Rotherham SENDIASS

This information is about the impartial information, advice and support required by the SEND Code of Practice.

What does the SEND Code of Practice say?

The Children and Families Act 2014 says local authorities must provide information advice and support about special educational needs (SEN), disability, health and social care for children, young people and parents.

The SEND Code of Practice says:

Local authorities must arrange for children with SEN or disabilities for whom they are responsible, and their parents, and young people with SEN or disabilities for whom they are responsible, to be provided with information and advice about matters relating to their SEN or disabilities, including matters relating to health and social care. This must include information, advice and support on the take-up and management of Personal Budgets. In addition, in carrying out their duties under Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014, local authorities must have regard to the importance of providing children and their parents and young people with the information and support necessary to participate in decisions.  (2.1)

This means that every local authority should provide a service that is free, easy to access and confidential and that can help children, parents and young people take part in decisions that affect their lives.

The Local Offer must include information about the sources of information, advice and support for parents, children and young people and how this is resourced.

In Rotherham this service is provided by Rotherham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).

What do we mean when we say we are impartial?

The SEND Code of Practice says:

The information, advice and support should be impartial and provided at arm’s length from the local authority and Clinical Commissioning Groups. (2.8)

This means that the information, advice and support that we offer are firmly based in the law and the SEND Code of Practice.

We provide unbiased information and advice about the local authority’s policies and procedures and about the policy and practice in local schools and other settings.

We do not give priority to any particular impairment, disability or special educational need, nor do we campaign for any particular approach to education.

By being impartial we aim to help parents, children and young people have clear, accurate and relevant information that will help them take part in decisions about their lives.

You can read Rotherham SEND Information Advice and Support Service’s Impartiality Policy at www.rotherhamsendiass.org.uk.