Contact (helpline for families with disabled children)

Have ready

• a pen and paper, and any documents you want to talk about
• a quiet place to talk: the page says a call may take 30 minutes or longer
• press 1 for an education adviser
• your child's age and needs, and the area you live in (the page asks for these when you email or use the web form)

They may ask

• on the web form or by email: your name, postcode, address, email, phone number, council and region or country
• your child's age, disability, any identified special educational needs (SEN, ALN or ASN), and whether they have an EHC plan, Statement, IDP or Co-ordinated Support Plan
• health conditions your child has been diagnosed with or is waiting to have assessed, and your relationship to the child

They can

• give advice, information and support to parents and carers of a disabled child aged from birth to 25, in any part of the UK, with any kind of disability or additional need and no diagnosis needed
• in England, give initial advice on how to challenge school and council decisions, including complaints and SEND Tribunal appeals, and help when a child with additional needs has problems at school such as exclusion or discrimination
• give information and signpost you to other sources of advice if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

They cannot

• give legal advice, or take on your case or represent you at meetings and tribunals
• fill in forms, check paperwork, write letters for you, or attend meetings at the school or council
• help if your child does not have a disability or additional need, or is over 25