Useful Information

	ACE ACE Centre North is a charitable company that is independent of all manufacturers and suppliers in the services we provide. They offer a wide range of services to support communication and learning through the use of Assistive Technology (AT) and Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems and resources for children and adults with physical and communication difficulties.
	ADDISS The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service. They provide people-friendly information and resources about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to anyone who needs assistance - parents, sufferers, teachers or health professionals.
	Barnardos The UK's leading children''s charity, offering a range of support services for children, young people and their families.
	Becta official safety advice Becta leads the national drive to improve learning through technology
	The Brightside Trust The Brightside Trust is a charity committed to creating educational opportunities. Their projects are designed to provide individuals with the confidence and skills they need to overcome social disadvantage.
	British Dyslexia Association (BDA) The BDA is the voice of dyslexic people. Their vision is that of a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people to reach their potential.
	CAMHS The intention of the website is to provide information and links for professionals from health, local authority and the voluntary sector who are involved in the development and delivery of child and adolescent mental health services.
	Children Webmag This pioneering Centre, based at the University of Northampton, has built up a national and international reputation for its multidisciplinary research and consultancy work. Recent research and consultancy has included work into such diverse areas as: Children’s environments • Children’s participation • Social exclusion • Children and curfew • Children and the street • Children’s play Results from the Centre’s research with children have been presented at the World Summit on Children and Childhood (Norway) and at many other respected forums worldwide.
	Contact-a-Family Contact a Family is the only UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children - no matter what their disability or health condition.They enable parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis.
	Council for Disabled Children (NCB) NCB is a charitable organisation that acts as an umbrella body for organisations working with children and young people in England & Northern Ireland. Through working in partnership, sharing knowledge, resources and services they have created a powerful, authoritative and influential voice to improve the lives of children and young people.
	Department of Health The Department of Health's aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of England. Its work includes setting national standards and shaping the direction of the NHS and social care services, and promoting healthier living.
	Department for Children, Schools and Families - formerly DfES Three new departments were set up by the Prime Minister on 28 June 2007. They replace the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is responsible for improving the focus on all aspects of policy affecting children and young people, as part of the Government’s aim to deliver educational excellence.
Disability Rights Commission	DRC The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is an independent body established in April 2000 by Act of Parliament to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.
	Disabled Parents Network (DPN) Disabled Parents Network (DPN) is a national organisation of and for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, and their families, friends and supporters.
	DoH web site
	Early Support Website This website is for anyone who works regularly with very young children and for families. It explains how the Early Support programme is facilitating better coordination of information and service delivery in response to the objectives set by the Government green paper Every Child Matters.
	Every Child Matters Website covering the governments aim for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to: be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.
	Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) Is the campaign to get rights and justice for every disabled child. Disabled children, young people and their families have been left out for too long. EDCM is the campaign to put this right. We want all disabled children and their families to have the right to the services and support they need to live ordinary lives.
	Foundation for people with Learning Disabilities The Foundation works to promote the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families
	Government Office North West Representing Central Government in the North West
	I CAN works to support the development of speech, language and communication skills in all children with a special focus on those who find this hard: children with speech, language and communication needs.
	Include me in
	Inclusive Technology The very best educational software, switches and computer access devices, simple communication aids and assistive technology for learners with special needs.
	Mencap Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers.
	National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society champions the rights and interests of all people with autism and ensures that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. The website includes information about autism and Asperger syndrome, the NAS and its services and activities.
	National Children's Bureau (NCB) NCB is a charitable organisation that acts as an umbrella body for organisations working with children and young people in England & Northern Ireland. Through working in partnership, sharing knowledge, resources and services we have created a powerful, authoritative and influential voice to improve the lives of children and young people.
	National Strategies Part of the department for children, schools and families
	Network 81 Network 81 is a national network of parents working towards properly resourced inclusive education for children with special educational needs.
	NfER web site NFER has been at the forefront of educational research and test development for 60 years. Their research contributes to Government policy and their expertise is recognised nationally and internationally.
	NGfL web site
	Ofsted
	PACT PACT (Partners Assessing Children Together) are multi-agency group representing the 22 North West Local Authorities, and partners. PACT are a sub-set of the NW Children & Young Peoples Strategic Partnership. The role of PACT is to direct and co-ordinate the activities of three streams of Regional activity related to Children’s Services in the North West.
	Parents Centre web site Information and support for parents on how to help with your child's learning, including advice on choosing a school and finding childcare.
	Raising Kids Offers support, information, and friendship to everyone who's raising kids - whatever your circumstances or income.
	RNIB They are the UK’s leading charity offering information, support and advice to over two million people with sight loss.
	RNID They support deaf and hard of hearing people at home and at work and they offer courses for people who are interested in working with deaf people. They also support organisations who want to provide better services to their deaf and hard of hearing employees and customers.
	Semerc Leading UK provider of solutions for inclusion in education. Offering SENCOs, teachers and parents support for learners of all ages with special educational needs.
	Senbooks Books and software for Special Educational Needs from SEN Marketing
	Sense Sense is the UK's largest organisation for children and adults who are deafblind or have associated disabilities.
	Sensorysoftware Using computers fow switch access, communication & literacy support. Approved CAP providers (Communication Aids Project)
	SEN Teacher Resources A website providing cost-free teaching & learning resources for students with special needs and learning disabilities.
	Sparklebox Is a means of sharing resources with other teachers around the UK (and beyond). Well over half of the items can be downloaded completely FREE and, as you’ll see when browsing, the others are very low cost.
	Surestart Sure Start is a government programme which aims to achieve better outcomes for children, parents and communities by increasing the availability of childcare for all children, improving health and emotional development for young children and supporting parents as parents and in their aspirations towards employment.
	Teachernet
	Together Trust A charitable organisation, operating in the north of England and north Wales providing care, education, support and improved life opportunities for young people in need
	tta website The Training and Development Agency work with schools to develop the workforce and ensure that schools can recruit good-quality, well-trained people. They support schools to provide extended services for parents, children and young people.