The Council for Disabled Children have produced videos (below) to help explain how a SENDIAS should be run, what the minimum standards are for a SENDIAS, and what a SENDIAS must do for children and young people with SEND and their families.
A SENDIAS Service must be ‘Impartial, Confidential and ‘Arms-length’
What do we mean by ‘Impartial’?
This means that the information, advice and support that we offer is firmly based in the law and the SEND Code of Practice. We also provide unbiased information and advice about the Local Authority’s policies and procedures and about the policy and practice in local schools and other settings.
What do we mean by ‘Confidential’?
This means we will not share your information with anyone outside of the Information, Advice and Support Service unless it is fair and lawful to do so (e.g a specific concern about a child’s safety.)
If we feel it would be helpful to talk to another professional on your behalf, we will always seek your permission and check what you are happy for us to share.
What do we mean by ‘Arms-length’?
The SEND Code of Practice 2015 (ch 2:2.8) states: “The information, advice and support should be impartial and provided at arm’s length from the Local Authority and Clinical Commissioning Groups.“
This means the information and advice we offer is firmly based in the law and national guidance. We also provide unbiased information about the Local Authority’s policies and procedures and the policy and practice in local schools and other settings.
To ensure we are operating at arms-length from the Local Authority and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), we have a Service Level Agreement (called a Partnership Agreement in West Sussex) to ensure that we are meeting the Minimum Standards for a SENDIAS.
What happens when I contact SENDIAS?
What You Can Expect From Us Factsheet
We have put together a fact sheet which will hopefully answer most of your initial questions about how we will work with you, to ensure you are empowered to move forward in your situation.
If you have any further questions then please do let us know.
Guidance for Professionals using the SENDIAS service
We have also put together a fact sheet to give specific guidance to professionals who may be supporting families needing ‘SEND’ information and advice.
If you have any further questions then please do let us know.
SENDIAS Steering Group
Our SENDIAS Steering Group ensures we are meeting minimum standards for a SENDIAS Service, and monitors that we are operating in an impartial, confidential way, arm’s length from the LA and CCGs.
Members of the Steering Group consist of parent carers, voluntary organisations and professionals who are subject matter experts across education, health and care.
For more information, to view the Steering Group terms of reference, and if you are interested in getting involved, click here to go to our ‘Steering Group webpage.
Why and How we Collect and Store your Data
- We collect personal information related to understanding your situation so we can give you effective information and advice.
- We store this information on a database to ensure you do not have to repeat your story.
- We may use the information to produce anonymous statistics and case studies, to give a picture of the service and highlight any important policy issues.
- Please download our privacy policy for more information.