About this service
WESAIL stands for Wakefield Early Support, Advice, Information and Liaison. We offer free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support service for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families.
We support children, young people, parents and carers by providing information about education, health and care processes, rights under SEND law, and signposting to local services. We also provide a confidential service that covers Pre and Plus Working Support. Our aim is to empower families to make informed choices and have their voices heard.
We aim to empower you with the right information at the right time.
How we can support you
SENDIASS can offer information, advice and support in the following areas:
- SEN support in early years settings, schools and colleges
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), including how to request an EHC needs assessment
- understanding SEND processes and your rights under the law
- support to express your views, wishes and feelings
- preparing for meetings with schools, colleges or the Local Authority
- help with SEND-related paperwork
- supporting young people aged 16 to 25 in their own right, and making sure their voice is heard
- signposting to other support services
- help with resolving disagreements, including mediation and appeals
Advocacy
SENDIASS supports children, young people, and families to feel confident, informed, and heard. Advocacy is one way we help people speak up and understand their rights.
We are sharing our definition of advocacy, so everyone knows what it means and how we use it. This helps explain the kind of support we offer, and what we don’t do.
Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes and help you understand and exercise your rights. IASS do not fulfil the role of statutory advocates, nor do they provide legal advocacy as provided by a lawyer.
For more information see this advocacy leaflet.
We will help you to:
- understand your rights and options
- feel confident to express your views and make informed decisions
- prepare for meetings and communicate effectively with professionals
- access resources and examples to support your situation
- navigate SEND processes and resolve disagreements
Professionals are welcome to contact us for general information about SEND processes or to understand how we support families. While we do not act on behalf of professionals, we can help clarify SEND law and signpost to relevant resources.
Find out more
If you think SENDIASS can support you and your family, or want to speak to someone to find out more, you can get in touch with us via one of the options below:
- Call our helpline on 01924 965588. This number has 24 hour voicemail so please leave a voice message and we will call you back. Please include any urgent deadlines or need so that we can triage your call appropriately. We aim to respond to calls within 4 working days.
- Email us at wesail@family-action.org.uk
- Follow us on Facebook
- Read our Privacy Notice (links to Family Action website)
