Havering SENDIASS provides free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support on matters relating to education, health and social care. We offer support to parents/carers of children with SEND aged 0-16 years and also directly to young people aged 16-25 years with SEND, although we can support young people via their parents/carers if the young person would prefer this option (and gives their consent) or if the young person lacks mental capacity.
Havering SENDIASS can:
- Provide impartial advice and information
- Give practical support
- Explain the different stages of the education, health and care needs process
- Read through draft education, health and care plans and assist parents/carers/young people with any suggested amendments that need to be made
- Accompany parents/carers/young people to meetings to support them and ensure their voice is heard. (depending on case officer availability)*
- Negotiate on behalf of parents/carers and young people in appropriate circumstances
- Providing advocacy for parents/carers and young people between the place of education or Local Authority or other parties if necessary
- Liaise with other professionals including social services
- Signpost parents/carers and young people to relevant services such as support groups or professional agencies
- Assist parents/carers and young people to make informed decisions on a range of issues, including identifying suitable schools (however we cannot decide for you or name a school)
- Provide information on education transfer stages
- Prepare for annual reviews for education, health and care plans
* The service provides support via a blended approach which could include emails, telephone and attendance at meetings either face-to-face or virtually if appropriate. Please note that SENDIASS endeavour to respond to enquires within a 5 working day time frame, but this may vary based on individual cases or during busy periods.