Education advice and support

SENDIASS (special educational needs and disabilities information advice and support service) can offer support if you have concerns with or without an Education, Health and Care Plan in place for the child or young person. They support parents, children and young people to ensure their views, wishes and feelings are heard. Their service is free, impartial and confidential. You can find out more by clicking here.

IPSEA are the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England. You can find out more about what they do and how they can support you by clicking here.

Their services include an Advice Line, Tribunal Helpline and Tribunal Support Service. You can find out more and find how to contact them by clicking here.

Manages EHC assessments and reviews 
Email: SENMAS@stoke.gov.uk 
Phone: 01782 231863 
Monday to Friday, 9:30am–3:30pm 

What Educational Psychologists do 

Educational Psychologists (EPs) use psychology to understand how children learn, develop and behave. They support needs across all SEND areas by: 

• observing in school or other settings 
• carrying out assessments 
• talking with teachers, parents and the child 
• identifying strengths and barriers 
• recommending strategies and interventions 
• advising on SEND Support plans and EHC needs assessments 
• working with other professionals 

Their focus is on improving outcomes and preventing difficulties from escalating. 

How the service works 

EPs work with schools, early years settings, parents, teachers and other professionals. 
They use consultation, observation and assessment to understand concerns and agree appropriate support. 

Support the service provides 

The service offers: 

• individual assessments and consultations 
• early intervention and behaviour/emotional wellbeing advice 
• staff training 
• group and resilience programmes 
• statutory advice for EHCPs 
• support during transitions 

The emphasis is on inclusion, early help and building school capacity. 

How to access the service 

If you are concerned about your child’s development or learning, speak to the school, setting, Health Visitor or another involved professional. 

Schools and settings request EP involvement when needed. 

The service does not usually accept direct parent referrals, but families are always part of the process. 

See these posters from the Educational Psychology Service for information for children and young people, and for parents and carers, about how the team can help.

• Parent educational psychology information
• Children and young people educational psychology information

Some families choose to educate their child at home. Children who are electively home educated may still have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and parents can access advice, guidance and assessment from the Local Authority whenever needed. 

Supporting your child’s learning at home 

Home education can be adapted to suit your child’s interests and needs. You may wish to: 

• Review learning regularly to understand what is working well 
• Adjust routines, approaches and resources to support their progress 
• Seek advice early from the EHE Team, SENDIASS or health professionals if you have concerns 
• Continue with any health or therapy support already in place 

These steps can help ensure learning remains appropriate and meaningful. 

Accessing SEND support 

Parents are responsible for daytoday home education, but the Local Authority can offer guidance and signposting. 
Children who are home educated have the same rights as any other child to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment, and you can make a request at any time without school involvement. 

If your child has an EHCP 

If your child already has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP): 

• The Local Authority will continue to coordinate annual reviews with you 
• If you choose home education as a preference, the LA does not have to arrange the provision in Section F if your education is suitable 
• If home education is linked to disability or health needs, the LA will consider what support may still be needed 

The aim is to ensure your child continues to receive appropriate education. 

If you are worried about progress 

If you have concerns about learning, development or wellbeing, you can contact: 

• The EHE Team
• Health professionals 
• SENDIASS (01782 234701 • iass@stoke.gov.uk • www.sendiass-stoke.co.uk) 

You may also request an EHC needs assessment at any point. 

How to contact the EHE team 

Elective Home Education Service 
Email: Elective.HomeEducationService@stoke.gov.uk 
Phone: 01782 236098 
Address: Learning Services, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, StokeonTrent, ST4 1HH 

The team can provide advice, answer questions and help you navigate SEND support while home educating. 

If the Local Authority has concerns 

If the Local Authority believes a child may not be receiving a suitable education, they will contact you to discuss this and request information. They will work with you to resolve concerns before considering any formal steps. 

