Support Offered by KindMindsWithKM

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At KindMindsWithKM, support is strengths-based, person-centred and outcome-focused, helping young people with SEND and their families prepare for adulthood, promote independence, and achieve positive long-term outcomes.

 

Service 1: Strengths-Based Support for Young People with SEND Aged 14-18 (Year 9 Onwards)

 

1a) Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Assessments

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Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) assessments to support:

• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

• Annual reviews

• Transition planning

• Positive adult outcomes

Support focuses on the four statutory Preparing for Adulthood domains:

• Higher education, employment and training

• Independent living

• Participation in society

• Good health and wellbeing

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1b) Transition Assessments Under the Care Act 2014 (Sections 58-66)

 

Support with transition to adult social care, including:

• Care Act 2014 transition assessments

• Identification of likely future care and support needs

• Care and Support Plans

• Adult social care eligibility and entitlements

• Continuity of support during transition to adulthood

• Personal Budgets and Direct Payments

• Multi-agency planning between education, health and social care

 

1c) SEND and Equality Act 2010 Support

 

Advice, advocacy and support relating to:

• SEND legislation

• Disability rights

• Reasonable adjustments

• Inclusion and accessibility

• Equality Act 2010 duties

• Access arrangements for examinations and assessments

• Removing barriers to participation, learning and achievement

• Supporting young people to achieve positive Preparation for Adulthood outcomes

 

Support with Requests for Reasonable Adjustments and Access Arrangements

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KindMindsWithKM can support children, young people and families in making formal requests for reasonable adjustments and examination access arrangements in educational settings.

 

This may include support with:

• School-based assessments

• GCSE examinations

• A-Level examinations

• Vocational qualifications

• College assessments

• Internal examinations and mock examinations

 

Access Arrangements Submission Support

 

Support may include:

• Reviewing evidence of need

• Identifying barriers to learning and assessment

• Gathering supporting information and professional evidence

• Preparing written submissions and supporting statements

• Supporting communication with schools and colleges

• Reviewing school decisions and responses

• Advice regarding Equality Act 2010 duties and SEND legislation

• Signposting to further support where appropriate

 

Reasonable Adjustments May Include

 

Subject to assessment and approval by the educational setting and examination awarding body:

• Additional time

• Supervised rest breaks

• Separate room arrangements

• Use of a computer or word processor

• Reader support

• Scribe support

• Prompter support

• Adapted examination arrangements

• Sensory and environmental adjustments

 

Equality Act 2010

 

The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on schools, colleges and examination providers to ensure disabled pupils are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared with their peers.

 

Neurodevelopmental conditions may constitute disabilities under the Equality Act 2010 where they have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, including activities related to education and assessment.

 

These conditions may affect:

• Executive functioning

• Processing speed

• Working memory

• Attention and concentration

• Sensory regulation

• Task organisation and planning

• Time management

• Emotional regulation

 

KindMindsWithKM can support families to identify and evidence the impact of these difficulties in educational settings and to request appropriate reasonable adjustments where required.

Legal and Professional Framework

 

Legal Framework

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The request is supported by:

• Equality Act 2010[1] – duty to make reasonable adjustments; disability defined by substantial and long‑term adverse effects on normal day‑to‑day activities (including education).

• Children and Families Act 2014 (Part 3)[2] – duties relating to SEN and disability.

• SEND Code of Practice (0–25) [3]– statutory guidance requiring settings to anticipate and remove barriers.

• JCQ AARA 2025[4] – access arrangements must reflect normal way of working and reduce substantial disadvantage.

 

[1]     https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

[2]     https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/part/3

[3]     https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25

[4]     https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/

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Important Notice

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KindMindsWithKM does not determine eligibility for examination access arrangements and cannot guarantee that any requested adjustment will be approved. Decisions regarding access arrangements remain the responsibility of the school, college, examination centre, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), and relevant awarding bodies in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations and JCQ requirements.

