What is SENDIASS?

SENDIASS is the Special Educational Needs and Disability, Information Advice and Support Service.

SENDIASS is a free and impartial service for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents and carers. SENDIASS provides information, advice and support in relation to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside related health and social care matters.

Our aim is to empower families, by providing the information they need to make informed choices and to actively participate in SEND processes.

All local authorities have a SENDIASS, if you do not live in North Lincolnshire, you can find your local service here.

What does impartiality mean?

The SEND Code of Practice says:

The information, advice and support should be impartial and provided at arm’s length from the local authority and Clinical Commissioning Groups. (2.8)

This means that we do not take sides or tell you what to do and the information we provide is based in relevant guidance and legislation.

The team are trained through IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice) and use this knowledge to help empower parents, carer’s and young people to make informed choices.

Who can we help?

We can give information, advice and support to children and young people (between the ages of 0- 25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents and carers.

We can also offer information and advice to professionals.

What can we help with?

We can provide information, advice and support relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and related health and social care matters.

The topics that SENDIASS can help with include;

• SEN Support in School
• Education Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment
• Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Annual Review
• Preparing for and getting the most out of meetings
• Transitions
• Resolving Disagreements
• SEND Tribunal Appeals and Mediation
• SEND Complaints and Disability Discrimination
• Suspension and Permanent Exclusion

If you are unsure if we can help you, please get in touch and we can discuss this with you.

We cannot provide advice on financial matters or benefits, however, we can sign post you to services who may be able to help.

How can I get in touch?

You can contact SENDIASS through our Helpline and call back service, email or through this website on our enquiry form.