The complete checklist of support, rights, and entitlements that most families never find out about — with Milton Keynes-specific resources included.
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), there is a huge amount of support available — but nobody puts it all in one place.
Most families receive a basic list from their local authority: apply for DLA, maybe a Blue Badge, here’s a link to Universal Credit. But the full picture goes far beyond that. From a free cinema companion card to home adaptation grants, from custom-built disability equipment to SEN-friendly sessions at local venues — the support exists, but it takes real digging to find it all.
This is the checklist we wish every family received on day one.
You can request a specific school — mainstream, special, independent, or even out of borough. Once a school is named in Section I of the EHCP, your child has a right to a place there regardless of catchment or waiting lists. The local authority is responsible for funding the named placement, though the process of agreeing a school can take time and sometimes requires persistence.
If your child cannot reasonably walk to school due to their SEN or disability, they are entitled to free home-to-school transport — this could be a taxi, minibus, bus pass, or mileage allowance. This applies even to out-of-borough placements. Specific transport needs (such as a solo taxi or trained escort for sensory reasons) can be written into the EHCP. Availability and arrangements vary by local authority, so it’s worth discussing options early.
If your child’s EHCP specifies a certain level of support (e.g., a set number of hours of 1:1 TA time), your child is entitled to receive it. It helps to ensure that provision in the plan is specific and quantified rather than vague — for example, “25 hours/week of 1:1 support” is much clearer than “access to support as needed.” If there are gaps in delivery, the local authority holds overall responsibility for what’s in the plan.
If speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy is specified in Section F of the EHCP, the local authority is responsible for ensuring it is delivered. In practice, funding pressures on local authorities and the NHS can mean long waits or gaps in provision. It’s worth understanding which section your child’s therapies sit in — Section F (education) carries a stronger legal obligation than Section G (health), so where therapies are educationally necessary, having them in Section F gives families more clarity on who is responsible.
Extra time (25–50%+), a reader, scribe, rest breaks, separate room, modified papers, or a word processor. Applied for through the school’s SENCo. Your child’s EHCP is powerful evidence for the application.
Many families assume the EHCP ends at 16 or 18. It doesn’t. It can continue until age 25 as long as the young person is in education or training. Covers FE colleges, supported internships, specialist post-16 providers, and apprenticeships. The LA cannot cease it just because the young person turns 18.
If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, mental health, anxiety, or being between placements, the local authority has a duty to arrange alternative education. This could include home tuition, online learning, or a combination. The aim should be as close to full-time as your child’s condition allows. If you feel the provision offered is insufficient, SENDIAS or IPSEA can advise on your options.
If you disagree with a decision about your child’s EHCP — whether it’s a refusal to assess, the contents of the plan, or the school named — you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal at no cost. Free mediation is also available and can often resolve issues without a hearing. Organisations like IPSEA, SOS SEN, and local law centres offer free support to families going through this process.
Communication aids, eye-gaze devices, specialist seating, adapted IT, sensory equipment, and hearing systems can all be specified in the EHCP. When included in Section F, the local authority is responsible for ensuring provision. It’s worth noting that equipment specified in the plan should follow your child if they change schools.
Free holiday activities and meals during Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays. Primarily for children on free school meals, but LAs can extend 15% of places to other vulnerable children including those with EHCPs. Provision must be inclusive and accessible for children with SEND.
An NHS-funded care package for children with complex health needs, covering personal care, therapies, specialist nursing, overnight care, and equipment with no means test. Many families are unaware CHC exists. If your child’s primary need is health-related, they may be eligible — it’s worth asking your child’s paediatrician or community nurse about an assessment, though the process can be lengthy.
Free nappies, pull-ups, and bed pads for children over typical potty-training age (usually from 4–5) who have ongoing continence needs. Referral via GP, health visitor, or school nurse. Many families spend hundreds per year not knowing this service exists.
Free wheelchairs and postural seating. Personal Wheelchair Budgets let you manage your own provision. Community equipment services loan standing frames, specialist beds, hoists, bath seats — all free. If the NHS chair is inadequate, ask about the voucher/partnership scheme to upgrade.
