About Us
We are the Southampton Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice, and Support Service. (SENDIASS)
Every Local Authority in England must commission an Information, Advice and Support (IAS) service for their area about; matters relating to children and young people with SEND, enabling them to participate in decision making processes, and help them to achieve the best possible educational and other outcomes.Â
We work under the Rose Road Association who are commissioned to provide the SENDIAS service for the Southampton,  and West Berkshire areas.
The Rose Road Association is a charity that provides services for children and young adults with severe physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and/or autism, and their families.Â
To find out more about the Rose Road Association, head over to their website here.
What We Do
SEND
A service for those living or working with ages 0-25yrs with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Information
Providing factual information found in SEND law and practices as well as local knowledge and signposting
Advice
Providing impartial advice on what steps to take in the areas of Education, Health, and Social Care
Support
Providing confidential individualised support to empower those who seek our assistance
How it Works
Question
Submit your question and details listed on the Enquiry Form on our Contact Us page
Information Support
Triage answer your query with initial information and resources designed for parents
It is up to you to come back to us if this doesn’t give you all the information you need
Triage Support
If further support is needed
Adviser Support
Intense Adviser Support
End of Support
SENDIASS Process Flowchart
Testimonials
Feedback really helps us improve our service. If you have a complaint, or want to give us some positive feedback then let us know your thoughts on our service by taking this quick survey!
Follow us on Socials
🔴 The Local Authority (LA) has an ABSOLOUTE legal obligation to provide suitable, full-time alternative education for children of compulsory school age who, due to illness, exclusion, or other reasons, are unable to receive appropriate education unless alternative arrangements are made. This requirement applies regardless of whether or not your child has an EHC Plan.
📑 Read our factsheet for further guidance on what alternative provision looks like and how it works here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SO-Alternative-Provision-School-AnxietyEBSA.pdf
🔴 Does your child or young person come home from school feeling distressed and overwhelmed, but the school reports they’re doing "fine" with no concerns? If this sounds familiar, your child may be masking their needs at school.
📑 We have a factsheet on our website with helpful information and strategies to support your child - Find it here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SO-Masking-in-School.pdf
🔴 Did you know that many students avoid school due to emotional and mental health challenges?
🔴 This is known as Emotionally Based School Avoidance/Absence (EBSA). It's a significant issue affecting nearly 3 in 10 secondary school pupils.
🔴 EBSA can stem from anxiety, bullying, family difficulties, and more. It’s crucial for schools and parents, to work together to support these students and help them overcome these difficulties.
📑 Find our 'What Is Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA)' here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SO-Emotionally-Based-School-Absence-FULL-RESOURCE.pdf
#EBSA #mentalhealthmatters #educationforall
#SupportOurStudents #sendiass
🔴 We've created a simple step-by-step flow chart to help you navigate the Annual Review of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Whether you're new to the process or just need a refresher, this visual guide breaks down each stage — from planning the meeting to what happens after.
📑 You can download the flow chart here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Annual-Review-Flow-Chart.pdf
💻 Our webinar, 'Annual Review of an EHC Plan' is available to watch here 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He2qAKN4DKg
🔴 EBSA can lead to children and young people avoiding school altogether or missing significant amounts of school time - This can have a profound impact on their learning and development. They may fall behind academically and miss out on important lessons, leading to gaps in their education.
📑 Read our factsheet 'How EBSA Affects A Child's Learning' here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SO-How-School-AnxietyEBSA-affects-a-childs-learning.pdf
🔴 Choosing a school for your child can be a big decision — and even more challenging when your child has a disability or special educational needs.
📑 We’ve created a helpful factsheet packed with tips on what to consider when choosing a school, along with a free printable question grid designed to support parents and carers of primary-age children through the process. You can access the factsheet and question grid here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SO-Choosing-a-School-Secondary-QA.docx
💻 Our webinar, 'Choosing a Nursery, School, or College for your child with SEN' is available to watch here 👉 https://youtu.be/3EfJPLK8p4Q
Meet the Team
All Triage Officers and Advisors have completed professional SEND legal training run by the Independent Provider of Special Educational Advice (IPSEA). This means they can give you accurate, relevant, and legally based information about your rights and responsibilities and those of schools, colleges, the Local Authority and education professionals.
Most of our team also have lived personal experience of the SEND education system, adding an extra layer to their skills and understanding. We also attend regular training and updates on SEND issues. Find out more about our team below!
The SENDIASS Team are
- DBS Checked
- Professionally Trained
- Regulated
- Experienced
- Needs Driven
- Empowering
- Supportive
- Compassionate
Sarah
Administrator
Emma Fraser
Triage Officer
Two of our four children have SEN. I was first introduced to SENDIASS when looking for support, first for our daughter and then later our son. The information and advice given by SENDIASS gave me the tools and confidence to support and make the right decisions for my children’s education.Â
Once my children were settled back into education I returned to college, firstly to retake my GCSEs and then to complete a Diploma in Health and Social care with the hope that I could someday provide other parents and young people impartial advice and the tools needed to empower them to make informed decisions regarding education, health and social care.
After completing my Diploma I initially volunteered at SENDIASS before joining the team as a administrative assistant.
Having first hand experience of the difficulties that can arise when your child has SEN means that I understand when listening to parents concerns and questions and hope to provide individualised support to help their children reach their full potential.
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
We have two dogs so spend a lot of time walking in the New Forest with them. I also enjoy reading and learning new cooking recipes.
Fun fact about me:Â
I have just started swimming lessons for the first time at the age of 46 as my goal is to join my family in water sport activities rather than watching from the sideline.
Charlene Hemmings
Triage Officer
Many years ago I volunteered at a local playgroup, offering respite care for children with disabilities. After having my own children, I went on to study for a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Childcare and worked in a Pre-school as an Early Years Practitioner. Whilst I loved working with the children, I felt that I wanted to be able to offer more support and advice to families, which led me to this role at Rose Road.
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
I love to bake cakes….and eat them! As a family we love trips to the beach or the forest. I really enjoy being creative and have attempted many different crafts including floristry, pottery, painting and bread making….I’m not very good but it’s fun having a go!
Fun fact about me:Â
One day I WILL complete the Couch 2 5K app all the way to the end and start to actually enjoy running! One day…..!
Jasmine Dace
Triage Officer
As a child I was a young carer for my brother and my mum. I have several years of practical experience working with disabled young people, helping them to overcome their difficulties and realise their abilities… and have fun doing it! Now, I am enjoying using my skills and knowledge to help families to achieve better outcomes for their loved ones with SEND difficulties. I am also a Msc Psychology student hoping to eventually become an Educational Psychologist!
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
I love exploring nature and the outdoors, cooking delectable dinners, and collecting crystals. Â
Fun Fact about me:
I am also very creative, with a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration and previous involvement performing lead roles in theatre shows.
Shona
Parent/Carer Adviser
Lauren
Parent/Carer Adviser
Richard
Parent/Carer Adviser
I have been working with Roseroad since 2010 at the start of Parent Voice. I have worked on the Community Buddy scheme since its inception in 2011 and as an Independent Supporter with the introduction of the Education , Health and Care plan from 2014-2018.
SEND is a complex system incorporating a huge amount of law, guidance , responsibilities , case law and in many cases misunderstanding and interpretation. As an advisor we provide independent advice to help families navigate  through the system. I understand how frustrating the system can be from my own experience bringing up my son, who is severely autistic. I hope through my training and experience I can help and support families to get the right support and guidance, to ensure their children reach their full potential
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
Reading, Football, Cycling
Emma
Programme Manager
