What we do
The Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice require all local authorities to offer an information, advice, and support service from birth to 25 years for parents, carers, and young people with SEND. This support should empower families to express their views and wishes and help you and your child to understand and exercise their rights.
The SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (known as SENDIASS) in Portsmouth is run by Barnardo’s and is available to:
• Parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities aged 0 to 25 years
• Young people aged 16 to 25 years who have special educational needs and/or disabilities
We provide impartial, confidential, and free support and advice to parents, carers and young people living in the Portsmouth City Council local authority area. Our team of Advisors can offer advice and information, and support you to access to resources, and information, and help you navigate paperwork and procedures relating to your child's education.
We can help with
- Advocating for children is at the heart of everything we do. We work to make sure children and young people with disabilities are included in community activities and decisions about themselves.
- Find out more about Disability advocacy/participation
- Search for Disability advocacy/participation services