Finding your way around your child's educational rights– for parents of children with special educational needs

Do’s

- If, at the time of applying for your child’s school place, your child does NOT have an official diagnosis of special educational needs or a disability (SEND) but, you have concerns – mention this on the school application form. If your child has a diagnosis, ask at the school reception if they have it on record about your child’s needs and whether they will get an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. Ask at the school office how you can be involved in the planning of your child’s EHC. Tell them that you wish to be kept informed about the plan and consulted. If it is easier and more private, you could e-mail the school office about your wish to be involved in the planning. Request their email address at the school office. Request a hard copy of your child’s EHC plan.

- Get to know your child’s teacher(s) and teaching assistant(s) and ask about the physical environment of the classroom and building and what the staff do in that environment to safeguard your child. Under the law, (Equality Act 2010), the school is required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for your child’s needs so, ask the school office or SEN Co-ordinator (SENCo) what adjustments they plan to make for your child.

- Be pro-active as a parent/ carer and research about the SEND system yourself. If you have internet at home or can get to the library to use a PC, Google an organisation called Mencap, go to their website, search for ‘SEND system‘ to understand better.

- If in doubt about anything, ask the school / education authority for a meeting to discuss your concerns or situation.

- There is an organisation in Manchester which provides culturally appropriate support to families with SEND. They offer various activities for their children to participate in, plus, they run sessions for parents/ carers to share experiences and get advice. It is called Dimobi Children’s Disability Trust and Wonderfully Made Woman is happy to make a referral on your behalf – please inform us if you wish us to make a referral. Find out more about Dimobi on their website at: www.dimobitrust.org.uk

Don’t’s

- Do not be afraid to ask the school/ education authority important questions.

- It is useful as a parent/carer to understand the school system in relation to support for your child. But, schools are very busy so, don’t wait for or expect the school to have the time to volunteer information / explain about the school system.

- Please, do not feel fear or embarrassment talking about / requesting support for your child’s needs. Your child is wonderful and deserves to be supported, without any stigma.

- As a parent/ carer of a child with SEND, do not isolate yourself too much socially from other school parents.

- Do not feel afraid to challenge the school about the support your child is getting, if you are not happy. Find out how to challenge at this link:

www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/children-and-young-people/challenging-support-your-child-getting

or Google Mencap and on their website, search ‘challenge support your child is getting’.

- Do not be intimidated by teachers/ staff. They have a duty and a code of practice to adhere to whilst working with your child.