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What is SENDIASS?

We are the Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice, and Support Service (SENDIASS). There is a SENDIASS in every Local Authority area in England, and we support people who live in Coventry. 

Here's a short video which explains what SEND IASS does.

Since 2014, there has been guidance put in place called the "SEND Code of Practice". This recognised how important it is for young people with additional needs to be involved in decisions made about the support they receive.

The Code of Practice says that in carrying out their functions;

"....local authorities....must have regard to:

  • the views, wishes, and feelings of the child or young person, and the child's parents
  • the importance of the child or young person, and the child's parents, participating as fully as possible in decisions and being provided with the information and support necessary to enable participation in these decisions" (SEND Code of Practice)

Our aim at SEND IASS is to empower young people to be involved in making decisions and ensuring that young people have their voices heard!

What can SEND IASS offer me?

We are a supportive, impartial service that can work with children and young people (and their parents).

To do this we can:

  • use different and alternative methods to help you understand processes and issues you may have regarding your education.
  • help you to understand your rights.
  • make sure that adults and professionals listen to your views and opinions and take them into account.
  • help support through the Education Health and Care plan process.

We have a small team of staff who can support you directly, either talking on the phone, by email or text, or by meeting with you in person. We will also find creative ways to ensure you are listened to, for example using pictures, videos, voice recordings - whatever suits you best!

We have also created the "Cov AmbasSENDors", which is a network of young people with additional needs in Coventry. They get together to give their views about how services work in Coventry, to help make them better for children and young people. They also get to meet new people and have some fun at the same time!

What does impartial mean?

  • We do not take sides or tell you what to do.
  • We provide information and advice to enable you to make your own decisions.
  • You have a right to get information, advice, and support on your own or with your parents or carers - It's up to you!

Is what I say confidential?

We are a confidential service, which means that we will not usually tell anyone what you have said. However, if we feel that you may be in danger then we will share this with the appropriate people. We will always discuss this with you first.

How we can help

Here at SENDIASS we know what you say is really important. We can help you to have your opinions heard and make sure that your voice is listened to!

These are the sorts of things we can help you to talk about:

  • A plan setting out all the support I will get
  • How I get on with others
  • What I want to achieve
  • Things that scare me
  • Hobbies and interests
  • What I find hard
  • How I learn

This information is really useful to know by the adults supporting you at school, in your community and at home. It means they will be able to work out the best ways to offer you support. It is often called "Person-Centred Planning".

Most young people with SEN and/or disabilities will have a plan of support in place for them, especially at school. It's important for you to know what this plan says, and that you feel it is the right sort of plan for you.  

Where can I find out about what to do next after I leave school/college?

There are lots of different paths that young people follow when they leave school. Some may go to a college, a training provider or University to carry on with their education: others may prefer to go into a job and start working; some may link the two, with either an apprenticeship, traineeship or a supported internship, which all offer working alongside getting a qualification. 

Whatever path you might want to go on, every school (and college) should have a Careers adviser who will be able to talk through your options. Alternatively, you can contact the Job Shop [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshop] or the National Careers Service [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/], who can provide a wide range of support.

If you have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), this should be discussed at your Annual Review from as early as Year 9. An organisation called "Prospects" provides careers advice to all young people with an EHCP in Coventry. This normally happens in either Year 10 or 11, but you can always ask the school/college for their help. They also provide information on:

There should also be information available through Coventry's "SEND Local Offer [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homepage/1107/16_-_25_years_old_post_16]" which has a whole section on 16-25.

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