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Service 2: Parent Carer Assessment, Advocacy and Support Planning

 

Recognising the vital role of parent carers and promoting their wellbeing, participation and rights throughout childhood and the transition to adulthood.

 

2a) Parent Carer Needs Assessments

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Children Act 1989, Section 17ZD

Support with:

• Parent Carer Needs Assessments (PCNA)

• Participation in EHCP assessments and annual reviews

• Preparation for Adulthood planning

• Consideration of the impact of caring responsibilities on:

  • Physical and mental wellbeing

  • Family life

  • Employment

  • Education

  • Social participation

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2b) Parent Carer Transition Assessments and Support

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Care Act 2014, Sections 60-62

Support with:

• Child's Carer's Transition Assessments

• Identifying future support needs after the young person reaches adulthood

• Planning sustainable caring arrangements

• Preventing carer breakdown

• Promoting carers' wellbeing and independence

• Understanding rights and entitlements under the Care Act 2014

 

2c) SEND Advocacy and Information About SEND and EHC Plans

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KindMindsWithKM provides independent SEND advocacy, guidance and support to help children, young people and families understand their rights and navigate SEND, education, health and social care systems. Support may include:

• Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

• Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs)

• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

• EHCP Annual Reviews

• Preparation for Adulthood planning

• Children's and Adult Social Care

• Care Act 2014 transition assessments

• SEND Tribunal processes

• Disability rights and reasonable adjustments

• Complaints and dispute resolution processes

• Understanding rights and entitlements under SEND legislation

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Accessing Free SEND Information and Advice Services

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KindMindsWithKM recognises that there are many excellent charities and independent organisations that provide free information, advice and support to children, young people and families of children and young people with SEND.

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Where appropriate, families are encouraged to access these free services alongside, or instead of, any independent support provided by KindMindsWithKM. Examples include:

• STRM - SEND the Right Message

• Essex SENDIASS

• Essex Family Forum

• IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)

• SOS!SEN

• Contact

• National Autistic Society

• ADHD Foundation

• Council for Disabled Children

• Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

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KindMindsWithKM Approach
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KindMindsWithKM recognises the value of free SEND advice and advocacy services and does not seek to duplicate services already available through charities and statutory organisations. Independent support is intended to complement existing services, helping families understand their rights, prepare for meetings, gather evidence, navigate complex processes and make informed decisions.​ Where appropriate, families will be signposted to free local and national organisations to ensure they receive the most suitable support available.

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Commitment to Ethical Practice

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KindMindsWithKM is committed to ensuring that families are aware of both free and paid sources of support. Independent services are intended to complement, not replace, existing free services available through charities, parent carer forums, SEND Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS), and other community organisations.

 

The primary aim is to ensure that children, young people and families can access the most appropriate support for their individual circumstances and make informed choices about the services they use.

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Free Initial Consultation

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As part of a free 15-30 minute initial consultation, KindMindsWithKM will discuss the family's circumstances and the type of support being sought.

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Where it appears that a family's needs may be met through a free information, advice or support service, this will be discussed openly and families may be signposted or referred to appropriate local or national services.

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For families who require more personalised, ongoing or specialist support, KindMindsWithKM can then discuss whether independent advocacy or consultancy services may be appropriate.

 

Choosing Independent Support

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Parents and carers are entirely free to choose whether they wish to access free SEND advice services, independent SEND advocacy, or a combination of both. KindMindsWithKM recognises that some families may value additional independent support because they would like:

• More personalised support

• Additional time to discuss concerns

• Assistance understanding complex documentation

• Help preparing for meetings

• Support gathering evidence

• Ongoing advocacy across education, health and social care services

 

The decision to obtain independent support is always the choice of the parent, carer or young person.

 

​Examples of Free SEND Advocacy and support services

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Essex Services

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STRM - SEND the Right Message

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STRM (SEND the Right Message) is a parent-led registered charity supporting families of children and young people aged 0-25 with diagnosed or suspected Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Essex and Southend. No diagnosis is required to access support. 

