Full of Life Information Advice and Support Service (IASS)

The Information Advice and Support Service offers independent advice, information and guidance on issues relating to Special Educational Needs & Disability. The service is for parents of disabled children and young people (0-25 years) with Special Educational Needs and informs them about their rights and the rights of their child under Education Law, as well as local policies and practice in the areas of Education, Health and Social Care.

Our aim to is to empower parents, carers, and young people to participate effectively in planning and decision-making around their child’s education, health and care.

Some of the areas we cover are:

• Diagnosis
• SEN support (school-based support for children/young people without EHC Plans)
• Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment
• EHC Plans and Annual Reviews
• The Local Offer
• Personal Budgets
• Social Care Assessments and Packages
• Exclusions
• Phase Transfers (Nursery to Primary, Primary to Secondary, Secondary to College or FE)
• Communicating with the Local Authority
• Nurseries, Schools, and Colleges
• Disagreement Resolutions (Complaints, Mediation, and Tribunals)
• Understanding professionals’ reports and other relevant documents
• Preparing for and attending Meetings (as support)
• Form filling
• Signposting to other agencies/charities