We are a statutory service that provides impartial advice and support to:
- children and young people (aged 0-25 years old) with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities
- parents and carers of children and young people with SEN and disabilities
We offer confidential information on a range of topics, including:
- education
- health
- social care
- support groups and leisure
Sheffield special educational needs and disability information, advice and support (SSENDIAS) is citywide.
We take referrals directly from children, young people with SEN and disabilities and their parents or carers, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
We aim to empower parents to make informed decisions.
How we can help you
There are a range of ways we that can support, including:
- someone to talk to – we will listen to your views and concerns
- explaining the roles and responsibilities of schools, the Local Authority
- explaining the rights of children/young people and parents/ carers with such as Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans, SEN support and My Plans
- helping you to prepare for meetings such as annual reviews, SEND reviews and disagreement resolution
- when possible a case worker may be able to attend meetings
- communication between you and other services, such as the local authority, nursery, school or college
- explaining the differences between the national policy, law and local SEN policies, including your rights and responsibilities
- discussing your options and the pros and cons of each
- supporting you to make a complaint or to take part in disagreement resolution, mediation and tribunal appeals
- advice and support if your child is excluded
- signposting to other relevant services
- drop in SEN advice sessions
- signposting to local support groups, activities and benefits support