SENDIASS Oxfordshire SEN & Disability Information Advice and Support Service - formerly Parent Partnership

Impartial Information Advice & Support

What’s important to us (our values):

That parents or carers of children with SEN and Disabilities, 0-25 years, receive impartial, accurate and timely information and support  so they can be actively involved in their child’s education.

That children and young people with SEN & Disabilities and their parents are enabled to participate as fully as possible in decisions and their views, wishes and feelings are sought and considered.

That parents and professionals work together effectively in the best interest of any child or young person with SEN and Disabilities and provide ways to give the children or young people themselves the chance to express their views.

What we do:

We support parents/ carers of children and young people with SEN or Disabilities (0-25) to become equal partners in decision-making about their child’s education through:

• Confidential & impartial advice and accurate information
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of SEN, Disability Discrimination and Exclusions law.
• Advice on School-based SEN support, Statutory assessments, Statements. Education, Health and Care plans and Choice of school
• Jargon-free leaflets on a range of topics
• Trained volunteer Independent Parental Supporters (IPS) to go with parents to school meetings or help with educational paperwork
• Trained volunteer Independent Supporters who can help parents and carers with the Education Health and Care plan process
• Access to impartial trained  Independent Supporters for Young people 16- 25 with SEN and Disabilities
• Monthly SEN Advice Telephone Appointments
• An open door policy - parents can talk things through or get help with filing in forms or writing letters about educational issues
• A website with information and events
• Talking SEND briefings for parents covering a range of SEN topics

We help parents reach agreement with schools or the LA and work with schools and LA to improve communication with parents.

We support parents in their appeals against decisions made by the LA and can signpost to other sources of support.

 We provide training to parents on SEN issues and participation in policy making

 We try to find ways to help children and young people with SEN and Disabilities express their views.

Who we offer this service to:

Any parent of a child or young person who has SEN or Disability in Oxfordshire, any age (0-25) and with any kind of learning difficulty or  physical disability.