Information Advice and Support Kent IASK

Information Advice and Support Kent IASK Special educational needs and disabilities service for parents, children and young people (age 0-25) Promote independence & self-advocacy.

We provide a special educational needs & disabilities information, advice & support service for parents of a child with, or for young people with special educational needs or a disability, age 0-25. Our trained staff can give you legally-based advice, information and support on educational matters relating to special educational needs & disabilities, including health & social care. We aim to provide information & support to enable parents, children & young people to:

Fully participate in discussions & make informed decisions. Express their views & wishes about education & future aspirations. Develop positive relationships with schools, colleges, the local authority & voluntary organisations to achieve positive outcomes. If you have any questions please contact the helpline or email us. We cannot respond via facebook.

30/03/2026

☕ Space 2 Talk - Informal Parent Support Group/ Drop-In Session

This is open to all parents & carers of children with additional needs. Come along and join our friendly support sessions for advice, ideas, and connection. No diagnosis needed – just a welcoming space to chat with others who get it 💬

👥 Facilitated by experienced family support staff
🍵 Tea & coffee provided
📍 Locations: Snodland, Maidstone & Paddock Wood
🔗 Learn more: https://space2beme.org.uk/services/space2talk

30/03/2026

Many neurodivergent children hold it together all day at school.

Then they get home… and everything spills out.

This isn’t bad behaviour. It may be the impact of masking.

In this powerful blog, Dr Lelanie Brewer explains how masking – suppressing natural behaviours to meet social expectations – can create significant cognitive, emotional and physiological stress.

Understanding masking can help adults move from asking “Why are they behaving like this?” to “What stress have they been carrying all day?”

As we mark , let’s use this opportunity to deepen our understanding of neurodivergent experiences and create environments where children don’t feel they need to hide who they are.

Read the full blog 👇

30/03/2026

If your child is eligible for home to school transport, has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), and is changing school in September, then you’ll need to apply for school transport by 1 April.

You can find more information and apply on our website: https://loom.ly/mGVEQnw

30/03/2026

Sarah and Bev will be at Riverside Cafe, this Thursday 2nd April, if you want to pop in to see them, please do so.

30/03/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming so many of you to our webinar this evening on the Government’s SEND reform proposals.

If you’ve registered, please join us at 7pm using the link in your confirmation email.

Haven’t registered? The webinar is now fully booked, but you can still request a copy of the recording here 👇
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/webinar-schools-white-paper

26/03/2026

UP NEXT📣

Our next two webinars this series are going to be on "Targeted and Targeted Plus" support.

Our first session on this topic, will be taking place on Monday.

📆Monday 30th March
⏰19:00-20:30pm
💻Microsoft Teams

Please join Kent PACT and Information Advice and Support Kent at this important webinar exploring the proposed changes to the SEND system and what they could mean for children and young people with SEND.

Alongside a short overview of the reforms, parents will have the opportunity to share their views as part of the national consultation. Your experiences and perspectives are vital, and feedback from these sessions will be gathered and shared regionally and nationally to help ensure the voices of families in Kent are heard. We thank everyone who has already joined our first two sessions and shared their feedback with us.

All parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in Kent are warmly encouraged to attend.

Your voice matters — come and be part of the conversation shaping the future of SEND.

To register your space for Monday, please click here -

2185f43a-cf24-400d-8b4d-3a6b5ae0844e@84004053-5593-4506-8e59-3eff2bfb1988" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2185f43a-cf24-400d-8b4d-3a6b5ae0844e@84004053-5593-4506-8e59-3eff2bfb1988

25/03/2026

✨Join our webinar with Dr Annie Clements, Founder and CEO of Autism & ADHD, who will explore:

💜How to identify what triggers your child’s emotional overwhelm and use practical co-regulation and de-escalation strategies to support healthy emotional regulation
💜 How executive functioning differences and sensory processing needs affect daily routines, and how to implement structured supports that promote independence while reducing stress
💜 Effective, neurodiversity-affirming communication strategies to strengthen connection, reduce misunderstandings, and build lasting trust

Sign up today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0sGjYX0

25/03/2026

Coming up this Friday LEGO CLUB+

Join us for enough Lego to keep even the keenest fan happy. Also marble run, magic track and colouring activities.
Siblings are always welcome but please book them on.

25/03/2026

🌟 Parenting Support and Advice Drop-In 🌟

Are you concerned about your child or unsure where to turn for support?

Our FREE drop-in clinic is here for all parents and carers of children and young people aged 0–25 years, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.

💬 What we offer:
✨ A safe, welcoming space to ask questions and feel heard
✨ Help understanding your child’s needs
✨ Practical tips and strategies for home
✨ Signposting to local SEND services and getting the best from your child’s education

📍 Drop-In at Canterbury Family Hubs:

⏰ Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
🔵 Kingsmead Family Hub – First Friday of the month
🟡 Whitstable Family Hub – Second Tuesday of the month
🟣 Herne Bay Family Hub – Third Wednesday of the month

✅ No need to book – just drop in and chat with our experienced team!

🔗 Find out more about local groups and support near you: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/kent-family-hub/activities-and-groups-near-you

25/03/2026

🐣 Easter Events are now LIVE! 🐣

We’re kicking off the Easter break with our Easter Hunt – book your place here:
👉 https://buytickets.at/includesus2/2116484

We’ve also got a lovely line-up of activities planned for families to enjoy:

✨ Horse Riding
🌿 Step Out Forest School
🦁 Trip to Port Lympne

There’s something for everyone, but spaces are limited, so we’d recommend booking early to avoid missing out.

👉 Book here: https://includesus2.cademy.io/

We can’t wait to see you there 💛

23/03/2026

Address

Oakwood House, Oakwood Park, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent, (Meetings At Our Office Are By Appointment Only)
Maidstone
ME168AE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

03000 41 3000

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