A father has designed and created an app to help SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) families navigate the challenges of accessing information to support their children. Colin Jones, 38 from Warrington has two children with additional needs and him and his family found sourcing the information around SEND support difficult. He claimed that finding appropriate information and contacts was a minefield.

He wanted a centralised place to support and welcome families who needed a streamlined service to access appropriate information. The app is designed to be a centralised directory of SEND services. The app categorises information with links to useful resources and information of local clubs and activities that will cater for the needs of the child. The app also has a community forum where parents can network and communicate with like-minded people. Charities are linked to the app, so parents know who is best to contact to support their child.

The app is called UK SEND Compass and is completely free to download.

https://uk-send-compass.com/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/art...

1. What inspired the parent to create the app?

2. Who is the app designed to help?

3. Follow the link to access the website/app. Click ‘Browse first’ and have a look around. Which area of the website/app do you think could be most useful for parents?