About SENDIASS

My name is Louise Windsor, I am the Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) Coordinator. I support parents and carers and provide impartial and confidential information, advice and support with regards to meeting the special educational needs or disabilities of children and young people (aged 0-25). The team also offers information and advice to children (aged 0-16), which can be delivered separately to their parents if they request this.

I have experience of working in schools, attending multiagency meetings, disagreement resolutions, mediation, supporting and representing parents prior, during and after SEND tribunals. I have completed the legal training in regards to Special Educational Needs reforms and have supported parents through the transfer process from statements to the new education, health and care plans. I also have completed all 3 levels of legal training which allows me to support parents with regards to the Code of Practice and the laws that underpin the Code of Practice.

I have worked as an Information Officer for ten years - initially as a FISH Locality Information Officer and as a SENDIASS Officer.

I have just finished a year’s secondment to the FISH helpline, predominantly working on the East Riding SEND local Offer website, bulletins, newsletter and attending events (before Covid-19 put a stop to social gatherings). I am now back in SENDIASS again having undergone legal training around the SEND Code of Practice and am able to give information, advice and support to parent carers/children enabling them to make informed choices regarding the education of their children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

I have worked as a youth worker, play worker and Information, Advice and Guidance consultant supporting young people and families in accessing training, volunteering and education across a community shop and local children’s centre. I support families to overcome barriers and to fulfil their aspirations. Through my work with FISH I learnt about SEND, school inclusion and the difficulties that can occur for families to navigate services and support bringing my previous experience and knowledge to the team.

I have undertaken training in Special Educational Needs Law, which has enabled me to offer information and advice to professionals and parent carers around the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice. This, in turn, has helped me give families information, advice and support to help them ensure they are aware of their rights and choices and their voices are heard.

Hi I’m Dan, and I came to SENDIASS in July 2018. Before this I’ve worked within adult supported living, at a residential specialist school and have spent the previous 3 years delivering the independent support programme within Wakefield.

I have undertaken legal training to ensure that I can offer information, advice and support in relation to the special educational needs code of practice. My role within in the team is to provide additional resource in order to support the service coordinator with the service development plan.

I'm Steph Barnes, 24, and Yorkshire born and bred. I have always had an interest in helping the younger community become successful in all that they do, this is only possible when they have an inclusive education. I enjoy meeting new people and working with families.

Throughout my time at SENDIASS I have completed all three mandatory training levels with IPSEA and have taken part in several other training days, my favourite having been "Engaging and working directly with children and young people".

I have a particular interest in Autism, particularly the variations of presentation and diagnosis. I hope over the coming years to study the condition in more detail.

I support callers through their initial and continued contact with our SENDIASS office, offering information, advice and options for next steps. I support the development of SENDIASS and improve the service parents/carers and children receive through the processes of SEN provision in schools, EHC Assessments and EHC Plans.

My previous experience as a secondary school teacher brings my knowledge of working directly with children and young people in classroom settings to the SENDIASS team. I know and fully understand the importance of inclusion for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and have detailed knowledge of the support that should be in place to meet individual needs. I have completed all three mandatory IPSEA levels to aid to my understanding of SEN Law, and have furthered my professional development training days and events, including 'Supporting Young People with Autism' and 'Exclusion Training'.

I offer information, advice and support to parents and carers of 0-25 year olds who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Prior to this role I completed a degree in ‘Learning Support’ and worked as a teaching assistant for four years, supporting children with various special educational needs and disabilities. I was seconded to work on the 'Preparing for Adulthood' programme, and will be bringing all the knowledge I gained from that role to SENDIASS.

I guide and support children, young people and their parent/carers through the processes of SEN provision in schools, EHC Assessments and EHC Plans. I am passionate about making sure the service users' voices, wishes and feelings are heard and continue to support you.