About SENDIASS

I joined East Riding SENDIASS in July 2018 and previously worked for an independent support project as part of the SEND reforms from 2015. From March 2021 I became the service manager. My role within the service is to support and supervise the team whilst supporting parent/carers and young people with mediation, tribunal, and permanent exclusion.

Hello, I am the senior SENDIASS officer supporting parent carers and young people through the mediation and tribunal process plus permanent exclusions. In addition, I am the case officer for the Goole and Haltemprice area, offering impartial information advice and support on SEND law. I have undertaken all statutory IPSEA training, plus more specific training in relation to the mediations/tribunals and permanent exclusions.

My training, plus experience of working within SENDIASS, has given me a good understanding of SEND legislation and guidance so I can support families to understand what should and must be happening so they can make informed choices towards what they want to happen for their child. Prior to working in SENDIASS, I studied to degree level (in sociology) and worked within the FISH team plus worked as a play worker/youth worker and information, advice and guidance advisor in the voluntary sector.

Hello! I have worked as an Information Officer since 2010: initially as a FISH Locality Information Officer and now as a SENDIASS Officer.

I have undergone all three levels of IPSEA legal training around the SEND Code of Practice. I am able to offer information, advice and support to parent carers, children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (aged 0 - 25 years) which will enable them to make informed choices regarding education and services, and ensure their voices are heard.

I cover the north of the East Riding: Bridlington, Driffield and the Wolds and Dales.

Hello! I’m Sam! I have worked within this team since June 2014. Prior to working as a SENDIASS officer I was a teaching assistant on a one-to-one basis working with primary school-aged pupils. Alongside my teaching assistant role I studied for a degree in Learning Support and a further BA Hons in Education and Learning.

As part of my role I have completed all three levels of IPSEA legal training, so I have a good understanding of the legislation and statutory guidance which relates to children and young people with SEND. I enjoy working with families and doing my bit to try and make a positive difference to children and young peoples lives. Typically, the geographical area which I cover includes Bridlington, Driffield, Market Weighton, Pocklington and the surrounding villages.

Hello, I’m Rachel! I have been part of the East Riding SENDIASS team for the past two years as a Triage Assistant, I have completed IPSEA Levels 1–3 in SEND law alongside further relevant professional training.

My background includes working in schools as a 1:1 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). As a parent of a child with SEN, I also bring firsthand personal experience to this role. This dual perspective gives me a deep understanding of the challenges families navigate—both educationally and personally. I am passionate about empowering young people to take an active role in their education, while supporting parents and carers to better understand and navigate SEN law and relevant statutory processes.

Hi! I’m Lucy. I joined SENDIASS in September 2022 as a Triage Assistant. Since then, I have progressed within my role and I am now a SENDIASS Officer, covering the Beverley and Holderness area.

I have completed all three levels of IPSEA legal training and further in-depth SEND courses to ensure that I am fully competent and knowledgeable as an officer. The experience I have gained working within the team over the last four years has given me the confidence and capability to deliver information, advice and support parent carers, children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Being a parent to a child with Autism and additional needs has been my driving factor for pursuing my career with SENDIASS. My aim is to empower parents, ensure their voices are heard, and make a positive impact for their child.