SEND Support in Essex
Practical SEND guidance for families across the wider Essex area. Statutory EHCP routes differ between Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.
Which Local Authority applies to you?
Statutory SEND and EHCP routes differ depending on the authority responsible for the case. A child’s school may sit in a different authority area, so check the authority named in your SEND or EHCP correspondence.
Where would you like guidance?
Choose a starting point for local information, statutory routes and practical next steps.
Essex places we cover
Chelmsford, Colchester, Basildon, Harlow, Braintree, Brentwood, Clacton-on-Sea, Epping, Maldon, Billericay and Saffron Walden are currently mapped to Essex County Council. Southend-on-Sea is mapped to Southend-on-Sea City Council. Grays and Stanford-le-Hope are mapped to Thurrock Council.
If your school or case crosses an area boundary, follow the authority responsible for your SEND or EHCP case rather than relying on a town label.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.