West Berkshire SENDIASS

West Berkshire SENDIASS We are West Berkshire's impartial 'Special Educational Needs & Disability Information, Advice & Support Service' (SENDIASS).

Dedicated to empowering parents, carers, and young people to take an active, informed role in decisions about education & support.

πŸ“š Understanding EBSA: The Impact of Emotionally Based School Absence πŸ“šπŸ”΄ Did you know that many students avoid school due...
25/06/2026

πŸ“š Understanding EBSA: The Impact of Emotionally Based School Absence πŸ“š

πŸ”΄ Did you know that many students avoid school due to emotional and mental health challenges?

πŸ”΄ This is known as Emotionally Based School Avoidance/Absence (EBSA). It's a significant issue affecting nearly 3 in 10 secondary school pupils.

πŸ”΄ EBSA can stem from anxiety, bullying, family difficulties, and more. It’s crucial for schools and parents, to work together to support these students and help them overcome these difficulties.

πŸ“‘ Find our 'What Is Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA)' here πŸ‘‰https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-Emotionally-Based-School-Absence-FULL-RESOURCE.pdf


πŸ“… Is your child due for an EHCP Annual Review? πŸ“…πŸŸ’ We've created a simple step-by-step flow chart to help you navigate th...
24/06/2026

πŸ“… Is your child due for an EHCP Annual Review? πŸ“…

🟒 We've created a simple step-by-step flow chart to help you navigate the Annual Review of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Whether you're new to the process or just need a refresher, this visual guide breaks down each stage β€” from planning the meeting to what happens after.

πŸ“‘ You can download the flow chart here πŸ‘‰https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Annual-Review-Flow-Chart.pdf

πŸ’» Our webinar, 'Annual Review of an EHC Plan' is available to watch here πŸ‘‰https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTlLU2bcFkQ

πŸ“š How Does Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA) Affect a Child’s Learning? πŸ“šπŸŸ’EBSA can lead to children and young peop...
24/06/2026

πŸ“š How Does Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA) Affect a Child’s Learning? πŸ“š

🟒EBSA can lead to children and young people avoiding school altogether or missing significant amounts of school time - This can have a profound impact on their learning and development. They may fall behind academically and miss out on important lessons, leading to gaps in their education.

πŸ“‘ Read our factsheet 'How EBSA Affects A Child's Learning' here πŸ‘‰https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-How-School-AnxietyEBSA-affects-a-childs-learning.pdf

πŸ“š Choosing a Secondary School πŸ“šπŸŸ’ Choosing a school for your child can be a big decision β€” and even more challenging when...
23/06/2026

πŸ“š Choosing a Secondary School πŸ“š

🟒 Choosing a school for your child can be a big decision β€” and even more challenging when your child has a disability or special educational needs.

πŸ“‘ We’ve created a helpful factsheet packed with tips on what to consider when choosing a school, along with a free printable question grid designed to support parents and carers of primary-age children through the process. You can access the factsheet and question grid here πŸ‘‰ https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/WB-Choosing-a-School-Secondary-QA.docx

πŸ’» Our webinar, 'Choosing a Nursery, School, or College for your child with SEN' is available to watch here πŸ‘‰ https://youtu.be/5FOKfrku9mY

πŸ“š Choosing a Primary School πŸ“šπŸŸ’ Choosing a school for your child can be a big decision β€” and even more challenging when y...
23/06/2026

πŸ“š Choosing a Primary School πŸ“š

🟒 Choosing a school for your child can be a big decision β€” and even more challenging when your child has a disability or special educational needs.

πŸ“‘ We’ve created a helpful factsheet packed with tips on what to consider when choosing a school, along with a free printable question grid designed to support parents and carers of primary-age children through the process. You can access the factsheet and question grid here πŸ‘‰ https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/WB-Choosing-a-School-Primary-QA.docx

πŸ’» Our webinar, 'Choosing a Nursery, School, or College for your child with SEN' is available to watch here πŸ‘‰ https://youtu.be/5FOKfrku9mY

🏫What should you do if you don’t get your preferred school for your child or young person? 🏫Finding out you haven’t been...
22/06/2026

🏫What should you do if you don’t get your preferred school for your child or young person? 🏫
Finding out you haven’t been offered your preferred school can feel really stressful, but there are still things you can do next...
🟒 We’re often asked:
β€’ β€œWhat are my options if I didn’t get the school I wanted?”
β€’ β€œCan I appeal the decision?”
β€’ β€œHow do I know if the offered school can meet my child’s needs?”
πŸ“‘ Our factsheet explains:
β€’ Why it’s important to stay positive for your child during this time
β€’ How to research the school you’ve been offered
β€’ Questions you can ask the school, such as meeting the SENCo, and discussing support and transition
β€’ What your rights are, including appealing the decision
πŸ“‘ For more information, take a look at our factsheet here
πŸ‘‰https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/What-to-do-if-you-did-not-get-yout-preference-school.pdf

🏫 How Schools Can Help Your Child with School Anxiety (EBSA) 🏫🟒 If your child is finding it hard to go to school becaus...
22/06/2026

🏫 How Schools Can Help Your Child with School Anxiety (EBSA) 🏫

🟒 If your child is finding it hard to go to school because of anxiety, there are ways schools can help. It starts with understanding and support. Every child is differentβ€”but with the right support, school can feel like a safer, more manageable place again.

πŸ“‘ You can find our full resource 'How school should help the child' here οΏ½https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-How-school-should-help-School-AnxietyEBSA.pdf

🀝 Are you a parent or carer of a young person aged 16-25 and looking for support from West Berkshire SENDIASS on their b...
21/06/2026

🀝 Are you a parent or carer of a young person aged 16-25 and looking for support from West Berkshire SENDIASS on their behalf? 🀝

🟒 If a parent or carer wishes to contact the service on behalf of a young person over the age of 16, we will need the young person's consent to work with their parent or carer.

🟒 Consent is required because, once a young person reaches the end of compulsory school age (the end of the academic year in which they turn 16), certain rights to make decisions about their education, health, and social care transfer from the parent to the young person.

πŸ“‘ To find out more about SENDIASS Support for Children and Young People, read our factsheet here πŸ‘‰https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/West-Berks-Factsheet-Support-for-Children-and-Young-People.pdf

πŸ“š How can parents and school work together? πŸ“šπŸŸ’ If your child is struggling with school anxiety or avoidance, know you're...
20/06/2026

πŸ“š How can parents and school work together? πŸ“š

🟒 If your child is struggling with school anxiety or avoidance, know you're not aloneβ€”and there is support available. With early intervention and a collaborative approach, children can overcome school anxiety and thrive.

🟒 Find the full fact sheet and tips here πŸ‘‰https://westberkssendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WB-How-can-parents-and-school-work-together-School-AnxietyEBSA.pdf

Address

Bradbury Centre, 300 Aldermoor Road
Southampton
SO165NA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443003032644

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when West Berkshire SENDIASS posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share