis, a specialist team must agree that a person shows the ‘core characteristics’ of autism. These are lifelong differences in communication, behaviours and interests compared to non-autistic people.
"Mental Health"
There is a broad range of emotional wellbeing and mental health support available to young people in Dudley.
"Speech & Language"
Speech & Language Therapists identify and support children and young people with a range of communication and eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties.
"Sleep"
Sleep is essential for physical and emotional wellbeing, especially for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
"Short Breaks"
Short Breaks vary depending on the needs of the child, young person, and their family. A short break could last a few hours, a day, an evening, overnight or for a weekend. They could take place in or away from the home. It could range from an activity like an afterschool club to an overnight stay with a carer or at a short break unit.
"Direct Payments"
Personalised Budgets, including Direct Payments are available to children and young people who have more complex needs and have had an assessment to help meet their needs.
"Disability Register"
The Children Act (1989) requires all Children and Young People’s Services to keep a register of disabled children in their local areas.
"SEND Tribunal / Appeals"
Here you can find information on what to do if you are considering appealing to the Special Educational Needs (SEND) Tribunal about your child or young persons', Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan (or matters relating to it).
"Transport"
Dudley Council provides education travel support for eligible children and young people up to the age of 25. Travel support can come in a variety of forms including travel training, bus pass, personal allowance or other direct transport, as appropriate to individual pupils' needs as determined by Dudley Council.
"SEND Activities"
There are a number of websites where families can find out about community and leisure activities and events for children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in the local area.
"SEND News"
The Dudley Special Educational Needs and Disabilities e- bulletin’s aim is to keep parent carers, education settings and stakeholders informed about Dudley’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Improvement Programme as well as news and events.
Last updated: 17/11/2025