Resources
Below you will find a combination of national information and advice as well as anything specific to Wakefield.
Just choose a subject to explore clear, accessible information and advice. Some pages also include downloadable resources you can save or print.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you do SEND workshops?
No currently we don’t deliver workshops as they have not been part of our contract since 2022.
Can you fill in paperwork on my behalf?
This is not something we would usually do but can provide verbal advice. You may be able to get support from:
I need behaviour support for my child or young person. Do 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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice.
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.
Is it better to call and leave a voicemail, or email you?
You can use either. We triage all enquiries to identify priorities such as safeguarding concerns. Both are monitored in the same way, and no one is quicker than the other. Where possible we prefer contact via email. This is so service users can contact us at a time that suits them, and our team can reply with support links/signposting etc.
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.
I don’t have a phone or email for individual staff in your team. Why is that?
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 and you never answer the phone. Why is that?
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 have a regular meeting I want you to go to. Can you confirm this will happen?
Wakefield SENDIASS is a mainly virtual service via phone and email. We cannot commit to regular meetings either virtually or online, but will provide support to you for these. On occasion we may attend a meeting virtually. For safeguarding meetings (CIN or CP) we would not attend unless there is a specific SENDIASS role.
My child doesn’t have a diagnosis or EHCP. Can you still support me?
Yes. We are not diagnosis lead and support is based on need.
Can you tell my child’s school or the Local Authority to give my child a specialist place?
We are an impartial service by law. This means we do not take sides and we are not able to tell any professional what to do. We can only advise on SEND law.
Can you force the Local Authority to give my child’s school more funding?
We are an impartial service by law. This means we do not take sides and we are not able to tell any professional what to do. We can only advise on SEND law.
I’ve heard about 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.
Can you advocate for me in a meeting?
As an impartial service, we believe in self advocacy which means we support you to advocate without us present. We do not usually attend meetings but can provide advice.
The advocacy service in Wakefield is VoiceAbility | Advocacy and involvement
We use this Definition-of-Advocacy
You can also read about Impartiality and working at arms-length from IASS
Do you do Max Card applications or renewals?
No this is the responsibility of the Local authority. Please email Informationnetwork@wakefield.gov.uk or ring 01924 302471.
Do you do observations of children and young people?
No this is not part of our contract. We would suggest speaking to your child’s setting or you can make contact with WISENDSS.
How do I find out about transport? Do you organise this?
No we are not responsible for transport. You can find out about this on the Local Offer transport and travel page.
Where can I get bereavement support?
- Bereavement & Counselling Services in Pontefract | The Prince of Wales Hospice
- Online Grief and Bereavement Service | Sue Ryder
- Child Bereavement UK
- Essential Guidance for Supporting a Bereaved Child | Winston’s Wish
- Home – Cruse Bereavement Support
- AtaLoss.org: UK wide bereavement signposting and information website | Find Support Now
- Bereavement support | The Lullaby Trust
I don’t live in Wakefield and my child/young person doesn’t attend a setting in Wakefield but I’ve been told I can refer to you as my GP is in Wakefield – Is that right?
Unfortunately not. Wakefield SENDIASS is for service users living in Wakefield who may pay Wakefield council tax or who have a child/young person attending a setting in Wakefield. You may wish to find your nearest IASS.
I’d like you to share our service details on your Facebook page. How can I do this?
Please email wakefieldsendiassadmin@family-action.org.uk.
I’d like to invite Wakefield SENDIASS to an event. Do you attend these?
We are a small team and can only attend a small number of events each year. This is based on our contract. We are unfortunately not able to attend events for individual schools or academies. For any other requests please email wakefieldsendiassadmin@family-action.org.uk
Do you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) with service users?
No we do not based on recommendations from the IASSN on the use of AI.
