Send Navigators

SEND Navigators are part of the offer from Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC. We are very grateful to the National Lottery players and the National Lottery Community Fund for funding the 4 SEND Navigators (term time) who will be working across Somerset to support families. The Navigators will work in different areas of the county with the aim of supporting parent carers to build an information and support network in their locality, based either in the school or community. 

What the SEND Navigators can help with

The navigator’s role is to help families of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in Somerset to:

  • access good quality information
  • signpost to people who can help
  • support parents to prepare for meeting and appointments
  • help parent carers understand help they can get
  • help parent carer access help by supporting with completion of forms such as DLA, PIP and applications for funding from grants
  • help parent carers build confidence in understanding and supporting their child’s need
  • support parent carers to find a positive way to moving forward

Navigators can help support set up groups and networks for parent carers, either linked to school settings or independent. These will help to support and empower parent carers in their journey by building relationships and working in partnership with families and professionals to improve outcomes for the child and family.   

What the SEND Navigators can’t help with

The SEND Navigator is not an emergency/crisis support service and this role is designed to work alongside other services such as SENDIAS and Family Intervention Service (FIS), not to replace them.

The navigators cannot:

  • advocate or speak on your behalf, they are here to support you to be heard.
  • attend school meetings with you. This is the role of SENDIAS.
  • support with an EHCp application as this is the role of SENDIAS.

How do I access a SEND Navigator

Parent carers can self-refer into the Navigators via the form below or by ringing us on 01458 259384.

Practitioners can refer into the Navigators via the form below but must have the consent of the parents before doing so.

To self refer to the SEND navigators, click the button below

SEND Navigator self referral form

For professionals to refer a parent/carer to the SEND navigators, please click the button below

SEND Navigator professional referral form

After a referral is made

When a referral is made:

  • we will add your information to our secure database
  • we will review your referral and decide if we can help.
  • We will email/call you within 5 working days (term time) to arrange a time to call you and get more information.
  • If we can help, we will look at who is best in the team to help you
  • If we cannot help, we will let you know and signpost you to someone who can