SEND Spotlight: SENDIASS
SEND Spotlight: SENDIASSImpartial information, advice and support for SEND children and their families
As parent carers, knowing what support is available for your child with SEND can be difficult. There is so much information out there, that at times, navigating through it all can be overwhelming.
For parent carers who are new to SEND, knowing where to start can be quite a challenge, particularly without any prior knowledge of SEND needs, services, or terminology.
How do you know what to search for if you have never heard of EHCPs, travel assistance, or annual health checks? What should you do if you are unsure how best to support your recently diagnosed child at home, or if you are concerned about their progress at school?
For all the above, and more, that is where SENDIASS come in.
Who Are SENDIASS?
SENDIASS is Birmingham’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service. They do exactly what their name suggests. Supporting children and young people with SEND, and their families, by providing free advice, information, and support.
SENDIASS are impartial, operate confidentially, and are committed to helping families understand their rights and make sense of processes and services. This is to help them feel confident with the choices they make.
In recent months, Mark Paine has joined SENDIASS as their new Service Lead.
Under Mark’s leadership, the service will continue to build on this important work. Mark brings both professional expertise and personal lived experience of navigating the SEND system, which shapes the service’s approach to engaging with and supporting families.
But what specifically can they help with? Whilst individual cases will no doubt be different, SENDIASS are poised to be adaptable and receptive to specific issues. They do not tell families what to do. They listen, explain, and support them to make informed decisions. If they are unable to support directly, then they signpost families to other services.
The following is a list of some of the things SENDIASS provide:
- Verbal and written information and advice on rights and responsibilities
- Support with understanding complex documents and reports
- Advice in resolving disagreements, including mediation and appeals to the first tier of the SEN and Disability Tribunal
- Information sessions and training
- Support around meetings, including school, local authority and professional staff
- Signposting for children, young people and parents/carers to alternative and additional sources of advice, information and support that may be available locally or nationally
Find out more about SENDIASS by visiting their website!
How do I get in Touch?
There are a few ways you can contact SENDIASS if you need advice and support. First, they have a helpline service which is reachable 24 hours a day. The line itself is operated between 09:00 and 16:00, but callers can leave messages around the clock. Simply call on 0121 303 5004.
You can also send them an email at SENDIASS@Birmingham.gov.uk, or even write to them directly at SENDIASS, PO BOX 16270, Birmingham, B2 2HN.
More information about connecting with SENDIASS is available on their contact page. If you would prefer, you can also use this page to request a call-back from the service.
Impact
The service plays an important role in Birmingham’s SEND system, offering clear, practical guidance and independent support. This includes helping families to prepare for meetings, understand their options and have their voices heard.
Recent feedback from parents and carers highlights the difference this support is making:
‘They are an invaluable service for families navigating the SEND system.’
‘I found them professional and very helpful.’
‘I applied for a EHCP and the lady from SENDIASS was extremely helpful and kind.’
‘We finally feel like somebody is on our side, offering sound advice.’
‘SENDIASS is such an important element in the system and so many parents are unaware of their existence.’
Source: SENDIASS Stakeholder Survey March 2026
“Since Mark started in the post earlier this year we have been working closely with SENDIASS, attending the monthly Steering Group, reviewing performance and improvements. Mark has supported numerous PCF events offering advice and guidance on navigating the system. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with SENDIASS to reach and support more parent carers together.”
Source: The Birmingham Parent Carer Forum June 2026