What is Kernow Education Advice Line?
Welcome to the Kernow Education Advice Line (KEAL).
KEAL provides early advice, guidance and information for parents, carers and students with questions or concerns about education. We help families understand learning, education choices and how children are feeling - and support them to get the right help at the right time.
When you phone KEAL, you will speak to an Advisor. The KEAL Advisors work alongside colleagues in the Early Help Hub, MARU and the Family Information Service.
KEAL Phone Number: 01872 324497
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:45am–5:15pm
Friday 8:45am–4:45pm
Closed on Bank Holidays
What can KEAL do?
KEAL provides advice and support.
We can support you to find help with education for your child
We can point you to helpful local groups and services
We can help you find the right help at the right time
We can help you understand how to support your child to go to school
We can help explain things like attendance, exams, assessments that your child(ren) might be going through
We can help you feel more confident about what to do next
We are here to listen to you
Listen to our podcast about the Kernow Education Advice Line on Spotify
Examples of questions KEAL may be able to help with
What will my child be doing when they start school?
My child has started to get anxious about school, how can I support them?
My child is struggling to attend school regularly; how can I support them?
I am worried that my child has learning needs, what should I do?
How should I communicate with school if I have an issue?
What are the consequences of taking my child out of school during term time?
Can I defer my child's school place?
My/my child’s exam results have been different to what was expected/predicted, and I have questions about what to do next?
What date does my child go back to school?
Where can I find activities that are open to my child over the summer holidays?
I am worried about my child starting primary/secondary/post-16 education
How can I support my child to be ready for September?
Is my child entitled to free school meals?
I’m struggling with understanding my child, is there anything I can be doing to help?
KEAL works alongside, but does not replace, statutory or specialist services. If you are already receiving support or have spoken with services such as, SEND System Navigators, Family Worker, Social Worker or Education Welfare, it’s possible that we may not be able to offer additional advice or guidance beyond what you have already been given. However, we are always happy to listen and help you explore any remaining questions where we can.
If you are unsure if we can help with your question, please give us a call and speak to one out our KEAL Advisors.
How do I know if KEAL is the right service for me?
We already have support from a Social Worker or Family Worker
Your Social Worker or Family Worker will know you and your family and be able to offer advice and support.
I/we have received a Penalty Notice
Visit - Penalty Notices - Cornwall Council
Telephone: 01872 324201 (Phones are available 9:00am-4:45pm, Monday-Friday, term time only)
educationwelfare@cornwall.gov.uk
I/we have questions about a health concern for my child(ren) including:
sleep
child development
support with behaviour
toileting and continence
feeding and nutrition
immunisations
keeping safe and healthy
childhood illnesses and support with medical conditions at school
emotional, mental health and wellbeing
relationships
smoking and vaping
drugs and alcohol
Visit - Health advice for children and young people - Cornwall Council
Cornwall Young People Line: Text 07312 263 096
Cornwall Parents/carers of children aged 0-5: Text 07312 263 423
Cornwall Parents/carers of children aged 5-19: Text 07312 263 499
Telephone: 01872 324261
Email: hvsnadvice@cornwall.gov.uk
My/Our child has an EHCP
Speak to your child’s school SENDCo
Visit - SEND System Navigators - Cornwall Council
01872 324242
I/we want to change our child’s school place
Visit - School admissions - Cornwall Council
Telephone: 0300 1234 101
I/we need help around school travel
Visit - Home to School and Post-16 Travel - Cornwall Council
Email - studenttravel@cornwall.gov.uk
I/we want you to contact the school for us
We cannot contact the school on your behalf. We can work with you to help you prepare for a conversation with your child’s school. Please give us a call.
I/we are thinking about taking our child out of school to educate our child at home
Discuss this with your child’s current school/education setting
Visit - Educating your child at home - Cornwall Council
I/we need help because my child is unable to attend school because of medical needs (Section 19)
I/we have a question about EOTAS
Visit - Different types of settings for children with SEND - Cornwall Council