NHS England funds regional AAC hubs providing high-tech communication devices (eye-gaze systems, speech-generating devices) at no cost. Referral from any professional — not just a consultant. Wait times are long; charities like Communication Matters can advise on interim solutions.
CAMHS waiting times can be very long. Under the Right to Choose policy, you can ask your GP to refer to an alternative qualified provider — including those who accept NHS-funded referrals (e.g., Psychiatry-UK for ADHD). It’s also worth asking whether your area has LD-CAMHS (specialist teams for learning disabilities), which can sometimes have shorter waits. Availability varies by area and provider capacity.
Families on low income or qualifying benefits can claim back travel costs to NHS appointments — fuel, parking, and public transport. Claim at the hospital cashier’s office or by post. Widely unclaimed.
Automatic with DLA higher rate mobility. Children aged 2+ can qualify. For hidden disabilities (autism, severe anxiety near traffic), discretionary applications are accepted. The badge belongs to the child and can be used in any vehicle they travel in.
Lease a new car, powered wheelchair, or scooter by assigning DLA higher rate mobility. Insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, and tyres all included. Up to 3 named drivers. Wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions available via the Motability Charitable Fund. Available from age 3.
Complete exemption — £0 road tax — if your child receives DLA higher rate mobility. Applies whether or not you use Motability.
A low-cost annual card that reduces rail fares for your child and a companion travelling with them. Discounts stack with standard child fares for significant reductions. Also works on Oyster in London.
Children with DLA higher rate mobility can apply for a free bus pass through their council for free off-peak travel under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. Some councils also issue a companion pass so the carer travels free too — but you must specifically ask for it.
A card that gets your carer/companion a free cinema ticket at every visit — Odeon, Cineworld, Vue, Curzon, Picturehouse, and most independents. Works for all formats including IMAX and 3D. Costs £6 for 5 years. Apply at ceacard.co.uk with DLA award letter. This is the single most under-used disability discount in the UK.
Lower volume, lights slightly up, relaxed attitude to movement and noise, no trailers. Cineworld runs them the first Sunday of every month. CEA Card accepted. Odeon and Vue also run them — check their accessibility pages.
Free Ride Access Pass (virtual queue, no standing in line). One carer goes free at the gate with DLA proof. Merlin Annual Pass holders who are disabled get a free carer annual pass on top — free entry for the carer all year.
Essential companions (carers) get free entry at all properties — no card needed. Many properties offer visual/social stories for autistic visitors, sensory backpacks to borrow, and relaxed early-morning openings. English Heritage membership for a disabled adult is discounted, and the carer membership is free.
Most major zoos (Chester, London, Whipsnade, Bristol, Edinburgh) offer free carer entry. Many now provide sensory backpacks (ear defenders, fidget toys, visual timers) and SEN-friendly early mornings. Always phone ahead.
Free carer admission. Ride access wristbands for queue avoidance. Runs specific SEN-friendly days with reduced capacity and lowered sensory stimulation — sign up to their mailing list as these sell out quickly.
Science Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, Museum of London and many others offer sensory backpacks to borrow — containing ear defenders, fidget items, visual schedules, and weighted lap pads. Free. Rarely promoted at the front desk. Just ask.
Most council leisure centres offer discounted or free memberships for disabled people. Carers often admitted free. Ask directly — schemes vary but are rarely advertised.
The Access Card (from Nimbus Disability, ~£15 for 3 years) gets you free carer/PA tickets, accessible camping, and viewing platforms at most major UK festivals (Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, etc.) and theatres. Replaces the need to repeatedly explain your disability.
Horse riding and carriage driving for disabled children at ~500 groups across the UK. Free or very low cost. Waiting lists are shorter than most people assume. Find your nearest group at rda.org.uk.
Replaced the old Short Breaks Voucher scheme from April 2026. Up to 8 funded sessions per year for children aged 4–19 with a current EHCP. Activities include creative arts, cooking, SportWorks, STEM, animal experiences, tutoring, and climbing. Drop-off sessions with trained staff. Book via EEQU platform. Contact: Ehcpplus@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Council-run residential short breaks home in Furzton, Ofsted rated “Good”. Capacity for up to 10 children aged 5–18 with learning disabilities. Single night to regular consecutive days. Contact the CWD Short Breaks Team: 01908 252042.
