Information and advice for parents/ carers of children with Special educational needs and/or disability (SEND)

This page is being regularly updated with the latest information and advice for parents and carers of children and young people with a Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND).  Please tell us what you would like to see here via our feedback form.

What is SEND? SEND FAQs SEND Terminology

Webinars

View our range of webinars created to support parents and carers of SEND children

You can find details of how you can get in touch with our support services on our Contact Us page.  Whether you need some advice or support for your child, tips on managing educational activities or routines or just a friendly chat, our teams are here for you.

The Specialist Advisory Teacher Service

Our advisory team of specially trained teachers offer a range of advice and ideas to support you and your child during this time. This includes help with managing school work at home, support to help your child to understand what is happening and advice on coping with new routines. They can also provide you with lots of ideas on appropriate activities and resources for your child.

See below for more information and links for each team:

communication and autism logo

Communication and Autism Team (CAT)

Find out more about how the CAT team can support you.

Communication and Autism Covid-19 Help Flyer [PDF version]

Sensory Support Logo

Sensory Support Service

Find out more about how the Sensory Support Team can help you.

Sensory Support Covid-19 Help Flyer [PDF version]

Physical Difficulties Support Services Banner

Physical Difficulties Support Service

Find out more about how the Physical Difficulties Support Service can support you.

Physical Difficulties Covid-19 Help Flyer [PDF version]

Pupil and School Support logo

Pupil and School Support for general and specific learning difficulties

Find out more about how the Pupil and School Support Service can help you.

Learning Difficulties Covid-19 Help Flyer [PDF version]

Early years inclusion service logo

Early Years Inclusion Support

Find out more about how the Early Years Inclusion Support team can support you.

Early Years Inclusion Support Covid-19 Help Flyer [PDF version]

The Birmingham Parent Carer Forum

The bridge between services and families and a collective voice representing all members and all disabilities. www.birminghampcf.org

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS)

SENDIASS is a free, confidential service that offers impartial information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, and young people themselves (aged 16+).

The service can help you to make informed choices and be actively involved in decisions about your child’s education.

You can find out more about the service from these short films:

Introduction to the Information Advice and Support Service

What must information, advice and support services do to meet the minimum standards?

The services offered by SENDIASS include:

  • help to understand and exercise your rights around exclusions, complaints, SEND processes and SEND appeals,
  • information, advice and support before, during and following a SEND Tribunal appeal. This support can be provided in a range of different ways, dependent on the needs of the parent or young person. It can also include representation during a hearing if a parent or young person is unable to do so,
  • training for education, health and social care professionals, children, young people and parents to increase their knowledge of SEND law, guidance, local policy, issues and participation,

If you’re a parent or young person being assessed, the service can:

  • help you to understand the referral process,
  • act as a named contact throughout the process,
  • help you to communicate with everyone involved in the assessment process,
  • provide information about personal budgets

Call 0121 303 5004 (8:45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), email sendiass@birmingham.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can write to:

SENDIASS, PO Box 16270, Birmingham, B2 2HN

Forms of contact

  • Telephone, Email, Letter or written information, Home visit, Support at meetings

Who are we?

We are “SEND Parent Partnership Group”. We were set up by Birmingham SENDIASS in March 2022 with the view that parents/carers are partners and co-educators in children’s learning. We value the insight Parents/carers can provide in enabling children and young people with SEND to achieve their potential. If interested, please email us at SENDIASS@birmingham.gov.uk

Who is this group for?

All parents, carers, grandparents, aunts and uncles who are supporting children or young people with Special education needs and disabilities (SEND) are welcome.

What do we do?

This group endeavours to improve communication between parents, and professionals and aims to provide a forum for the discussion of any issues of concern or development work which it is felt will benefit the children and young people. We meet fortnightly on a Friday through Microsoft Teams (12:30 – 1:30pm). The group has contributed in designing and developing better and more relevant SENDIASS services in Birmingham.

Keep in touch with the SEND Partnership

You can also follow us on Twitter: @A2Education and @BhamCityCouncil or on Facebook: @birminghamcitycouncil or @SENDBirmingham You can leave feedback via the form on the home page of this website.

Visit the NHS website for medical advice and the official Government pages for the latest government advice.