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
Shibley Begum
Administrator
I am a parent of two boys, one of whom has SEN and complex health needs.
SENDIASS have been supporting me with knowledge, information, and expert advice with my son’s EHCP and appeal for a SEN school. SENDIASS guidance and support has empowered me to make informed decisions for my son’s education.
Having faced the challenges of an appeal and applying for an EHCP, I know how challenging and overwhelming it can be navigating the complex SEND educational system and SEND laws.
I hope to enable other parents and carers feel empowered in taking informed decisions regarding their children’s education and social care.
Before becoming a parent, I had a career in banking, and I have been volunteering at Citizens Advice service for over a year now. I have discovered through volunteering at Citizens Advice Service that I really enjoy helping people and making a difference to their lives and I hope I can make a difference to other parents lives who are seeking advice and support at SENDIASS.
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
I like to spend time with my family outside exploring nature. I enjoy praying and practicing my faith.
Fun fact about me:
I’m currently learning Arabic grammar. I also enjoy going to the gym, and exploring different food places in different cities with my family.
Emma Fraser
Triage Officer
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 Hemmings
Triage Officer
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 Dace
Senior Triage Officer
As a child I was a young carer for my brother and my mum. I have several years 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!
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.
Hayley Legg
Parent/Young Person's Adviser
I first started off in SEND area with casual hours as a support worker for children, whilst I was a single mum. That led me to then being a support teacher, I worked closely with two children with physical and mental disabilities in reception year. My job role would entail differentiating their work, delivering ELSA, updating sen support plans, ensuring they were safe and that the school was accessible to a young boy I worked with. I enjoyed this job thoroughly and although it suited me because of school hours it also meant I missed out on a lot of my daughter’s school events due to being in school working with no flexibility.
That is when I then found my current job role and it was perfect. School hours but with flexibility. I have been working here for nearly 7 years. I have supported families and young people. I attend social clubs, made some great connections with inspiring young people, done lots of training to keep me up to date with send law and understanding SEND.
I did used to know Makaton through my school job but I am rusty with that now, maybe that could be my next course!
In all my job roles I have gained satisfaction from knowing I am making a difference to someone else’s lives and I do not think I would ever choose a different career path.
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
Paddle boarding, Travelling, Food
Fun fact about me:
I have had 7 piercings.
Jen Jones
Parent/Carer Adviser
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.
Ashley Raynor
Programme Manager
I have worked in the Southampton area supporting unpaid carers since 2014. This has been in a variety of roles including specifically working with those caring for someone with a Learning Disability, Physical Disability or Sensory Impairment. I am passionate about ensuring everyone has access to individualised information and support and can therefore make empowered and informed decisions in their lives. I understand how challenging it can be for young people, for parents/carers, and for professionals to navigate the education, health and social care systems and how overwhelming it can be. Sometimes we all need help to understand what is available, understand the complex laws and guidelines that define this, and determine what is best for each individual persons needs. I am proud to be part of such a knowledgeable and compassionate team who are here to offer that help.
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
I love good food, spending time with family and friends, and exploring outdoors with my husband and my two boys. I am an avid reader of fantasy fiction and love to binge watch TV series once my kids are asleep.
Fun Fact about me:
I am also a Perinatal Educator and teach a range of antenatal education classes and baby massage and yoga classes.