About Us
We’re here to empower you with the information, advice, and support you need.
Shropshire SENDIASS provides free, impartial, and confidential support to parents and carers of children aged 0 to 25, as well as young people aged 16 to 25, who have or may have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
When you contact us, we’ll discuss the best way to support you. If you’re 16 or over, check out our Young People page for tailored information.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to access our services: if you live in Shropshire, we’re here to help.
View our Impartiality Policy here
Advice First Aid
We believe that early advice and information can prevent problems from escalating. That’s why our first step is always to offer Advice First Aid, giving you the right information quickly and clearly so you can make informed decisions.
This might include:
-
Fact sheets and guides.
-
Signposting to trusted resources.
-
Advice by phone, email, or at drop-in events.
This means you get help straight away, and if you need more, we’ll work with you to decide the best next steps.
Our tiered approach to support
We want every child, young person, and parent carer to get the right level of support at the right time. We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and that’s why we use a tiered approach to make sure we can help as many families as possible.
Our approach is designed to:
✅ Empower families to feel confident and informed.
✅ Make the best use of our team’s time and expertise.
✅ Focus our intensive support where it’s needed most.
Our Levels of Support
Level 1 - Information
We can help with straightforward questions, like where to find resources or which forms to use.
Level 1 support typically involves just one phone call or email.
If more help is needed we'll move you to the right level of support.
Level 2 - Information & Tailored Advice
For slightly more complicated queries, like understanding a specific part of the SEND process.
Communication with a dedicated officer will be by phone or email.
We can explain options to help you decide what to do next.
Level 3 - Support
For more complex cases with multiple issues or extra challenges.
A dedicated officer will guide you through information, advice and support.
We can help you understand your rights; review letters or forms you've written, support you to communicate with professionals.
Level 4 - Additional Support
Sometimes, families need more intensive support to navigate the system.
We continue to offer information, advice, and support that helps you understand your rights, share your views, and prepare for key meetings or processes.
Our advocacy is in line with the IASS minimum standards: this means we empower you to have your voice heard, rather than representing you in meetings or appeals.
If you need representative advocacy (someone to speak for you at a tribunal or other hearing), we can help you find the right support from other services.
