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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🔴 Is your child feeling anxious about school? Not sure where to start or how to help?
🔴 This easy-to-follow guide is packed with practical advice for parents and carers -including tips on how to spot the signs, talk to your child, and work with school to build the right support.
📑 Find our full EBSA resource here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SO-Emotionally-Based-School-Absence-FULL-RESOURCE.pdf
If your child is struggling with school anxiety, you can make a huge difference in helping them feel supported and understood. Here are a few of our top tips:
🔴 Listen & Communicate - Take your child's concerns seriously. Ask what’s worrying them about school, stay calm, and provide emotional support. Reassure them that you’ll work together to make things better.
🔴 Stay Consistent - Stick with the strategies you try and be patient. Talk about small changes at school or home that could help. It might take time, so praise every step they take forward!
🔴 Manage the Anxiety - Help your child find ways to manage anxiety, like spending time with friends, listening to music, or drawing. A worry box might also help them express their feelings.
📑 For more tips and support, check out our 'How Can Parents Help Their Child' factsheet here 👉
https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SO-How-can-parents-help-their-child-School-AnxietyEBSA.pdf
We’ve created a helpful guide to explain what to expect during a Co-Production meeting - a key part of creating or reviewing your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan.
We talk about:
🔴 Who’s involved
🔴 What’s discussed
🔴 How to prepare
Co-production means collaboration - you are an equal partner in shaping your child’s support. If you have any questions or need help preparing, get in touch, we’re here to support you!
📑 Download the full factsheet here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EHCP-Co-Production-Meeting.pdf
📑 Unlock the Full Potential of EHCPs with our expert resources! We're thrilled to offer our comprehensive "EHCP Checklist" to help guide you. 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SO-EHCP-Checklist.pdf
📑 Discover our comprehensive guide for “Checking Your EHCP” here 👉 https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SO-Checking-your-EHCP-FULL-RESOURCE.pdf
🔴 Further guidance can also be found on IPSEA's website 👉
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/what-an-ehc-plan-contains
🔴 The Local Authority (LA) has a 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
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
