Busy Periods Statement

We appreciate you bearing with us during this busy time. Our service is currently experiencing a high volume of referrals which we are working hard to fulfil.  

 

There may be delays in appointment times for further advice from our caseworkers or Young People’s Involvement Officer. If you have an appointment which you no longer need or cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible. This will allow us to offer the slot to another parent and arrange a new time for you if needed.  

 

While waiting for your appointment, you may find our parent information sessions helpful. These cover topics such as:  

  • SEN Support in Schools 

  • What is a Needs Assessment for an EHC Plan  

  • Looking at a Draft EHC Plan  

  • How Disputes over Local Authority Decisions are Resolved  

  • Post-16 Transition 

You can book these sessions or access webinars here on the Sheffield SENDIAS Website  

 

During these sessions, you can speak directly to members of the team and ask any questions you have, which may reduce the need for a one-to-one appointment.  

 

Additionally, our website offers downloadable information leaflets and resources for parents, carers, and young people:  

Please understand that we are unable to attend all meetings unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we consider on a case-by-case basis. 

 

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to make routine check-in calls. If you have concerns or receive information that you would like advice on, please email us at ssendias@sheffield.gov.uk  

 

We only receive information from other services if you give them permission to share it with us.  

 

You can also reach us by calling 0114 2736009. Our advice line is open Monday to Wednesday, 9am–3:30pm, and Thursdays and Fridays 9am-1pm, with 24/7 voicemail available.  

 

During busy periods, you may get our answering machine. If this happens, please leave us a message and we will return your call. If you do not hear back from us within 5 working days, please call again. We will try twice to contact you and follow up by email if we have your email address.  

 

Please note that our phone number is not displayed when we call back, so please make sure you answer if you are expecting a call from us.  

 

We try to respond to emails within 3 working days. If you do not receive a reply within 5 working days, please resend your email. Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your patience and support.