Registered carers get adult membership cards FREE at MK leisure centres with proof of carer status. Inclusive SEND splash swim sessions with exclusive pool use, toys, lowered music, and ramp access — Wednesdays 10–11am and last Saturday of each month 4–5pm.
TOP Jump: SEN sessions every Sunday 10–11am, carers free. Gravity (Centre:MK): Relaxed SEN sessions with entire park reserved. Safari MK: SEN sessions, carers free. Cineworld (Centre:MK): Autism-friendly screenings first Sunday of every month. Xscape: Fully accessible, support dogs welcome, adaptive sessions available.
Free, confidential, impartial advice for navigating SEND (0–25). Help with EHCP applications, annual reviews, and tribunal appeals. Phone: 01908 254518 (10am–3pm Mon–Fri). Website: mksendias.org.uk
The official parent-carer voice for Milton Keynes SEND. Connects families, runs events, and feeds into council decision-making. pacamk.org
MK Autism (mkautism.org.uk): Resource directory and family support. MK SNAP: Education and work training for adults 18+ with learning disabilities. Carers MK (01908 231703): Support for unpaid carers. Spectrum Community Arts: Drama/sensory clubs and youth clubs for SEN young people. MK Dons SET: Inclusive sport programmes.
Free bus pass (including adult companion pass if needed) for EHCP children who cannot walk to school. If public bus is unsuitable, apply for Alternative/SEN transport. Mileage reimbursement if parents drive. Contact: 01908 252526, STS@milton-keynes.gov.uk
| Service | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| MK SENDIAS | 01908 254518 | contact@mksendias.org.uk |
| CWD Short Breaks | 01908 252042 | CWDshortbreaks@milton-keynes.gov.uk |
| EHCP+ Programme | — | Ehcpplus@milton-keynes.gov.uk |
| School Travel Support | 01908 252526 | STS@milton-keynes.gov.uk |
| CWD Direct Payments | 01908 253617 | — |
| SEND Support (Council) | — | sendsupport@milton-keynes.gov.uk |
| Carers MK | 01908 231703 | mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org |
A non-means-tested allowance for children under 16 to help cover the additional costs that come with their disability. DLA is the “gateway” that unlocks most other support on this list — Blue Badges, transport concessions, carer support, and more. Two components: care (help your child needs) and mobility (help getting around, from age 3). If you haven’t applied, this is the place to start.
Recognition for the time you spend caring. Available if you provide 35+ hours of care per week and your child receives DLA middle or higher rate care. Even if your earnings mean it won’t be paid, still apply — the underlying entitlement can increase other support such as Universal Credit.
If you receive Universal Credit, you may be entitled to an additional element to reflect the extra costs of raising a child with a disability. There are two rates depending on your child’s DLA level. It’s worth reviewing whether your child’s current DLA rate still reflects their needs, as the difference between rates is significant.
Families with a disabled child receive double the standard government top-up toward registered childcare costs. Triggered by DLA. Most parents have no idea this enhanced rate exists — check if you’re using the standard rate when you’re entitled to more.
If your home has a room used mainly by your disabled child — for therapy, equipment, or because they need their own bedroom — you may be entitled to a council tax band reduction. This applies regardless of household income. Widely unclaimed.
Protects your State Pension record if you’re spending time caring instead of working. For parents who care 20+ hours/week but don’t receive Carer’s Allowance (e.g., earning over the threshold). Must be applied for separately — it’s not automatic.
You can request a personal budget for the provision in your child’s EHCP, which lets you arrange support directly — therapies, activities, holiday clubs, personal assistants — giving you more flexibility and choice. The local authority should consider your request, though how personal budgets work in practice varies. Your SENDIAS service can help you understand the options.
Grants for low-income families with disabled children for holidays, white goods (washing machines!), computers, clothing, bedding, sensory equipment, garden play equipment, and even driving lessons. Many families apply once and never again. You can reapply annually. familyfund.org.uk
A mandatory council grant for essential home adaptations: ramps, stairlifts, accessible bathrooms, hoists, extensions. Grants of up to £30,000 are available, and for children’s applications there is no means test — family income is not assessed. Many families wrongly assume they wouldn’t qualify and never apply.
