What We Do
The Special Educational Needs Support Service (SENSS) at ask offers parents and carers free impartial information and advice about their child’s Special Educational Needs (SEN).
SENSS has been contracted by Wiltshire County Council to provide this service for parents and carers; however we are independent of the Local Authority.
We provide:
- A listening ear
- A free service
- A confidential service
- Independent information
- Practical help
- Support at meetings
- Help with form filling
- Parents' Information Sessions with guest speakers
Information is offered on:
- Statutory Assessment
- The Code of Practice
- Annual Reviews
- Parental rights
- Mediation services
- Appeals and tribunals
- Transition Plans
- Local support groups
How can we help you?
We have a small team of Area Development Workers (ADW's) who have experience of working with parents, schools, early years settings and other professionals on SEN issues. In some circumstances trained volunteers called Independent Parental Supporters (IPS's) also offer support. We can:
- take the time to listen to you and your concerns on the telephone, at your home or another convenient meeting place.
- provide you with a range of information on SEN and identify additional services or organisations that may be able to help you.
- assist you with paperwork.
- accompany you to meetings with other professionals e.g. an Education Officer, school.
Leaflets available include:
- SEN: What does it mean?
- My child has SEN: What can I do to Help?
- School Action and School Action Plus
- What is a statutory Assessment?
- Parents Contribution to a Statutory Assessment
- The Annual Review
- Jargon Buster
- Disagreement Resolution
Where can you find out more information?
Contact ask to talk about your particular issue and we will call you back to advise you on the options available to you.
LoCall Helpline 08457 585072
www.askwiltshire.org
Email: maurice@askwiltshire.org
Maurice Clay, SEN Support Service Coordinator, will be very happy to hear from you for an informal chat and to give you details of how we can help.
Write to:
Maurice Clay, SENSS at ask
Elmsgate
Edington Road
Steeple Ashton
BA14 6HP
The Area Development Workers are:
- North Wiltshire - Sue Crane
- Kennet - Caroline Williams
- Salisbury - Sam Stiles
- West Wiltshire - Michelle Morris
In each of the three areas we are recruiting and training volunteers to work as registered Independent Parental Supporters (IPS).
The IPSs can offer 1:1 support for local families needing advice about SEN.
Join us as an Independent Parental Supporter
IPS will be trained to work in their locality supporting families with SEN issues. They in turn will be supported by their local Area Development Worker and paid out of pocket expenses. If you would be interested in joining us as a trained, registered IPS please contact the SENSS team at ask for more details.
