SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

Please be aware that due to service capacity issues the helpline will only be manned between Monday and Thursday.

We currently have a vacancy in South of Essex so therefore support in this area is reduced to telephone and email support only.

Parents and carers can also visit the Contact helpline via their website at www.contact.org.uk for information or call the free helpline on 0808 808 3555 between 9.30pm – 5pm Monday to Friday, or by email at helpline@contact.org.uk

Visit the New SENDIASS Website!

Essex SENDIASS

The Essex SENDIASS is a confidential and impartial information, advice and support service on issues related to special educational needs and disability (SEND). It is free and easy to access.

Who they support

They offer information, advice and support to:

children and young people (up to 25 years) with SEND
parents and carers of children with SEND
practitioners who might support children, young people or parents to access the service

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