Can loan specialist equipment (sleep systems, wheelchairs, car seats, standers) within 72 hours while you wait for NHS provision. Also gives equipment grants for items the NHS won’t fund. A lifeline for families stuck on NHS waiting lists. Apply via a health/social care professional.
Their innovation centre designs and builds custom disability equipment at no cost — sleep systems, activity chairs, bespoke items for children with brain conditions. Extraordinary service, massively under-claimed.
Volunteers custom-build one-off equipment and aids for free when nothing suitable exists commercially. If your child needs something unique that no supplier makes, Remap can design and build it.
Funds specialist equipment, therapies, mobility equipment, communication aids, family support, and family holidays. Also runs autism diagnosis pathways in some areas (reducing NHS waits). Must be under 18. caudwellchildren.com
Free wheelchairs and mobility equipment for children — including sports wheelchairs. Can often provide custom wheelchairs faster than the NHS.
Over the Wall: Free residential activity camps for seriously ill/disabled children and families. Calvert Trust: Accessible outdoor holidays (sailing, climbing, horse riding) with bursaries — they rarely turn families away for cost. Merlin’s Magic Wand: Free entry to Legoland, Alton Towers, Sea Life, etc. Family Holiday Charity: Free holidays for families who haven’t had one in 4+ years.
Not a grant itself but a search engine for charitable grants. Enter your circumstances and it finds grants you’re eligible for — often from small local charities you’d never find otherwise. turn2us.org.uk
If your family uses more water than average due to your child’s care needs (frequent bathing, extra laundry for continence, medical equipment), this scheme caps your metered bill at the average unmetered rate. You must be on a qualifying benefit. Apply via your water company. Very low uptake among eligible families.
Register with your energy supplier, water company, and telecoms provider for: priority reconnection during power cuts, advance notice of outages, meter reading support, and extra support during emergencies. Free, easy, and available from every utility. You just need to tell them you have a disabled child.
Since April 2024, all employees have the right to 1 week unpaid Carer’s Leave per year. Plus the right to request flexible working from day one. Check if your employer also has disability-related leave or carers’ policies.
A universal key that opens over 10,000 locked accessible toilets across the UK — motorway services, shopping centres, train stations, parks, council buildings. Costs ~£5 from Disability Rights UK. Many families don’t know these exist. Life-changing for days out.
Full-room accessible toilets with hoists, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers. Over 2,000 in the UK and growing — now legally required in new large public buildings. Many families plan entire outings around these. Directory at changingplaces.org.
Free green lanyard with sunflower pattern signalling a hidden disability. Recognised at most airports, supermarkets, train stations, hospitals, theme parks, and shops. Also available as a card, wristband, or badge. Many airports now offer dedicated sunflower assistance including priority boarding and quiet waiting areas.
~£15 for 3 years. Shows your access needs using simple symbols on a credit-card-sized card. Accepted at hundreds of venues for discounts, free carer tickets, and priority access — including major festivals and theatres. Replaces repeatedly explaining or proving disability.
Free special assistance at all UK airports — covers hidden disabilities, autism, and anxiety. Book 48 hours ahead. Many airports offer familiarisation visits, sensory rooms, and visual stories. Manchester, Gatwick, and Birmingham airports all have sensory rooms in departures.
Turn2us (turn2us.org.uk): Benefits calculator and grants finder. Entitledto (entitledto.co.uk): Independent benefits calculator. Both are free and take about 10 minutes to check what you’re missing.
Contact (freephone helpline for families with disabled children — their advice is a goldmine). IPSEA (free legal advice on SEN education and tribunals). Scope helpline (covers all disabilities). MK SENDIAS (01908 254518 — free, impartial, local). Citizens Advice (benefits and rights). SENDIASS (every council must have one — hugely underused).
MK SEND Local Offer: mksendlocaloffer.co.uk
Changing Places map: changingplaces.org
CEA Card: ceacard.co.uk
Family Fund: familyfund.org.uk
Autism in Museums: autisminmuseums.com
RADAR Key: via Disability Rights UK shop
Print this checklist. Go through it line by line. Tick off what you already have, and look into what you might be missing. Share it with every SEN parent you know — because nobody puts this all together for us.
Explore SenHaven →