Sheffield SEND Information and Advice Service (SSENDIAS)

Sheffield SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SSENDIAS) is a statutory service. It offers impartial, confidential support to children and young people (0-25) who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their parents/carers.

It is joint commissioned and funded by The Local Authority and Integrated Care Board.

What we can help with

SENDIASS can help with:

your rights
explaining SEND law, legislation, policies, both national and local
SEN support in nurseries, schools, colleges and other educational establishments
advice around Education Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment and Plans
suspension and exclusion advice
support to resolve disagreements and complaints procedures
SEND mediation and appeals
preparing for adulthood
school transport
preparing for educational transitions
communication between you and other services
advocacy for children, young people and families
signposting to voluntary and other agencies

What we offer

SENDIASS offers:

parent information sessions and webinars
SEN support
EHC Needs Assessments
checking over a draft plan
transition and your options
an advice line open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, with a voicemail service
appointments with caseworkers or Young Peoples Involvement Officer for complex cases
a newsletter each term
social media channels on Facebook and Instagram

Who is eligible for a referral

child or young person 0-25 with special educational needs (they do not need a diagnosis)
child or young person must live in Sheffield but does not need to attend a Sheffield school or college

Who can refer

Young people, parents and carers can refer themselves to SSENDIAS. Professionals are not able to refer families, but can speak to SSENDIAS for general advice.