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Southwark Information Advice and Support (SIAS)

The Southwark Information Advice and Support (SIAS) team provides impartial, confidential advice and support about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to parents, carers and young people.

 

SIAS is a self-referral service – parents, carers and young people can contact us directly to request assistance. There is no referral form.

Although we are funded by Southwark Council, we work at ‘arms-length’ from other council services.  This means that we are able to provide a confidential and impartial service to families, unless it relates to a child protection concern.  

 

What can SIAS help with?

The types of queries we can help with include:

  • SEND support in educational settings.
  • Advice and support to request assessments for EHC Plans and advice through the process.
  • EHC Plan annual review advice.  
  • Help to prepare for SEND related meetings. 
  • Support to resolve disagreements related to SEND.
  • Information, advice and guidance for young people aged 16-25 about education, training and employment. We can signpost young people to other places to access support for other matters. 
  • School exclusions, where related to SEND.
  • Advice and help to make applications for travel assistance.
  • Assistance with SEND mediation and tribunal appeals.
  • Training and information sessions throughout the year.  Topics include: starting primary and secondary school, pathways to employment, SEND tribunal appeals.
     

You can read more about SIAS on Southwark's Local Offer.

 

How to access our service

Tuesday online appointments: Click here to book an online appointment
Appointments are bookable every Tuesday between 9.30am - 1:30pm, during term-time. Families can book a phone call or an online video call with an advisor.

Thursday Drop-in: Come to the Sunshine House drop-in 
Every Thursday between 1:00pm - 5:00 pm (last appointment time is 4.30pm). The drop-in is 'first come, first served'. This service runs during school term-time only. When you arrive at Sunshine House, please sign in at reception for the SIAS drop-in.

 

How to contact us

Email: sias@southwark.gov.uk 

Please allow up to five working days for a response to your email.

Telephone: 0207 525 3104

We have an advisor on duty from Monday-Friday during office hours.
Our advisors experience a very high number of queries and we appreciate your patience.

If the phone line is busy or the advisor is unavailable at the time of your call, please leave your name and number, and a member of the team will aim to return your call within five working days.