What is the role of SENDIASS

The Shropshire SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) provides free, confidential, and impartial support to children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as their parents and carers. Our service helps families navigate concerns at any stage, from the first signs of SEND to complex legal and procedural advice, by explaining your options, rights, and responsibilities.

Every local authority must have an IASS. In Shropshire, this service is delivered by Citizens Advice Shropshire and is supported by a small, dedicated team:

• Carrie Choudhary – IASS manager
• Becki Sheldon – IASS officer
• Lorna Crawford – IASS officer
• Andrea Sear – IASS officer
• Lynne Taylor – IASS youth worker (specialist support for young people)

How we can help

Our team provides accurate and up-to-date information and advice on education, health and social care, including SEND law, national and local policies, and available support services.

We can:

• Signpost you to local and national sources of information and support
• Help you prepare for meetings, including paperwork and understanding key questions to ask
• Explain complex processes and jargon, so you feel confident and informed
• Empower young people to understand their rights and express their views

Quality and training

To ensure that our advice is legally sound and up to date, our team receives specialist training from the Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA), completing all three levels of accredited training. We also work within the national IASS minimum standards, approved by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Additional support

Through our partner organisations, we can also provide guidance on welfare benefits, finance, debt, and money management.

For more information, support, or advice, please contact us, we’re here to help.