How to Find SEND Services in Your Area
Finding the right support for a child with SEND can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of services across the UK — but knowing where to look, and how to tell which ones are right for your family, is half the battle. This guide shows you how.
Where to Start Looking
1. Your Council’s Local Offer
Every local authority in England is required by law to publish a “Local Offer” — a directory of all SEND services available in your area. This includes education, health, social care, leisure, and voluntary organisations. Search for “[your council name] SEND Local Offer” on Google to find yours.
The problem: Many Local Offers are difficult to navigate, out of date, or incomplete. This is one of the reasons Trisende exists.
2. Trisende — The National SEND Directory
Trisende brings together verified data from across the UK into one searchable platform:
- 24,700+ specialist services — therapists, advocates, tutors, assessors
- 59,000+ charities — from national organisations like the National Autistic Society to small local parent groups
- 24,600+ schools — searchable by SEND specialism, region, and Ofsted rating
- SEND-friendly places — accessible venues, sensory rooms, inclusive play areas
- SEND shops — specialist equipment, sensory toys, adaptive tools
All listings are verified against official data sources including the DfE’s GIAS database, the Charity Commission register, and CQC registrations.
3. Your Child’s School
Your school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is one of the best starting points. They can:
- Refer your child for NHS assessments (speech therapy, occupational therapy, CAMHS)
- Recommend local independent practitioners
- Connect you with parent support groups
- Help you access Short Breaks (respite care)
4. Your GP
Your GP can make referrals to community paediatrics, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and specialist NHS services. They can also help with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) evidence.
Types of SEND Services to Look For
🗣️ Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)
Helps children with communication difficulties, language delays, stammering, and social communication needs. Available through the NHS (via referral) or privately.
🤸 Occupational Therapy (OT)
Supports children with motor coordination, sensory processing, self-care skills, and handwriting. OTs can also recommend equipment adaptations for home and school.
🧠 Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists assess learning needs and recommend strategies. They’re essential for EHCP applications. Available through your local authority (often with a long wait) or privately (typically £500–£800 for a full assessment).
💛 Respite Care / Short Breaks
Short breaks services give families regular time off while children enjoy activities. Your local authority has a legal duty to provide these. Contact your council’s Disabled Children’s Team to apply.
👥 Parent Support Groups
Local parent carer forums (PCFs) exist in every local authority area. They’re free, parent-led, and provide emotional support plus practical advice from people who understand. Find yours through the National Network of Parent Carer Forums.
⚖️ SEND Advocacy and Legal Advice
Free advice on SEND law, EHCP applications, and Tribunal appeals is available from:
- IPSEA — Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
- SOS!SEN — Specialist SEND legal helpline
- Contact — Charity for families with disabled children
- Your local Citizens Advice Bureau
💡 Pro tip: Check CQC registration
If you’re considering a private therapist or service, check whether they’re registered with the relevant professional body (HCPC for OTs and SaLTs, BPS for psychologists). For care services, check the CQC register. Trisende shows verification status for every listing.
Questions to Ask Any SEND Service
Before committing to a service, ask:
- Are you registered / accredited? — Check HCPC, BPS, CQC, or relevant body
- Do you have experience with my child’s specific needs? — e.g., autism, ADHD, PDA
- What does a typical session look like? — Duration, frequency, location
- Can you provide reports for EHCP purposes? — This is critical if you’re applying or reviewing
- What are your fees and waiting times? — NHS services are free but may have long waits; private is faster but costly
- Can I speak to other parents who use you? — Word of mouth is powerful in the SEND community
Search Trisende Now
Stop spending hours on Google trying to piece together fragmented information. Trisende has already done the hard work — aggregating and verifying over 110,000 SEND listings from official UK data sources.