Bolton IAS is an arms length, statutory service, as referenced in law. We provide legally informed information and advice to parents carers and young people between the ages of birth and 25 years across education, health and social care.  We have been established in Bolton for over 25 years, and in that time, have supported thousands of families through journeys similar to yours. We are all passionate about our children, and ensuring SEND is at the top of everyone's agenda. 

At IAS Bolton, all our staff have first hand experience of some of the difficulties you may face having a child with SEND. We are also legally trained to Bar accreditation standards by IPSEA. In addition, our staff team has:

• Independent Supporters legally based training
• Keeping children safe training
• Adult teaching qualification (PTLLS/ QTS) to allow us to deliver training and workshops to parent carers and professionals 
• Qualified Counselling  registration 
• Autism awareness training 
• Enhanced DBS checks

This allows us to ensure that we always give you the best service we can, and have staff who have the qualifications and experience to support you and your family. 

Bolton IAS offer the following services;

• 1:1 caseworker (single point of contact for agencies/ support at meetings etc)
• Independent Support Programme for EHC planning
• AMITY mentoring service for young people 
• Drop in sessions covering ‘hot topics’
• Out of hours email support
• Workshops
• Tribunal preparation support
• Legally informed advice

Themes of work

• Exclusion
• Bullying
• Requesting and navigating EHC plans
• Transitional support/ changing schools
• Transport
• Asking for social care assessments 
• Help with referrals to health agencies
• Advice relating to early years and post 16 options 
• Support at formal mediation meetings
• Personal budgets 

Bolton IAS are unable to help with DLA/PIP forms. Please contact Bolton Citizen Advice or Welfare Rights. Details can be found on the Local Offer. 

“The IAS services rendered have been invaluable to us as a family and without your help and input I do not think we would have gained an insight to the rights our Son was entitled to. Being disabled and new to the country; we as parents are completely unaware of what to expect in terms of educational needs and settings available“ - S.K

“The IAS provide an invaluable service to children and their families.  It is a service I frequently recommend to parents because of the experience of the staff and the quality of their support” - M.C

“ The service you provide is invaluable - I could not have got through the EHCP process without your knowledge, support and reassurance“ - L.M

“Bolton advisory service has been an invaluable service. Its supported me through everything relating to my sons place at a special school. They make time for me and help. Without them I would have been lost with no one to turn to” - H.D