 

STRM provides practical guidance, emotional support, parent carer support, community activities, workshops, SEND information, signposting and early intervention support to help families navigate their SEND journey. Support Available

• SEND information and guidance

• Parent carer support

• SEND signposting and referrals

• Community support groups

• Workshops and training

• Financial wellbeing and cost-of-living support

• Inclusive activities for children and young people

• Pre- and post-diagnosis support

• Peer support opportunities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Contact Details

Website: STRM - SEND the Right Message 

Email: info@strmsupport.co.uk 

Telephone: 07359 068827 

Current Main Office Address: Ground Floor, 320D High Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5HB 

Areas Covered: Essex; Southend; Castle Point; Rochford 

Opening Hours Monday to Thursday: 9:00am - 2:30pm
Friday: Closed, Saturday: Closed, Sunday: Closed

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Essex SENDIASS (SEND Information, Advice and Support Service)

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Essex SENDIASS provides free, confidential, impartial and independent information, advice and support for children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers. Support is available on a wide range of SEND matters, including:

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

• Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs)

• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

• School attendance and exclusions

• Annual reviews

• Mediation and disagreement resolution

• SEND Tribunal processes

• Children's and young people's rights

• Parent carer rights and participation

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The Essex SENDIASS team can provide information to help families understand their rights, responsibilities and available options within the SEND system.

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Contact Details

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Website: https://www.essexsendiass.co.uk/

Email: send.iass@essex.gov.uk

Telephone: 01245 204338

Helpline Opening Times: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00am - 2:00pm

 

Essex Family Forum

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The independent Parent Carer Forum for families of children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND in Essex. Essex Family Forum works with local authorities, education, health and other organisations to improve services and represent the voices of parent carers. [essexfamilyforum.org], [send.essex.gov.uk]

Website: Essex Family Forum
Email: hello@essexfamilyforum.org [essexfamilyforum.org]

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Essex Local Offer

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Information on education, health, social care, leisure opportunities, support groups and local services available to children and young people with SEND across Essex. [send.essex.gov.uk]

Website: Essex Local Offer

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National Services

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IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)

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A leading national charity providing free and independent legally-based information, advice and support on SEND law, EHCPs, annual reviews, exclusions, mediation and SEND Tribunal appeals. [ipsea.org.uk], [ipsea.org.uk]

Website: IPSEA
Advice and Support: IPSEA Helplines
Office Telephone: 01799 582030
Email: office@ipsea.org.uk (administrative enquiries only). [ipsea.org.uk]

 

SOS!SEN

A national charity providing free, friendly and independent advice for parents and carers navigating the SEND system, including EHCPs, annual reviews, tribunal processes and provision disputes. [sossen.org.uk], [nhs.uk]

Website: SOS!SEN
Helpline: 020 8538 3731 [sossen.org.uk], [nhs.uk]

 

Contact

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A national charity for families with disabled children providing information, advice, emotional support, workshops, benefits advice and parent carer support. [contact.org.uk], [contact.org.uk]

Website: Contact
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
Email: info@contact.org.uk [contact.org.uk]

National Autistic Society (NAS)

Provides information, advice, resources and support for autistic children, young people, adults and their families.

Website: https://www.autism.org.uk

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Council for Disabled Children (CDC)

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Provides information, guidance and resources on SEND law, policy, Preparation for Adulthood, social care and transition to adult services. [councilfor...ren.org.uk]

Website: Council for Disabled Children

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Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO)

Investigates complaints about councils and certain education and social care matters where local complaints procedures have been exhausted.

Website: https://www.lgo.org.uk

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Service 3: ADHD Coaching and Mentoring (18+)

ADHD coaching and mentoring to support:

• Independent living

• Daily living and organisational skills

• Further and higher education

• Employment and career development

• Confidence and self-advocacy

• Community participation

• Health and wellbeing

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Service 4: Autism and ADHD Assessment Support

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(Supporting individuals accessing NHS Right to Choose, NHS and independent assessment pathways.)

