Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the questions we get asked the most about everything SENDIASS
Q
What is a SENDIASS?
Q What is a SENDIASS?
SENDIASS stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Information, Advice, Support Service offering impartial, confidential information to young people (16-25) and parent/carers of children with SEND. Find out more on our About Us page.
Q
Is SENDIASS impartial if based at the LA?
Q Is SENDIASS impartial if based at the LA?
Yes. Though funded by the Local Authority, SENDIASS must operate at arm’s length and provide impartial advice.
Q
What happens to my personal information?
Q What happens to my personal information?
Your data is stored securely on our own database (separate from the LA) and only shared with consent, unless there’s a risk of harm.
Q
Will SENDIASS support over 16s?
Q Will SENDIASS support over 16s?
Yes. Young people aged 16–25 with SEND can get advice on education, health, and social care. Young People can contact us directly. See our Information for Young People section for more information.
Q
What are Special Educational Needs?
Q What are Special Educational Needs?
A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her. See our School SEN Support page for more information.
Q
What is Special Educational Provision?
Q What is Special Educational Provision?
Special educational provision is any educational or training provision that is additional to, or different from, that made generally for other children or young people of the same age.
Q
What should I do if I think my child has SEN?
Q What should I do if I think my child has SEN?
Speak to your child’s teacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to discuss any concerns you have. It’s also useful to read the schools SEND policy on their website.
Q
What happens when my child is identified as having Special Educational Needs?
Q What happens when my child is identified as having Special Educational Needs?
Schools will follow a graduated or SEN response in line with the SEND Code of Practice and its own SEND policy.
Q
Does my child need a diagnosis to get support?
Q Does my child need a diagnosis to get support?
No. Support is based on needs, not diagnosis. Schools must make reasonable adjustments to support their needs if they are not making expected progress.
Q
What are the 4 areas of SEN?
Q What are the 4 areas of SEN?
Communication & Interaction, Cognition & Learning, Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH), Sensory/Physical needs. See our About Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for more information.
Q
What is and Education, Health and Care Plan?
Q What is and Education, Health and Care Plan?
An EHCP is a legal document detailing education, health, and care needs and the required support. LA’s must ensure delivery. See our Education Health and Care Plans page for more information.
Q
What is an EHC Needs Assessment?
Q What is an EHC Needs Assessment?
A detailed review of a child’s needs and required support to see if an EHCP is necessary. Parents, schools, or young people can request it. See our EHC Needs Assessments page for more information.
Q
What is a Draft EHCP?
Q What is a Draft EHCP?
Before finalising an EHCP, you must first receive a draft copy. You can review and request changes if needed to ensure accuracy.
Q
What is an Annual Review?
Q What is an Annual Review?
A yearly review of the EHCP to check if needs or support should change or remain. See our Annual Review page for more information.
Q
How do I challenge a decision mad by the LA?
Q How do I challenge a decision mad by the LA?
When making a decision, the LA must notify you in writing with the reason for the decision and information on your right to appeal.
Q
What is mediation?
Q What is mediation?
A confidential meeting with LA and an independent mediator to try to resolve issues before appealing to the SEND Tribunal. See our Mediation page for more information.
Q
How do I appeal to the SEND Tribunal?
Q How do I appeal to the SEND Tribunal?
After mediation or obtaining a certificate, you can appeal to the tribunal, which reviews the case legally. Depending on the type of appeal, you will need to complete the relevant form. See our SEND Tribunal page for more information.