Coronavirus

Due to the COVID-19 situation, some of the organisations listed on this site have posted service updates and will continue doing so. Many phone lines and websites are still available, however some contact details may have changed. Try the organisation's own website if you're having difficulty getting through.

If you have any queries, please email us at dos@reading.gov.uk or fis@reading.gov.uk

Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND

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) offers free confidential and impartial information, advice and support about education, health and social care to Reading parents and carers who have children (up to the age of 25) with special educational needs or disability. We also support children and young people in their own right.

Helpline open during term time: Monday 9.30-2.30pm; Wednesday 9.30am-2.30pm; Friday 9.30am-2.30pm but you can leave a message at any time. During school holidays we cover the service on a rota, without fixed helpline hours. At all times of the year calls are returned within two working days.

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: Reading IASS helpline
Telephone: 0118 937 3421
E-mail: iass@brighterfuturesforchildren.org
Website: https://www.readingiass.org/

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: Helpline Monday - Wednesday - Friday 9.30-2.30 in term time, but you can leave a message at any time

Other Details

Costs

Details: Free
Wheelchair accessible?: Yes

Availability

Age Ranges

0-25

Referral required

Referral Details

We are a self-referral service; all that is required is a telephone call from the parent/carer, child or young person. 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. 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, child or young person.
What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services?: We aim to return calls within 2 working days.
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 Fiona Tarrant, Head of Communications and Marketing, Brighter Futures for Children..
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 Brighter Futures for Children 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.