News and blogs | Contact

BBC publishes Education Health and Care plan waiting times

Wednesday 9th January 2019

The BBC has published results from Freedom of Information requests on waiting times for Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans in England.

Government publishes 10 year plan for NHS England

Monday 7th January 2019

The government has today published its 10 year plan for the NHS in England. The plan includes a clear focus on children and young people including increased funding for mental health services and improved autism diagnosis, which is welcomed.

Campaigning through the seasons

Saturday 29th December 2018

Our Head of Campaigns, Una Summerson, outlines how this year we have supported more families than ever before to campaign. With your help we’ve been able to shine a light on cuts to short breaks, school transport and financial support in Parliament, in Downing Street and in the media.

Happy Christmas from everyone at Contact

Tuesday 25th December 2018

We want to say a big thank you and happy Christmas to all families who've supported us over the last year.

Our helpline opening hours over Christmas

Thursday 20th December 2018

Our helpline will be closed from 2pm on Monday 24 December and then will re-open on 2 January at the usual time of 9:30am - 5pm.

"Death by a thousand cuts" - MPs debate changes to disability support

Wednesday 19th December 2018

Later today, MPs will debate the cumulative impact of changes to disability support. Earlier our Head of Campaigns, Una Summerson, went to brief MPs about the changes to disability support affecting families with disabled children.

Contact responds to school funding announcement

Monday 17th December 2018

Contact responds to school funding announcement Earlier this year, Contact expressed concern about the pressure on high needs funding for children with special educational needs (SEN) England. On Sunday, the secretary of state, Damien Hinds MP, speaking on SKY News made a series of announcements on SEND high needs funding.

Applying for a primary school place? Listen to our new podcast

Friday 14th December 2018

In this podcast, our education adviser Jill offers her advice on how to think about the schools you want to apply for.

Huge increase in families forced to take out loans to heat homes

Tuesday 11th December 2018

While, Brexit dominates Parliament, today there will be a debate on fuel poverty. This is a topic that is very relevant to the families we support as heating and utility bills have consistently been rated the biggest extra costs facing families with disabled children.

Contact’s response to publication of Ofsted’s annual report

Thursday 6th December 2018

The publication of Ofsted's Annual Report 2017/18 this week highlights the scale of the challenge to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and reveals worrying gaps in the provision available.