SENDIASS Spotlight - April 25

Sections

1. SENDIASS Update
2. Exclusion and suspension from a school
3. Norwich Community Health and Care Neurodevelopmental Service Wait list validation
4. Staff spotlight
5. Join the Norfolk SEND Youth Forum
6. Newlife Parents Cafe
7. Engagement and Outreach update
8. Book Recommendations – Dyslexia focus
9. SENDFest 2025
10. Complex Transition Information Event

SENDIASS Update

We hope you’ve had a lovely Easter break and enjoyed the beautiful weather we’ve been having!

There has been some movement within the service, Imogen our current part-time Helpline Advisor will be moving into the role of SENDIAS Advisor, and we are currently recruiting for Imogen’s replacement on the Helpline. We will have some more news about the successful candidate for Helpline in next months newsletter.

Although we have been adding more calls to our Helpline and our wait times have reduced significantly from where they were they are still higher than we would like, we are working to try and combat this. We will also be working to reduce our wait list for casework over the coming months.

In the meantime we ask that if you no longer need your appointment, please cancel with at least 24 hours’ notice so that the appointment can be booked by other parent/carers that need to speak with us. 

Whilst we are busy on our helpline, please look at other ways you can get information, advice and support from us. We have a vast range of resources, booklets and bitesize training videos on our website:

Video's, Information and links | Norfolk SENDIASS

Exclusion and suspension from a school

A child or YP cannot be suspended or excluded due to their Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). They also cannot be suspended or excluded due to the school not being able to meet needs, academic attainment, gender, race, pregnancy or parental behaviour.

Before suspending or permanently excluding, the school should ensure needs are being met, and/or if more SEN support is required. Behaviour can be a sign of unmet needs.

'Exclusion from Maintained Schools' Statutory Guidance states:
 “19. Early intervention to address underlying causes of disruptive behaviour should include an assessment of whether appropriate provision is in place to support any SEN or disability that a pupil may have. The head teacher should also consider the use of a multi-agency assessment for a pupil who demonstrates persistent disruptive behaviour."

Before suspension or permanent exclusion, the school can:

• Consult an outside professional, such as an educational psychologist
• Apply for an EHC Needs Assessment (if required)
• Seek support, advice, and additional funding from the Local Authority Inclusion team
• Ensure the SEN Support Plan is up to date and accurate
• Call a review of the EHCP (if applicable)

It is unlawful for a school to send a child or YP home to "cool off" or because they cannot meet their needs. This is an illegal suspension. The only valid reasons to ask you to pick up your child or young person are due to illness or a formal suspension/exclusion.

For more information please see below:
Fixed Term Suspensions
Exclusions from school | Norfolk SENDIASS
School suspensions and permanent exclusions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
 
Permanent Exclusions (PEX)
Exclusion and suspension resources | Norfolk SENDIASS
School suspensions and permanent exclusions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The School Exclusion Project The School Exclusion Project
Exclusions from school | Norfolk SENDIASS
 
Unlawful Exclusions
Informal exclusions | (IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

Norwich Community Health and Care Neurodevelopmental Service Wait list validation

Due to a high volume of missed appointments, the Neurodevelopmental Service will be emailing parent/carers on their wait lists from the beginning of April asking them to confirm if they would still like an appointment and would like to remain on the wait list.

If they do not receive a response from the email they will be sending out a letter. If this letter is not responded to within 3 weeks, they will discharge the child or young person from the waiting list, this letter will also be sent to the referrer and GP for their records. If any parent/carer feels they have been removed in error from the waiting list they can contact the NDS team within three months and be added back to the waiting list with the original referral date.

Staff spotlight

My name is Heather Jolly and I have been an advisor with Norfolk SENDIASS for the past 2 ½ years. I have been working in education for more than 25 years and have worked in a number of mainstream and specialist schools. I am a Level 7 qualified specialist assessor and previously supported applications to the exam boards to ensure fair exam access arrangements were in place. I am passionate about making a difference for children and young people with SEND, helping to ensure they receive an education which is appropriate for their needs. Part of this role is to make and develop positive relationships with professionals to ensure we all have children and young people’s interests at the heart of everything we do. I feel truly privileged to have been able to make a difference to children and young people along the way. I am proud to be part of the team at SENDIASS.

Join the Norfolk SEND Youth Forum

Newlife Parents Cafe

Our Bridget will be attending this cafe in North Walsham to offer advice and support for families with a child or young person with emerging or diagnosed additional needs.

Engagement and Outreach update

Book Recommendations – Dyslexia focus

Wiggling Words – Kate Rolfe "Wiggling Words" is an inspiring story about a child navigating letters, encouraging children with dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions to solve problems and gain confidence. Verbs can be tricky, but the main character learns that words can be fun, despite the challenges.

Thunderboots – Naomi Jones Trixie, the smallest but loudest person in Primrose Tower, she is affectionately nicknamed "THUNDERBOOTS" by the residents. She's thrilled to start school, but sometimes finds it hard to focus in class and struggles with reading letters. Perhaps Trixie needs a superpowered plan. This empowering story about starting school with dyslexia celebrates everyone's unique differences.

Wider Than The Sea – Serena Molloy Ró finds reading hard because the words seem to move on the page. She loves drawing and finds friendship with a dolphin named Sunny. A new teacher notices Ró's struggles with reading. Ró doesn't want her parents to know. The book has lots of white space and beautiful pictures by George Ermos, making it easy to read. The author, who is dyslexic, understands these challenges.

Dyslexia & Me - Onyinye Udokporo A rising star entrepreneur recounts her experiences as a young, Black person with Dyslexia. Onyinye shares her journey of being diagnosed with dyslexia at 11, starting a business at 12, earning a scholarship to a top boarding school, and completing two degrees by 22. She discusses the challenges she faced, including bullying and anxiety. She provides tips for thriving with dyslexia and strategies for improving reading, writing, staying organised, and speaking confidently.

SENDFest 2025

Complex Transition Information Event