Business Details
Empowering Children & Families Through Inclusive Support
KIDS has been dedicated to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families since our establishment. Our mission is to create a world where all kinds of children have all kinds of opportunities through tailored support, advocacy, and inclusive programs. With over four decades of experience, we provide life-changing services including SEND advice, mediation, play schemes, and youth groups, reaching thousands annually. Our approach celebrates individuality, fosters creativity, and prioritises collaboration to amplify the voices of those we serve. We work closely with local authorities, healthcare providers, and partner organisations to ensure families receive comprehensive support.Our commitment to quality and safety is reflected in our award-winning mediation service and extensive resources for navigating the SEND system. Through fundraising initiatives and community engagement, we strive to expand access to our services while maintaining transparency and accountability. Our team combines deep expertise with lived experience to deliver practical guidance on education, wellbeing, and independent living. By advocating for systemic change, we aim to improve the SEND support landscape for future generations.
Services
SEND Advice
Mediation
Play Schemes
Youth Groups
Parent Support
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience supporting children with SEND and their families
- Our services are tailored to individual needs through personalised support plans
- We advocate for systemic change to improve the SEND support landscape
- Our award-winning mediation service resolves disputes with local authorities
- We collaborate with 60+ local authorities and partner organisations nationwide
What people say
Life-changing opportunities
Award-winning mediation service
Expert SEND advice
Inclusive play schemes
Empowering youth groups
Services
SEND Advice
Our expert SEND advisors provide practical guidance on navigating the education system, securing appropriate support, and understanding legal rights. We offer tailored resources for families and young people aged 13-25. Our advice covers education, health, and care plans, school transitions, and dispute resolution.
Mediation
KIDS' award-winning mediation service helps families resolve disagreements with local authorities or health providers regarding SEND support. Our impartial mediators facilitate constructive conversations to achieve mutually agreeable solutions while maintaining statutory confidentiality requirements.
Play Schemes
We operate inclusive play schemes offering safe, stimulating environments for children with SEND to develop social skills and build friendships. Our staff receive specialist training in disability support, ensuring activities cater to diverse needs and abilities.
Youth Groups
Our youth groups provide peer support and personal development opportunities for young people with SEND aged 13-25. Activities focus on building confidence, independent living skills, and career readiness through workshops and social events.
Parent Support
We offer one-to-one support for parents navigating the challenges of raising children with SEND. Our specialists provide emotional support, practical strategies, and connections to local resources while advocating for family-centred care approaches.
People
Katie Ghose
Chief Executive Officer
Katie leads KIDS' strategic direction, leveraging 25+ years of experience in disability rights and education policy. She regularly contributes to national SEND reform discussions and oversees service development across 60+ local authorities.
Georgia Chambers
Service User Advocate
Georgia shares her lived experience as a young person with SEND to shape KIDS' services. She now teaches horse riding to other disabled youth and mentors participants in our independence programs.
Questions
How do I access KIDS' SEND advice services?
Visit our website's service finder, enter your postcode, and locate the nearest KIDS service. Alternatively, contact our head office for guidance on accessing local support.
What age groups do your services cover?
We support children and young people with SEND from early years (ages 0-5) through to adulthood (up to age 25), with specific programs tailored to different developmental stages.
Can families outside England receive support?
While our primary focus is England, we provide general SEND guidance resources applicable across the UK. Local service availability varies - check our service finder for specific locations.
How does KIDS involve young people in decision-making?
We operate the Collective Get Together annual event where 50+ young people with SEND shape our service priorities and participate in focus groups for new program development.
What training do your staff receive?
All staff complete specialist disability support training covering communication strategies, safeguarding, and person-centred planning. Mediators hold additional accreditation in conflict resolution.
How can I volunteer with KIDS?
Visit our careers page to view current volunteer opportunities. We require references and DBS checks for roles involving direct contact with children and young people.
