SENDiass stands Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services offer information, advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Children, young people and their parents and carers where a child or young person has or may have special educational needs or a disability are able to access the service for free, impartial and confidential information and advice.

“Local authorities must arrange for children with SEN or disabilities for whom they are responsible, and their parents, and young people with SEN or disabilities for whom they are responsible, to be provided with information and advice about matters relating to their SEN or disabilities, including matters relating to health and social care.”

SEND Code of Practice 2014, DfE

How they help: 

• listening to your concerns and explaining what options are available
• explaining how education settings can support children and young people with special educational needs/a disability
• giving you information about what the law is and what your choices are, to help you make your own decisions
• supporting you where required at meetings and helping you to get your views across
• finding voluntary groups and other agencies that can also support you, with the help of the Essex Local Offer
• guiding you through the Education, Health and Care Needs assessment process
• supporting you in discussions with education settings and the local authority where a child or young person is at risk of exclusion or has been excluded
• advise you on processes for resolving disagreements, SEND Tribunal processes and means of redress
• consulting parents, children and young people and ensuring your views influence the development of local policy and practice for children and young people with special educational needs and disability