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 generic advice.
Sheffield SEND Information and Advice Service (SSENDIAS)
Sheffield SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SSENDIAS) are a statutory service. They support young people, parents/carers of children and young people (0-25 years old) who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
SSENDIAS offer impartial, confidential information, advice & support to parents/carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This is for education and related health and social care needs.
They are joint commissioned and funded by The Local Authority and Integrated Care Board.
Guidelines for referrals
- Child or young person 0- 25 has special educational needs. They do not need a diagnosis.
- Child or young person does not need to attend a Sheffield School/ college but must live in Sheffield. All Councils have a SENDIAS service. Find your local IAS service
They can help with
- Explaining SEND law, legislation, policies, both national and local.
- Your rights and options
- SEN Support in nurseries, schools, colleges, and other educational establishments
- Advice around Education Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment and Plans
- Suspension & 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
They offer
- Parent Information Sessions and webinars on FAQ’s (frequently asked questions)
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- SEN Support
- EHC Needs Assessment
- Checking a draft plan
- Transition and your options.
- A website containing useful SEND information.
- A newsletter each term.
- Social media channels on both Facebook and Instagram
- An advice line to discuss your query and offer information and advice. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, with a voicemail service at all times.
- Appointments with caseworkers or Young Peoples Involvement Officer for complex cases. Please call the advice line, email, or fill in the contact form on their website.
How to refer
Young people, parents and carers refer themselves to the service.
- Tel: 0114 273 6009
- Email: ssendias@sheffield.gov.uk
- Website: www.sheffieldsendias.org.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SheffieldSENDIAS
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sheffield_ias/