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.
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.
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!
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🔴 Our role as an information, advice, and support service (IASS) is to help parents/carers, children, and young people build their knowledge, understanding, and confidence in SEND procedures, policies, practices, and law - enabling them to communicate their own needs, wishes, aims, and rights.
🔴 The aim of Southampton SENDIASS is always to enable parents/carers and young people to make confident, independent, and informed decisions. We will therefore assess every situation to understand the level of support required.
📑 This chart outlines the four levels of support we offer. To better understand our process, we’ve provided a link to our SENDIASS process flowchart. This chart outlines the four levels of support we offer. 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Southampton-SENDIASS-Process-Flow-Chart.pdf
🔴 If a child or young person has Special Educational Needs (SEN) but does not have an EHC plan, they are still entitled to the support necessary to meet their needs. This additional support is called SEN support.
🔴 SEN support received by the child or young person should be REVIEWED by everyone involved to see if it is working. If it is, it might continue. If it is not working, or if the outcomes have been achieved, some of the arrangements might be changed.
🔴 The SEND Code of Practice (2015) is not specific about the frequency of reviews, but termly would fit in with the requirement to meet parents three times per year. Parents should be fully involved.
The following graduated approach should be followed:
1️⃣ Assess ➖ Identify the child's needs and gather information from various sources, including teachers, parents, and specialists.
2️⃣ Plan ➖ Develop an individualised support plan tailored to the child's specific needs, setting clear, achievable goals.
3️⃣ Do ➖ Implement the support plan, providing the necessary resources and interventions.
4️⃣ Review ➖ Regularly monitor the child's progress and adjust the plan as needed to ensure it remains effective.
🔴 If a child requires more intensive support, they may be considered for an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, which provides a more detailed and legally binding document outlining the support they need.
📑 You can read our factsheet about SEN support in School here 👉
https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SO-SEN-Support-Summary-Sheet.pdf
🌐 Further guidance can also be found on the IPSEA website here 👉https://www.ipsea.org.uk/FAQs/sen-support
🌐 A child does not need a formal diagnosis in order to receive support in school. Support should be available based on the child’s needs.
Further detailed guidance is available here 👉
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/blog/the-myth-of-needing-a-diagnosis-before-you-can-get-support
#SENSupport #InclusiveEducation #GraduatedApproach #EducationForAll #sendiass
🔴 Are you planning to appeal the decision? We understand how frustrating this process can be — it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or even discouraged.
📅❗ Make note of your appeal deadline ❗📅
Make sure to record any key dates in your calendar or diary - You must submit your appeal form to the SEND Tribunal within two months of the LA’s decision letter, or within one month of receiving your mediation certificate — whichever gives you more time. If your deadline falls in August, you have until the first working day in September to submit your form.
📑 Please find our 'Appealing a Refusal to Assess Decision' factsheet here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Appealing-a-Refusal-to-Assess-an-EHCP-Decision.pdf
📑 You can also find our guide on completing the 'SEND35a' form here👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/How-to-compete-a-SEND35a-Form.pdf
💻 Our webinar, 'What to do if an EHC needs assessment is refused,' is available to watch here 👉 https://youtu.be/eDiIJb6cCUU
🔴 If you're not satisfied with the school or setting named in your child's EHCP, you have the right to appeal. Southampton SENDIASS provides a clear guide on how to navigate this process.
🤔 Key Reasons for Appeal:
🔴 Unsuitability: The named school is not suitable for your child's age, ability, aptitude, or special educational needs.
🔴 Incompatibility: Attending the named school would be incompatible with the efficient education of others or the efficient use of resources.
💡 Ensure that Sections B (needs) and F (provision) of the EHCP accurately reflect your child's requirements, as the Tribunal will select a school that can meet these needs.
📑 Please find our 'Appealing The School Named In EHCP Decision' factsheet here 👉https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SO-Appealing-the-School-Named-in-your-EHCP-2024.pdf
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
