Meet the Team
The SENDIASS team are trained to give you accurate and relevant information and advice about special educational needs, as well as supporting you to make decisions about your child’s education.
All Advisers and Triage Officers have completed SEND legal training run by IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Educational Advice). That means they can give you legally based information about your rights and responsibilities and those of schools, colleges, the Local Authority and education professionals.
They also attend regular training on SEND issues and all staff are fully Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked. This means a check has been done to make sure they can work with vulnerable groups, such as young people.
Emma Fraser
Administrator
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.
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.
Debra Weston
Parent/Carer Adviser
I have a son with SEND who, fortunately, attended a Special Needs Nursery, followed by placement in a Specialist Unit in a mainstream school. I had to fight for support in Secondary school and College was a struggle for him. But, despite, among many other issues, not being able to talk when he started Infant school (only a handful of random words), he went on to University and now has a degree.
I worked as a Teaching Assistant in Primary schools for many years, working mainly with SEND pupils, where I gained, not only job satisfaction and happy memories, but more experience of SEND and educational provision.
In 2014, I joined Portsmouth SEND IASS, initially as a volunteer but, within a few months as a Parent Adviser. I have completed all the Legal Training and other training related to this position. More importantly, I have gained more valuable experience from working with parents. I really enjoy my job and do my best to share my knowledge with parents and strive to empower them to deal with all issues they are faced with, concerning their children’s education.
Some of my hobbies/interests include:
Exercise classes including; Combat, Aquasise, Yoga and Pilates. Walking & reading.
Fun Fact about me:
I abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower to raise funds for Charity.
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.