Sendiass were initially contacted by the host family of a family, who had been relocated to Manchester following the war in Ukraine in August 2024. The family had returned to their home country but as it was still unsafe had then returned to the UK.

The youngest child in the family has complex needs and had already been diagnosed in Ukraine as having autism. SENDIASS explained that due to confidentiality the advisor would need to speak directly with the family although the service did send out initial information on securing school places for both children to be shared with the parent.

SENDIASS explained to the family liaison supporter that the family would need to be in their new location/house before the LA would confirm a school offer. This was secured by the end of August, which meant there was a delay in the child starting school.

Due to the high level of the child’s needs, it was discussed through email and phone conversations the option of submitting a parental request for statutory assessment as it appeared longer term this child was likely to require specialist provision. The relevant factsheet and template letter were sent to the parent.

The parent shared their request for statutory assessment with SENDIASS initially for checking before sending into the LA and the accompanying documents they had from their home country detailing the child’s needs.

SENDIASS often have to manage parent’s expectations in relation to how long it can take to secure extra provision through an EHCP but made sure that the parent was aware of the initial plan, do, review support system the school would be expected to undertake. The parent was given support and advice on having those initial conversations with school, using the podcast episodes that covered these topics.

The parent at this point then contacted SENDIASS directly looking for support for making a referral to the CAMHs service, as although they had a diagnosis from their home country, they would need a further SCAIT assessment here. SENDASS gave the parent the details of the Autism parent navigator.

SENDIASS also made it clear that support in schools was “needs led” and although the child may at some point receive another autism diagnosis here in the UK, any delay in this due to long waiting lists should not be a barrier to the child receiving the support they required to access the curriculum.

In late September 2024, the parent received confirmation from the LA that they intended to carry out a statutory assessment. There was some confusion, due to the language differences, which SENDIASS were able to clarify in relation to whose responsibility it was to contact all the professionals involved for further advice.

The child is currently only in school part -time, and SENDIASS have advised the parent of the law in this area, particularly in relation to when they turn 5 years old later this month (November 2024) again using SENDIASS’ range of factsheets and podcasts, which cover these topics.

Sendiass are continuing to work with this family and provide support and advice to encourage the parent to attend their local offer drop-in to help create a support network of friends to avoid any isolation which may be experienced as a new resident to the city.

This case has demonstrated the importance that our current range of resources are useful particularly for families, whose first language may not be English. The factsheets can be translated, and the podcasts allow a parent to listen more slowly and absorb the information they require.

Arriving in a new country with a child who has complex needs can be challenging and believe that access to services like SENDIASS and the signposting we are able to provide to other support groups has made this transition easier for families such as this one.

The SENDIASS website for parent/carers, YP’s and professionals has lots of relevant information with links, podcasts and factsheets. https://www.iasmanchester.org 

There are several ways parent/carers can gain information and knowledge. SENDIASS Manchester Information is shared verbally through volunteer parent groups:

1. Manchester Parent Carer Forum – For Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Aged 0-25 in Manchester , 
2. Manchester Parent Champions (on Facebook)
3. Manchester's Local Offer  
4. The SPACE Group | Help & Support Manchester           

SENDIASS also attends local drop-ins in North, Central and South Manchester.



SENDIASS is contactable on the 24-hour answerphone call back service 0161 209 8356 , email sendiass@manchester.gov.uk and via our contact page through the website Contact us (iasmanchester.org)