Local Organisations
Autism Berkshire
A local support group for parents and carers of children and adults with autism, autism related problems, Asperger Syndrome or challenging behaviour.
Tel: 01189 594 594
E-mail: contact@autismberkshire.org.uk
Reading Mencap
A Family Support Service providing help and support for people with a learning disability, and their families, in the Reading area. They can help with outreach case work, information and advice on social care, education, health, housing and benefits.
Tel: 0118 966 2518
E-mail: office@readingmencap.org.uk
Site: www.readingmencap.org.uk
Parenting Special Children
A Berkshire organisation that specialises in supporting families who have children with special needs.
Tel: 0118 986 3532
Reading Families Forum
Reading Families’ Forum (RFF) was created by parents and carers who have children and young adults with disabilities and continues as an independent and voluntary group of parents, carers and organisations supporting families who have children and young adults with disabilities and is part of a wider network of parent forums in England.
Tel: 07516 185380
E-mail: fran.morgan.rff@gmail.com
Reading Services Guide Local Offer
The Local Offer is part of the reforms that are happening as a result of the new Children & Families Act 2014 and the new SEN reforms. The Local Offer contains information about Education, Health and Social Care services that are available in Reading for children, young people with SEND and their families
Remap Berkshire
Remap Berkshire provides free custom-made disability equipment that is not available to go out and buy. Skilled volunteers provide innovative, practical solutions to everyday challenges encountered by disabled people.
Tel: 07790 127 123
National Organisations
Contact.org
Please see www.contact.org.uk for information about Contact services. Contact is the charity for families with disabled children, providing the national advice, information and support service. Their free helpline 0808 808 3555 is open between 9.30-5 Mon to Fri or they can be contacted by email helpline@contact.org.uk
Independent Panel for Special Education Advice
Offer free independent advice; free representation at the Special Needs Tribunal and Free second professional opinions.
Tel: 0800 018 4016 (advice line)
Site: www.ipsea.org.uk
Kids
Provides a mediation service in cases of disagreement between parents and the school/Local Education Authority over a child’s Special Educational Needs.
Tel: 03330 062 835 (option 2)
E-mail: mediationlondon@kids.org.uk
Advisory Centre for Education
The Children's Legal Centre
Provides free legal advice and assistance in many areas of child, family and education law. We can advise children and young people and parents, carers or professionals working with children and young people.
Department of Education
The Department for Education is a department of Her Majesty’s Government responsible for child protection, education, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.
Site: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education