COVID-19 SENDIAS Service delivery:
We have cancelled all upcoming face to face appointments with service users but are continuing to complete all consultations over the phone or via Zoom. All staff are now working from home and have access to work phones and software to enable them to work remotely. We will be operating our information, advice and support line from 10am-3pm as usual. There is an automated message on our service phone which will redirect service users to a member of staff from the team so that their query can be dealt with. Service users can continue to contact the service via our service email and their queries will be answered by a member of staff. The service email is: Islington.SEND@family-action.org.uk
Attending Annual Reviews: If service users would like a member of staff to join them in an upcoming virtual annual review we can join them via Zoom and support in our usual way. We are advising that they notify the school SENCO in advance.
Income maximisation work: We will continue to support service users with disability related forms via phone, email and zoom where appropriate.
Friday Parent support group: This has been suspended due to the closure of Lough Rd and social distancing measures. We are exploring whether parents who regularly attend may benefit from attending a virtual session via zoom which will be run by a member of staff.
The Service provides free, legally based, impartial, confidential and accessible information, advice and support on all matters relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We offer:
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Information and advice, either face to face, by telephone or electronically
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Help with preparing for meetings with schools, colleges and the Local Authority
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Support to express your views and wishes
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Information, advice, and support on all education, health and social care matters
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Help with writing letters, reports and filling in forms
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Help to complete SEN-related paperwork such as requests for EHC assessment, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
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Information about local and national services and help with making referrals to services
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Information, advice and support to help resolve conflicts and disagreements e.g. with schools, colleges and the Local Authority
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Help with paperwork for Disability related welfare benefits including Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
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Advice on Health and Social Care, Personal Budgets, the law on SEN and Disability.
SENDIASS services are statutory, which means that every council must provide them.
The duties and expectations of the Council to provide this service are set out in Chapter 2 of the SEND Code of Practice.