SENDIASS Spotlight - June 26

Sections

1. SENDIASS Update
2. Advisor updates
3. Choosing a place of learning
4. Library drop-in sessions
5. Engagement and Advice Updates
6. Norfolk SEND Youth Forum update
7. Book recommendation
8. Making Sense of SEND
9. Feedback

SENDIASS Update

We hope this newsletter finds you well and managing to stay cool during the current heatwave! 

In May, I shared that we had released an additional 350 appointments. Since then, the team has been working incredibly hard to provide more timely support through our Helpline service. I'm pleased to say that, over the past three weeks, we have reduced our waiting times from 48 days to just 16 days. This is a significant improvement and has made a real difference for families accessing support and booking helpline appointments with us. 

We know how important timely advice and support are, and we will continue to do all we can to keep waiting times as low as possible. 

Now that we are coming out of this period, we will slowly be starting to increase our one-off support offer again.  

We’ve recently spent quite a bit of time reviewing, updating and adding to the resources on our website, with the aim of making sure the information is as clear, helpful and up to date as possible. A lot of care has gone into building these pages so that they’re genuinely useful for both families and professionals. If you get a chance, we’d really encourage you to have a look through - there’s a wide range of guidance and information that may help answer questions you have now, or in the future. 

We’d also encourage you to follow us on  Facebook and Instagram. Over recent months, we’ve put a real focus on developing our social media pages so they’re not just updates, but a genuinely helpful space for families and professionals. We regularly share practical tips, useful advice, key information and important updates that may support you and your family day to day. We hope these channels offer another easy way to stay informed, feel supported, and access helpful guidance when you need it. 

As always, thank you for your support and engagement.  

Niamh Keane, SENDIASS Manager

Advisor updates

Choosing a place of learning

By law, children aged 5-16 must receive full-time education from the term after their 5th birthday. The Local Authority must provide this, while parents and carers are responsible for ensuring their child accesses a suitable education. For families of children and young people with SEND, there may be additional factors to consider.

Where to Find Places of Learning
Norfolk offers a range of options, including mainstream schools, specialist resource bases (SRBs), special schools, post-16 providers, and independent settings. Parents and carers can explore these through tools such as Schoolfinder, the Norfolk Community Directory, and SEND-specific resources. These platforms help you compare settings and understand what support is available.

Understanding Admissions
The admissions process depends on whether a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

• Without an EHCP: Applications are made through Norfolk County Council, including in-year transfers and appeals.
• With an EHCP: Families have the legal right to request a preferred setting (such as a school, college, or specialist provision). The Local Authority will consult with that setting before deciding whether to name it in the EHCP. Preferences can be made when the plan is first issued, reviewed annually, or amended.

Visiting Potential Settings
Once you’ve shortlisted options, visiting them is an important next step. Many schools offer open days, but you can also arrange individual visits. Speaking with the SENCo and touring during a normal school day can give you a better sense of the environment. You may also want to bring someone with you for support or a second opinion.

Preparing for Visits
Before visiting, it’s helpful to review key information online, such as the school’s prospectus, SEND policy, behaviour and safeguarding policies, and Ofsted report. This can help you decide what questions to ask and identify what matters most for your child.

Supporting a Smooth Transition
Starting a new setting can feel daunting, but early preparation can make a big difference. Contact the new SENCo to discuss your child’s needs and agree on support. Share any signs of anxiety and how best to communicate with your child. Visiting the setting in advance, meeting staff, or creating a simple photo guide or “social story” can help children feel more confident and prepared.
Remember: Every child is different. Taking time to explore options, ask questions, and plan ahead will help you choose a setting where your child can feel supported and succeed.

Library drop-in sessions

Engagement and Advice Updates

Norfolk SEND Youth Forum update

In our June on-line meeting we had 8 young people attend the meeting, despite  that it was England’s first game in the World Cup! 

This month rather than undertaking a professional consultation, we invited a guest speaker to attend and explain their role and service to our members. 

Our speaker was Amy Temperton, Working Well Norfolk IPS Employment Specialist, Norfolk & Waveney, MIND  

Amy attended the meeting to talk to the group about Working Well Norfolk and Connect to Work and the program about support in securing paid employment. 

Amy presented a PowerPoint with lots of information, which included: 

About Working Well Norfolk/ Connect to Work 

• Working Well Norfolk supports individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions to find and stay in work. 

Our Purpose 

Our purpose is to support people in Norfolk and Waveney who are facing physical and/or mental health barriers to find and retain employment that is meaningful to them. 

Our Support 

We understand that starting or returning to work is a big step. That’s why we’re with you every step of the way: 

• Confidence-building support to prepare you for employment. 

• Matching you with the right employers based on your interests and strengths. 

• Help with writing CVs and job applications that stand out. 

• Job interview coaching to help you feel ready and confident. 

• Support with speaking to employers about mental health and workplace. 

• adjustments 

• Advice about employment-related benefits and how work may affect your income. 

Comments from the Group 

• That was very useful, thank you. 

• This is an amazing service. 

• Just want to say thank you for coming.  

• Amy - I didn’t know this service existed and it sounds amazing! I will keep it in mind when I’m ready for work! 

• I hope this becomes more well known. 

• As I turn 18 this sept and could be very handy! 

• City college Norwich told me about your service this week. 

• I want Amy back.  

Amy offered do another visit in the future and share more information or do an advice session and the group agreed to this and would welcome Amy back. 

We were also able to start planning our next face to face meet up in July at County Hall, where we will review the year and start planning our activities for the new academic year starting in September. 

One of our members was also representing the Youth Forum at the Young Peoples Judging panel, on Saturday 20th June at County Hall, for this year’s Flourish awards, and we look forward to his feedback next month. 

Book recommendation

Making Sense of SEND

Feedback