Wakefield SENDIASS Steering Board
Wakefield SENDIASS has a Steering Board. A Steering Board is a group that shares ideas and opinions. They work together to shape and change the offer for children and young people with SEND, and those around them. Our Steering Board is made up of parents and carers of those with SEND, as well as professionals in the Wakefield area.
Meetings for the SENDIASS steering group are held 3-4 times per year virtually using Microsoft Teams.
Terms of Reference
Purpose and Aims
Monitor SENDIASS against IASS Quality Standards
Ensure Arm’s Length Status is maintained
Liaise with SEND Strategic Partnership Group to identify development priorities
Ensure effective engagement with local, regional, and national partners
Ensure effective engagement with Parent, Carers, Children and Young People
Ensure service acts and provides services in accordance with those identified within the SEND Code of Practice.
Identify gaps in service provision
Become a forum to raise and discuss non-confidential common concerns
Review the range of information, support and training provided to SENDIASS staff
Act as a champion and critical friend for the service
Contribute to the SENDIASS element of the Wakefield SENDIASS Continuous Improvement Plan and identify key priorities
Proposed membership
The group should be made up by stakeholders of the service. Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest in our service. These might be young people, parents, carers and representatives from health, education, and social care. Stakeholders will have an oversight of the development of the service. This ensures our SENDIASS is in line with the quality standards and developed around the needs of those using the service. This approach includes people with direct experience, leaders, and other stakeholders. Their views help shape strategic decisions.
Suggestions include:
Wakefield Parent Carer Forum
Other parents and carers
Young Person’s Representative
SEND Strategic Partnership Board Group member
Health (including mental health)
Schools (from Early Years to Further Education)
SEND Services
Youth Service
Youth offending team
Carers support services
The role and functions of the group
Group should meet 3 times per year
Oversight and input into Annual Report
Appointed Chair will be the Service Manager
All members are equal partners and valued
Role of the Chair is outlined
Members are not to act in the interest of their own group, service, or agency
Individual cases will not be discussed, and the chair will use their discretion to ensure individual concerns are taken outside of the meeting
Steering Group has the power to shape service delivery and seek accountability
All aspects raised or discussed must be confidential
Outcomes of Group Membership
Group members will:
Influence how SENDIASS supports parents and children and young people
Contribute to the production of the Continuous improvement Plan
Identify and seek to address possible gaps in service provision
Act as a critical friend
Work with partner agencies to identify service priorities