The Stoke-on-Trent Attendance, Assurance and Legal Intervention Service (previously called the Education Welfare Service), is a local team who have a vast knowledge of services and solutions. We have a wealth of experience in a wide range of strategies to improve school attendance. Our aim is to ensure all children and young people in Stoke on Trent are encouraged to attend school regularly, so they receive an appropriate education to prepare them to participate fully in their own futures.

There is a recognised link between attendance at school and attainment, and we strive to ensure every child achieves to the best of their ability.

We ensure where necessary and appropriate that statutory enforcement is carried out in line with Stoke on Trent City Council’s legal obligation to ensure regular school attendance.

We work in partnership with our colleagues within the Local Authority and Schools to support families to ensure improved and sustained school attendance, ensuring that legal enforcement is a last resort.

Contact us by phone on 01782 235 355

What is the role of the Attendance, Assurance & Legal Intervention Officer?

Education provides young people with the opportunity to prepare for life.

The Attendance, Assurance & Legal Intervention Service (AALIS) is a specialist education support service which seeks to help young people and their families get the best out of the education system. We work in partnership with the young people, their families, the schools, other education services as well as statutory and voluntary agencies.

What is the law?

The law requires all children between the ages of 5 and 16 to be in full-time education.

Young people are educated because the law says there is an entitlement to education for 12 years (7 primary, 5 secondary). In fact, most children go to school and enjoy the opportunities school has to offer.

Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states that: "The definition of a parent means all natural parents, whether they are married or not; and includes any person who, although not a natural parent, has parental responsibility and/or care for a child or young person." Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 it is the duty of the parent/carer of a child of compulsory school age to ensure that they attend school regularly.

However, some young people have attendance or other problems that they need help to overcome. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure that their children go to school.  AALIS, following investigation, can apply for some form of legal intervention for parents/carers whose children are not attending school on a regular basis. 

Why attendance at school and punctuality are important

Attending school every day is crucial for learning, social skills and personal responsibility.

• 98% attendance means that your child has missed 4 days in the school year
• 95% attendance means that your child has missed 10 days in the school year
• 90% attendance means that your child has missed 19 days in the school year
• 80% attendance means that your child has missed 38 days in the school year
• 5 minutes late each day means three whole days lost each year
• 17 days missed from school each year equates to a whole GCSE grade
• Attendance affects learning, future earnings, well-being and sense of belonging.

What happens when school attendance is poor?

The school will refer a young person to the Attendance, Assurance & Legal Intervention Service (AALIS) if their attendance is causing concern. The Attendance, Assurance & Legal Intervention Officer (AALIO) will contact the parent/carer and support them in trying to improve. All AALIOs work in partnership with Parents/Carers and other support agencies to ensure young people attend school and attain.

What does an AALIO do?

An Attendance, Assurance and Legal Intervention Officer: 

• will meet with the school to respond to written referrals
• assess the situation and establish a support plan with the young person, parent and school
• can act on a parent’s request to talk to the young person’s school or other agencies on their behalf.
• can make referrals to other support services e.g. medical officer or Educational Psychologist.
• can tell families about other specialist support projects in the area e.g. EOTAS, Parent or Pupil Support Groups.  

What happens when school attendance does not improve?

If there is no improvement the AALIO may: 

• Conduct home visits
• Issue a Penalty Notice
• Invite parents/carers to an attendance review meeting
• Prosecute cases under section 4441 & 4441a of Education Act 1996.
• Instigate School Attendance Orders.

What does the school do?

The school will keep a parent informed if there are concerns about a pupil’s attendance. They will advise a parent/carer when they make a referral to AALIS.

The school will work in partnership with the parent/carer, the Attendance, Assurance and Legal Intervention Service and any other agencies involved with a family. 

A guide to child employment

There are rules and regulations to safeguard children who have part-time jobs and children who take part in entertainment. The legislation ensures that a child’s education does not suffer and the child is not put at risk of harm by taking part in these activities.

Children in Entertainment

There are strict laws and regulations governing children who take part in performances of all kinds, including performing in theatres and other venues, broadcasting and films. Paid modelling and paid sport also come within this legislation.