Portsmouth Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Information, Advice and Support (IAS) Service for Portsmouth provides:

• A free and confidential service, provided independently from education, health and care providers
• Impartial information, advice and support relating to special educational needs and disability (SEND)
• Advice and support from independently trained Information, Advice and Support (IAS) Service staff
• Support through the statutory processes relating to Statements of Special Educational Needs and the new Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment and planning
• Information and practical support to find the answers to your questions in relation to education, social care and health services

They can provide information, advice and support to:

• Parents or carers of a child or young person (aged 0-25) with a disability and/or special educational needs
• Parents or carers who are worried that their child or young person may have a disability or special educational needs;
• If your child has questions, they can help them too
• Young people aged 16-25 who have a disability and/or special educational needs

Their service is for people who live in Portsmouth. If you don’t live in Portsmouth, but need support, they can put you in touch with your local IAS Service.

They aim to provide you with help that is right for you. They can help by:

• Listening to your views and concerns
• Helping you feel more confident to express your views
• Explaining your options, rights and responsibilities
• Help in preparing for meetings and/or attending meetings with you;
• Answering your questions about Statements of Special Educational Needs and Educational Health and Care (EHC) Plans;
• Supporting you through a needs assessment or review
• Support to resolve disagreements
• Developing networks and links locally to provide solutions to your individual queries