FAQ

What is SEN Helper and how does it work?

SEN Helper uses ChatGPT but is set up to work in a specific way that's different from a general chat. It's designed specifically to help UK parents and carers understand SEND reports, processes, and information, especially EHCPs, statutory assessments, tribunal letters, and complex forms. When something is complicated, SEN Helper breaks it down step by step, splitting things into small manageable parts and explaining what each section means. It points out important information including deadlines, rights, and next steps.

Who is SEN Helper for?

SEN Helper supports UK families caring for anyone from 0-25 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Will SEN Helper explain confusing SEND terminology?

Yes. SEN Helper uses plain English and avoids jargon. It will explain SEND terminology like EHCPs, statutory assessments, provision, graduated approach, and other terms that can feel confusing. It offers gentle and supportive responses throughout.

Can SEN Helper point me to other organisations for support?

Yes. SEN Helper will help you understand what a report or letter means and suggest what might be helpful to ask next. It will signpost you to trusted UK organisations like IPSEA, SENDIASS, and condition-specific charities.

What will SEN Helper NOT do?

SEN Helper will NOT guess - if something isn't clear, it will tell you. It will also NOT give legal or medical advice. It doesn't replace solicitors, doctors, teachers, or other professionals. Instead, it helps you understand what's written and suggests questions or next steps you could raise with them.

How do I start using SEN Helper?

If you click the link we provide, it will take you straight into ChatGPT and you can start using SEN Helper immediately. You can use it for free even if you don't have a paid ChatGPT account.

Will SEN Helper remember me or my child's information?

No. SEN Helper is an 'Agent', which means it will not remember you or learn from your chats. It will not build a profile of you or your child. When your conversation ends, it won't recognise you next time, remember the conversation, or carry details about you into future chats. However, it will remember what you discuss within the same chat session.

Who can see my chats?

You are the only person who can see your chats and any information you share with SEN Helper. OpenAI (the company that owns ChatGPT) may use your chats in an anonymous way to improve how the system works, but they won't use this to identify you personally.

Can I share sensitive information about my child?

If you need to share sensitive or emotional information, it's okay to keep details general and avoid names, addresses, or anything that could identify you or your child. SEN Helper can help you work out what's safe to share or reword sensitive information so it feels more comfortable to use.

Can I make SEN Helper remember my child's situation?

If you want ChatGPT to remember your specific situation and your child's needs over time, you can build your own personalised Agent. To do this, you would need to buy a ChatGPT subscription. Paid accounts give you access to privacy settings that let you control what information is stored and how it's used, including turning off chat history or limiting how your chats are used for training.