Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND

Coronavirus

Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, some of the organisations listed on here are still in the process of posting service updates. Many phone lines and websites are still available, but some contact details have changed. Try the organisation's own website if you're having difficulty getting through.

COVID-19 Update

Reading’s Information, Advice and Support Service for SEND (IASS) is still open for advice regarding SEN and social care on 0118 937 3421

Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND (Reading IASS)- service was formerly called the Parent Partnership Service. It offers free confidential and impartial advice and support to Reading parents and carers who have children (up to the age of 25) with special educational needs or disability. We are moving towards offering support to older children and young people. The service also offers all parents and carers (whether the child has special educational needs/disability or not) advice and support with secondary transfer. This service operates term time only.

Independent Support

Reading IASS for SEND is able to provide information, advice and support to parents/carers of children with SEND and young people with SEND, specifically in relation to the EHC Needs Assessment and the development of an EHC Plan, ensuring that parents/carers and their children understand the assessment and are able to participate fully. We can also support during an Annual Review of the EHC Plan.

For advice about secondary transfer call 0118 937 3421

Helpline open: Monday 9.30-2.30pm; Wednesday 9.30am-2.30pm; Friday 9.30am-2.30pm Term time only - Messages can be left at any time.

IAS Services - what they are/how they can help? (short films)

A couple of videos looking at what IAS services are, what they can do, and how they can help. Please see link below:

https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network/resources/ias-services-what-they-arehow-they-can-help-short-films

Who to contact

Contact Name: Lesley Chamberlain
Telephone: 0118 937 3421
E-mail: iass@brighterfuturesforchildren.org
Website: Reading IASS

Where to go

Name: Whitley Health and Social Services Centre
Address: 268
Northumberland Avenue
Reading
Postcode: RG2 7PJ

Time / Date Details

When is it on: Monday - Wednesday - Friday 9.30-2.30
Session Information: Term Time only

Other Details

Costs

Details: Free
Wheelchair accessible?: Yes

Availability

Age Ranges: 0-25
Referral required: No
Referral Details: We are a self-referral service; all that is required is a telephone call from the parent/carer. Because of our impartiality policy and the need to operate at arm's length we do not accept direct referrals from third parties, however we will work with third parties to find ways to support parents who might struggle to make contact with us. We do not operate a waiting list, but we are a small service experiencing high levels of demand.

Local Offer

Contact Name: Lesley Chamberlain
Contact Telephone: 0118 937 3421
Contact Email: iass@reading.gov.uk
Links: Reading Information & Advice Service for SEND
Local Offer Age Bands: Transitions to Adulthood (16+)
Early Years (0-4 years)
Primary (4-10 years)
Secondary (11-16 years)
SEN Provision Type: Specialist

General Provider Response

Is your service accessible?: This service is available to parents who live within the borough of Reading only. If you live in another part of the country you can find out about IASS services from your Local Authority (LA), or by going onto the IASS Network website http://www.iassnetwork.org.uk/find-your-iass/ Our premises are wheelchair accessible.
What are the eligibility criteria for your service?: 0-25
How are referrals/applications made to your service?: We are a self-referral service; all that is required is a telephone call from the parent/carer. Because of our impartiality policy and the need to operate at arm's length we do not accept direct referrals from third parties, however we will work with third parties to find ways to support parents who might struggle to make contact with us. We do not operate a waiting list, but we are a small service experiencing high levels of demand. .
What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services?: We aim to return calls within 2 working days. Term Time Only Service
Funding: Local Authority
Charges: No
Details of charges: Free
Feedback and complaints procedure: Contact Lesley Chamberlain in the first instance and if you are still not satisfied with the outcome call Reading Borough Council Early Years Manager.
How will I know my child will be safe using this service?: This is a confidential service which aims to promote partnership between parents of children with special educational needs or disability and those who provide services that can support them. All staff and volunteers are DBS checked. Paid staff follow Reading Borough Council safeguarding training procedures. Volunteers are trained in safeguarding by the service co-ordinator.

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This information has been collected from third party providers therefore the Reading Services Guide, Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information and recommends that parents, carers, young people, residents and professionals check with providers regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and OFSTED registrations and CQC registrations. Information collected by Reading Service Guide; is used solely to implement and supply the Family Information Service (FIS), Special Educational Needs & Disabilities - Reading's Local Offer, Adults & Carers Support Group and Reading Youth.