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KindMindsWithKM provides independent strengths-based support before, during and after autism and ADHD assessments for children, young people and adults.

 

Support may include:

• Assessment preparation and participation support

• Developmental history and evidence gathering

• Understanding assessment pathways and processes

• Support before, during and after appointments

• Understanding assessment reports and recommendations

• Post-diagnostic information and guidance

• Signposting to appropriate services and resources

• Support with EHCPs and SEND processes

• Preparation for Adulthood planning

• Children's and Adult Social Care signposting and support

• Signposting to specialist services where appropriate

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Before Assessment

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Assessment Preparation

• Understanding autism and ADHD assessment pathways

• Understanding NHS Right to Choose and independent assessment options

• Understanding what to expect during assessments

• Preparing questions for clinicians

• Reducing anxiety around the assessment process

• Preparing children, young people and families for appointments

 

Information Gathering

• Developmental history gathering

• Education and SEND evidence gathering

• Collating school reports and professional reports

• Identifying strengths, needs and functional impact

• Preparing chronology and background information

• Supporting completion of questionnaires where appropriate

 

SEND and Social Care Evidence Support

• Identifying educational barriers

• Identifying social care needs

• Understanding the impact of neurodevelopmental differences on:

  • learning

  • communication

  • emotional regulation

  • independence

  • community participation

• Evidence gathering for EHCP processes

 

During Assessment

 

Independent Support and Participation​

• Supporting communication during appointments

• Supporting parents and carers to share relevant information

• Ensuring strengths and lived experiences are represented

• Supporting participation in assessment processes

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After Assessment

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Understanding Assessment Outcomes

• Explaining assessment reports in accessible language

• Understanding recommendations

• Understanding strengths and support needs

• Understanding diagnostic terminology

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Post-Diagnostic Support

• Neurodiversity-affirming information and guidance

• Identifying appropriate support services

• Signposting to community resources

• Signposting to support groups

• Signposting to local and national charities

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Support With Implementation

• Applying recommendations within EHCPs

• Preparing for EHCP annual reviews

• SEND support planning

• Reasonable adjustments

• Preparing for adulthood planning

• Transition to adult services

• Care Act 2014 transition planning

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Important Notice - Right to Choose and Assessment Support

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KindMindsWithKM does not provide diagnostic assessments, medical opinions, clinical diagnoses, prescribing services, treatment recommendations, or healthcare services under the NHS Right to Choose pathway.

 

KindMindsWithKM is not commissioned by the NHS and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any NHS Trust, Integrated Care Board (ICB), Right to Choose provider, independent healthcare provider, or diagnostic service.

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Any diagnosis, assessment outcome, clinical opinion, treatment recommendation, prescription, report, or professional recommendation remains the sole responsibility of the appropriately qualified clinician, healthcare professional, or assessment provider undertaking the assessment.

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Support provided by KindMindsWithKM is limited to information, guidance, advocacy, preparation, participation support, information gathering, signposting, and strengths-based support before, during, and after the assessment process, where appropriate.

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KindMindsWithKM cannot guarantee eligibility for NHS Right to Choose, acceptance of a referral, assessment timescales, diagnostic outcomes, access to services, funding decisions, or recommendations made by any healthcare, education, or social care provider.

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Individuals remain responsible for seeking and obtaining independent medical, legal, financial, educational, or other regulated professional advice where required.

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Any advocacy, guidance, assistance with statutory processes, or support relating to SEND, EHCPs, social care, complaints, tribunals, or neurodevelopmental assessments is provided as independent support and should not be regarded as legal representation, legal advice, medical advice, or clinical diagnosis.

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A Strengths-Based Approach

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KindMindsWithKM is committed to promoting rights, overcoming barriers, and supporting young people with SEND and their families to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.

Working alongside young people, parent carers and families, the focus is on promoting independence, wellbeing, participation and self-determination through a strengths-based and person-centred approach, helping people not only to survive, but to thrive.

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