At the beginning of 2026, IASSN put out a survey to all SENDIAS services in order to research the range of work that SENDIAS services are currently engaged in. We wanted to capture the breadth and depth of SENDIAS services’ work and were particularly interested in any areas of work that could be said to go beyond the core service offer.
To this end, we were particularly interested in innovative practices that services have independently developed in their local areas whether this be particular models of service delivery, strategic or collaborative working, training provision or engagement with education settings or other professionals or service providers.
The information which we gather from the survey is presented below. Section 1 provides a short summary of the work being undertaken by each service who responded and Section 2 provides the full list of survey responses for a more detailed account of current SENDIAS service practices.
The findings of this survey further underscore how SENDIAS services are uniquely placed to provide expert information, knowledge and support to the wider local SEND system. They demonstrate that not only are these services able to provide impartial support and independent advice to children, young people and families but can also play a vital strategic role in supporting the reform of the current SEND system and helping to ensure its effective functioning.
Please find the infographics for the SENDIASS Ways of Working Summary Report here.