We are able to offer information, advice and support over the phone and via email or meet any service users for face to face appointments.
We are contactable by phone, but due to the upsurge in the number of calls received by the service we are asking, for the time-being, if you cannot get through the phone to please leave us a voicemail with your name and a phone number and a caseworker from the team will contact you. This will help us manage the additional pressure. You can also contact us via email at [email protected] Thank you
About the service
Family Action’s Harrow SENDIASS (SEND Information, Advice and Support Service) offers free, confidential, accurate and impartial advice and support to families living in Harrow with a child up to the age of 25 who has special educational needs or a disability (SEND).
We provide easily accessible information, advice and support to children and young people up to the age of 25 with SEND. We also work with parents and carers to raise awareness of their rights and help families make an informed decision about matters relating to SEND, including issues relating to health and social care. We support families develop and maintain good relationships with schools, colleges, the local authority and other professionals in order to secure the best outcomes for the person with SEND. Download our Harrow SENDIAS flyer.
Our aims
- To ensure parents and young people understand everything and can fully participate in the EHCP process by explaining how the EHCP assessment process works.
- To promote positive outcomes between parents/carers, schools, colleges and Local Authority agencies.
- To ensure the views, needs and wishes of parents/carers, children and young people are included in the EHCP assessment.
We will support you on an impartial basis, which means that: we do not favour one side over another; we treat all parties involved respectfully and fairly; we do not have a stake in the outcome; and we are not involved in the Council’s decision-making process. Download our impartiality policy.
What we do
- Individual appointments for parents/carers or young people at our office or in a School Setting, an Early Years Centre/ College or Youth Centre (for young people with SEND).
- Support for families via our telephone helpline, email, 1:1 meetings, school and college meetings and annual reviews. We would always aim to respond to enquiries at the first possibility (and up to 48 hr).
- Information and guidance on how to apply for statutory assessment, that includes relevant documents and evidence to be submitted.
- Information and advice on SEND support in early years provision, mainstream schools and post-16 institutions.
- Facilitate communication between families and schools/professionals and support in resolving disputes;
- Guidance on local provision in mainstream, resourced mainstream and special schools.
- Early disagreement resolution, including help with mediation and preparation for first-tier SEND Tribunal;
- Support and assistance to draft letters and any other supporting paperwork.
- Review EHC plans with parents/carers to ensure that objectives and outcomes of the special education provision meet the child/young person’s needs.
- Advice and support through the process of transition from one school to another, including exclusion and complaints on matters related to SEN and Disability.
- Access to clear information to parents/carers and young people about access to the Local Authority’s ‘Local Offer’, how it is used and its availability; Information on other organisations, groups or specialist services locally or nationally if further support is required.
- Support families in special circumstances to apply for transport for their children with disabilities.
- Sessions, talks and workshops for parents/carers and young people to understand relevant SEND procedures and legislation.
- Information to Young people about apprenticeships and supported internships.
If you are 16-25, visit our young people’s area
Who we are
- Nathalie McIntosh – SENDIAS Project Co Ordinator
- Megan Kelleher – SEND Information Advice and Support Caseworker
- Ebru Yilmazata – SEND Information Advice and Support Caseworker
Harrow SENDIAS staff generally work between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday all year round.
However, there are occasions when the service is busy and we will answer the phone lines
between the hours of 9am – 3pm. We do have a 24-hour messaging service on 020 8428 6487 or you can email us at [email protected].
We always aim to respond to initial enquiries at the first possibility (and up to 48 hours on working days) and to engage with ongoing cases as necessary.
We welcome your feedback on the support we give families. Please complete our online survey.
Contact us
Meetings at our offices or at schools can be made by appointment:
We are in the same building as Kids Can Achieve and Harrow Parents 4 Disabled Children.
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm
Harrow Council’s Local Offer sets out the services and support available in Harrow for children and young people under the age of 25 with special educational needs and those who are disabled.
Further support and information
Here is a short animation to show the support available to young people with SEND and their families.
Family Action’s SEND information for parents and carers webpage offers useful information on topics as varied as money, health, leisure and education. You’ll also find a FAQs section and a list of national support organisations.
Visit our Harrow SENDIAS SEND Information and Downloads page for key leaflets, factsheets etc.
You can also find links to support organisations on our useful links for young people webpage.
See the Council for Disabled Children website for video clips, focusing for instance on the EHCP Process and Person Centred Connection.
Contact Helpline – Freephone: 0808 808 3555 (9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, free from UK landlines and UK mobiles). Contact can give parents and carers with a disabled child aged 0 to 25 advice, information and support about any concern/question they might have.
FamilyLine is a free service available to support parents and carers manage the challenges of parenthood via telephone, text message and email. Whether it’s emotional support or practical advice on any aspect of parenting or broader family life, call: 0808 802 6666, text: 07537 404282 or email: [email protected].
Operational hours: Mon-Fri, 9am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm.
