About this service
We are a predominantly virtual service. 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.
WESAIL changed name to Wakefield SENDIASS from 1st April. Find out more about changes to our service.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you offer SEND workshops?
No currently we don’t deliver workshops as they have not been part of our contract since 2022.
I need behaviour support for my child or young person. Can you offer this?
Unfortunately this has never been part of our contract.
Which of your staff are trained solicitors or lawyers?
None. Unfortunately, this is not what SENDIASS does. We do however complete IPSEA training.
Can you visit me in my home?
Wakefield SENDIASS is a predominantly virtual service delivered via phone and email. If a face to face meeting is agreed, this would normally take place in an education setting or a Family Hub.
As a professional, can I refer a service user? Do you have a referral form?
Yes, you can. However, we feel it is best practice to work directly with a family where possible. We don’t use a referral form. Please email us with as much detail as possible as to what your service user needs.
Why don’t I have an email or phone number for individual staff in your team?
We are a small team and use a team approach. This means we use one email inbox and one voicemail inbox for enquiries and casework instead of individual staff contacts.
I keep ringing you and you never answer the phone. Why not?
We are a small team and most staff work part-time. We have used Teams calling since 2022. Please follow the instructions to leave us a message and we will receive your voicemail and then get back to you.
I’ve heard about other SENDIASS providing things that Wakefield don’t. Why is that?
Every SENDIASS is based on SEND law and IASS standards. However, Commissioning and contract expectations, budgets and capacity are different for each. If you are unsure if we provide something specific, please email and ask.
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 5 working days.
- Email us at wakefieldsendiass@family-action.org.uk
- Follow us on Facebook
- Read our Privacy Notice
- View our Safeguarding policy
