Our recent Support, Information, and Participation (SIP) and Learn Coffee event, joined by the Information, Advice, and Support Service (IASS), was a wonderful opportunity to bring together parents, carers, and professionals committed to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). For many years, our Parent Carer Forum (PCF) has collaborated with IASS to provide families with guidance and empower them in navigating the educational system. This event underscored our mutual goal: to equip parents and carers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their child’s support and educational journey.

Empowering Parents with Information:

At the event, IASS highlighted the importance of empowering families to manage the SEND process confidently and independently. Their service provides unbiased information and support tailored to each family’s situation. IASS’s involvement in meetings is based on careful consideration of the family’s needs, not all families need direct meeting support and after pre-meeting phone support many families are able to navigate meetings independently or with support from others for example a friend or family member.

Throughout the session, IASS shared essential insights on several areas:

• The SEND Code of Practice: IASS walked us through the SEND Code of Practice, which sets legal expectations for schools in supporting students with SEND. Parents were directed to this guide which offers detailed guidance on the roles and duties of schools and local authorities, and this parent’s guide summarising these responsibilities in a family-friendly format.
• Support in Mainstream Schools: For parents new to the process, understanding what effective support looks like in mainstream schools is crucial. IASS introduced the concept of Quality First Teaching (QFT)—a foundation of good teaching practices to support pupils with SEND. IASS shared examples of how QFT can benefit children with specific needs, such as ADHD, and parents were encouraged to discuss QFT strategies with their child’s school. You can find more about QFT here
• Funding and the Inclusion Framework: Funding for SEND support is often complex, but IASS explained the tiered system, which ranges from universal support to high-needs support. They highlighted the SEND Inclusion Framework, which outlines the various types of support and funding options available. This resource can help parents identify what level of support their child should be receiving for the needs they have, which can be found here. 
• The EHCP Process: IASS also detailed the steps involved in securing an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). This process of good practice as set out in SEND Code of Practice Includes the “Assess, Plan, Do, Review” cycle, which schools should follow to provide ongoing, tailored support. IASS emphasised the importance of working closely with the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to ensure that a child’s needs are accurately identified and supported. In discussing the EHCP process, IASS emphasised the legal threshold that must be met to secure an Education, Health, and Care Plan. According to the SEND Code of Practice, an EHCP is required when a child or young person has special educational needs that cannot be met within the standard resources and support available in a mainstream school. The legal threshold is that the child must have needs that “require special educational provision to be made for them” beyond what is typically provided through regular SEND support. The process begins with an assessment, conducted by the local authority, to determine if the child’s needs are sufficiently complex or severe to warrant additional resources and specialised intervention. If the threshold is met, the EHCP becomes a legally binding document, outlining the specific support and services the child is entitled to receive. Parents can refer to the SEND Code of Practice for further details on this process and their rights.

Real Stories: Parents Share Their Experiences 

One of the most valuable aspects of this event was hearing directly from parents at various stages of their SEND journey. These personal stories highlighted shared challenges and successes:

• Delays in EHCP Issuance: Some parents expressed frustration over delays in issuing EHCPs due to the lack of Educational Psychologist which can impact timely access to necessary resources and support.
• The Importance of SEND Registration: Several parents were surprised to learn that their child could be on the SEND register at school. They were also introduced to tools such as the SEND profile, and an Individual Education Plan (IEP)which tracks a child’s needs, involved professionals, and the support being provided. This profile can be an effective starting point for collaborative discussions with the school’s SENCO. You can view the SEND profile and other resources for SENCOs here.
  - During the event, parents shared experiences around annual reviews and reassessments, highlighting the evolving nature of SEND support needs. One parent discussed how their child, who has been in a specialist educational needs school since early years, now seems to benefit more from a mainstream setting due to significant changes in their development. IASS addressed this scenario, explaining that when a child’s needs change drastically, as in this case, families may consider requesting a reassessment of needs to ensure the support remains relevant and effective. IASS emphasised that the annual review is a key opportunity to request such reassessments if there are concerns that current provisions are no longer suitable. They also noted that in urgent situations, if waiting for the next scheduled annual review is not feasible, an early review can be requested. This proactive approach helps ensure that the child’s educational environment aligns with their evolving needs, maximising their potential for success.
• Leaving with Actionable Steps: Many parents expressed appreciation for the practical advice shared at the event. They left with a clearer understanding of the actions they could take to enhance their child’s support network and felt empowered to advocate for their needs.

Continuing the Journey: Resources and Support from IASS 

IASS provides impartial, confidential information and guidance, ensuring families have access to the latest resources in SEND law, health, social care, and local policies. For those seeking help with upcoming meetings, IASS can also help parents prepare and, In some cases provide in-person support.

You can learn more about IASS’s offerings in their leaflet below
or get in touch through the following:

 Phone: 0300 123 7001

Email:iasservice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

The Parent Carer Forum (PCF) and Information, Advice, and Support Service (IASS) have a longstanding partnership focused on empowering families navigating the SEND system. Through collaborative events and ongoing joint efforts, PCF and IASS work together to provide parents and carers with essential guidance, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their child’s support. While PCF advocates for the broader needs and priorities of the SEND community, IASS offers families individualised, impartial support tailored to their unique circumstances. This synergy allows both organisations to reinforce one another’s efforts, creating a supportive network that emphasises the rights and voices of families within the SEND landscape.

Together, IASS and PCF continue to support and empower the SEND community, and we look forward to more events that build knowledge, confidence, and a supportive network for all families.

Presentation and Resources from the event are available below:

If you have any questions, please email us at: contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com or call 07900 840867

Join us and have your voice heard at any of our events in 2024/25...