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. 

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.