Meet the Team

All Triage Officers and Advisors have completed professional SEND legal training run by the Independent Provider of Special Educational Advice (IPSEA). This means they can give you accurate, relevant, and legally based information about your rights and responsibilities and those of schools, colleges, the Local Authority and education professionals.

Most of our team also have lived personal experience in the SEND education system, adding an extra layer to their skills and understanding. We also attend regular training and updates on SEND issues. Find out more about our team below!

The SENDIASS Team are...

DBS Checked
Professionally Trained
Regulated
Experienced
Needs Driven
Empowering
Supportive
Compassionate

Emma's Profile

Two of our four children have SEN. I was first introduced to SENDIASS when looking for support, first for our daughter and then later our son. The information and advice given by SENDIASS gave me the tools and confidence to support and make the right decisions for my children’s education.

Once my children were settled back into education I returned to college, firstly to retake my GCSEs and then to complete a Diploma in Health and Social care with the hope that I could someday provide other parents and young people impartial advice and the tools needed to empower them to make informed decisions regarding education, health and social care.

After completing my Diploma I initially volunteered at SENDIASS before joining the team as a administrative assistant.

Having first hand experience of the difficulties that can arise when your child has SEN means that I understand when listening to parents concerns and questions and hope to provide individualised support to help their children reach their full potential.

Some of my hobbies/interests include:
We have two dogs so spend a lot of time walking in the New Forest with them. I also enjoy reading and learning new cooking recipes.

Fun fact about me:
I have just started swimming lessons for the first time at the age of 46 as my goal is to join my family in water sport activities rather than watching from the sideline.

Charlene's Profile

Many years ago I volunteered at a local playgroup, offering respite care for children with disabilities. After having my own children, I went on to study for a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Childcare and worked in a Pre-school as an Early Years Practitioner. Whilst I loved working with the children, I felt that I wanted to be able to offer more support and advice to families, which led me to this role at Rose Road.

Some of my hobbies/interests include:
I love to bake cakes….and eat them! As a family we love trips to the beach or the forest. I really enjoy being creative and have attempted many different crafts including floristry, pottery, painting and bread making….I’m not very good but it’s fun having a go!

Fun fact about me:
One day I WILL complete the Couch 2 5K app all the way to the end and start to actually enjoy running! One day…..!

Jasmine's Profile

As a child I was a young carer for my brother and my mum. I have over a decade of practical experience working with disabled young people, helping them to overcome their difficulties and realise their abilities… and have fun doing it! Now, I am enjoying using my skills and knowledge to help families to achieve better outcomes for their loved ones with SEND difficulties. I am also a Msc Psychology student hoping to eventually become an Educational Psychologist to take my passion further!

Some of my hobbies/interests include:
I love exploring nature and the outdoors, cooking delectable dinners, and collecting crystals.

Fun Fact about me:
I am also very creative, with a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration and previous involvement performing lead roles in theatre shows.

Gemma's Profile

I have 3 amazing children; my middle child is Autistic with a PDA profile which can be extremely challenging. I have spent the last few years fighting for and had granted his EHCP and have recently secured his place at an Independent SEN school which he has just started. This is by no means the end of the journey as I know there will be many challenges ahead for him and us as a family. I have been grateful to SENDIASS for the support that I have received over the years and hope to give back to the community and support others through the various processes.

Some of my hobbies/interests include: I love to watch crime dramas, I am obsessed with Sausage dogs! and also love to read.

Fun Fact about me: As well as being obessed with Sausage dogs and do actually own one I am also obsessed with all things flamingo, my house is covered and full of them!

Jen's Profile

Hi, I’m Jen Jones. I’ve been working for West Berkshire SENDIASS since 2014. I focus on supporting parents of children aged 0-13. I really want to help empower parents and carers by providing impartial advice and information to support them with their individual situations. I currently work 4 days per week for SENDIASS, dealing mostly with supporting over the phone and travelling across the county to support at a variety of meetings.

I am a qualified Primary Teacher and previously worked for a charity supporting families with children who have acquired brain injuries.