South Tyneside SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service) provides free, confidential, and impartial guidance for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND, as well as their parents and carers. No official diagnosis is required to access the service.
What SENDIASS Offers
- Education & Legal Advice: Guidance on SEN support in schools, the Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessment process, EHCP reviews, and national SEN law.
- Practical Support: Assistance with completing forms, preparing for meetings, and expressing views clearly to local authorities and schools.
- Exclusions & Disagreements: Support and advocacy regarding school exclusions, resolving disputes, and understanding rights.
- Young People’s Service & Youth Forum: Specific tailored advice directly for young people, giving them a voice in local SEND decisions.
Contact & Referral Details
| Details | Contact Information |
| Phone | 0191 424 6345 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | southtynesidesendiass.co.uk |
| Opening Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding bank holidays) |
| How to Access | Self-referral via phone or online webform (referrals cannot be made by school staff or professionals). |
School Exclusions Week (2nd – 6th November 2026)
South Tyneside SENDIASS is hosting a series of free events aimed at parents, carers, young people, and professionals to raise awareness around school exclusions, reduced timetables, and inclusive education.
- Monday 2nd November:
- School Exclusions Support Hub (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) at Ridgeway Family Hub. Drop-in session featuring a “Know Your Rights” station, “Ask SENDIASS” box, and advice from wellbeing partner Underneath App.
- School Exclusions Week Launch Event (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM) at The Word. Drop-in event featuring guest speakers and the unveiling of The Inclusion Quilt.
- Tuesday 3rd November:
- Multi-Agency Library Roadshow (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM) at Cleadon Park Library.
- Recognising & Managing Burnout for Parent Carers Workshop (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) at Primrose Family Hub (Booking required).
- Extended Office Hours: SENDIASS team available until 7:00 PM.
- Wednesday 4th November:
- SEND Surgery One-to-One Sessions at Riverside Family Hub (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM) and Biddick Hall Family Hub (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) (Booking required).
- Exclusions & Part-Time Timetables Workshop (12:30 PM – 2:30 PM) at Primrose Family Hub (Booking required).
- Thursday 5th November:
- SENDIASS on the Key Community Bus at One Trinity Green (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) and Hedworthfield Community Association (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM).
- Walk & Talk Session (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM) starting at the South Marine Park bandstand.
- Friday 6th November:
- School Exclusions Support Hub (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) at Hebburn Family Hub. Featuring the Emotional Resilience Team.
How to Book & Access Resources
- Bookings: Sessions requiring advance registration can be booked via South Tyneside SENDIASS Eventbrite.
- Digital & Social Media: Throughout the week, SENDIASS will release a new School Exclusions Resource Pack, launch a free webinar, and share daily video updates via “SENDIASS on Screen”.
