We want to hear from you about the future of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) in Kingston and Richmond. The current service contract ends in March 2027, so we’re planning what happens next. Your views are really important to us.
Share your views
- Have your say here. The survey closes on Friday 17 July.
- If you need to request a paper questionnaire or any other format, contact [email protected] or call 020 8891 1411 and quote 'SENDIASS Survey'.
- Alternatively, if you would like to have your voice heard as part of a focus group, the SEND Parent and Carer Engagement Team is holding several in-person and online sessions to collectively gather the views of parents and carers on the SENDIASS redesign. More information can be found in this leaflet (PDF).
About SENDIASS
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services offer information, advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The service helps families understand children’s rights regarding education, mediation, disputes, and the education, health and care plan (EHCP) process. SENDIASS is also offered directly to young people aged 16 and over. It is free, impartial and confidential.
All local authorities are statutorily required to commission a SENDIASS. In Kingston and Richmond, Polaris Children’s Services, a national organisation that delivers similar services across the country, currently provides this service.
Why are we doing this consultation?
Completing the survey will help us ensure that we continue to commission the right SENDIASS in Kingston and Richmond. By sharing your experiences, you will help us build a clearer picture of the support available and how it can be improved for families like yours. Your feedback will help shape the future of the service. However, while we will carefully consider all responses, it may not be possible to implement every suggestion. Where possible, your views will guide the changes and improvements we are able to make.
How will your feedback be used?
Your responses will help:
- Inform improvements to local advice and support services.
- Shape training and guidance for professionals who support families.
- Contribute to future planning and service development across Achieving for Children (AfC).
What happens next
Once the consultation closes:
- All responses will be reviewed and analysed anonymously.
- Key findings will be used to inform improvements to advice and support services.
- A summary of the results may be shared with stakeholders and, where appropriate, made available to participants.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences, your voice can help make a real difference.