SENDIASS
Also called Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service. That is the name used in diagnostic manuals and on most official paperwork.
A free advice service for parents in every council area in England. Its advisers are on no one's side, and they help you work out what to do next.
Applies in England
Every local authority in England must arrange a free information, advice and support service for parents of children with special educational needs SEND SEND is England's word for children who need extra help to learn. The rest of the UK uses other words, and other rules. Read the full definition of SEND , and SENDIASS is the name most areas use. Their advice is impartial: they are not on the council's side or yours, which is the point. They can help you understand SEN support, ask for an EHC needs assessment, prepare for a meeting, and work out whether to appeal. Searching your council's name plus SENDIASS usually finds your local service.
Across the UK
- SNAP Cymru : In Wales, SNAP Cymru gives families free, independent advice about additional learning needs.
- Enquire : In Scotland, Enquire is the national advice service about additional support for learning.
- SENAC : In Northern Ireland, the charity SENAC gives parents free, independent advice about special educational needs.
Related words
Where this comes from
- Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): support for parents , GOV.UK. Checked 2026-08-15.
- Information, Advice and Support Services Network , Council for Disabled Children. Checked 2026-08-15.
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