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What does it mean?
It means that your child has learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than the majority of children of the same age. Some children may have disabilities that last for their whole of their lives whilst others may have problems that last for only a short while. It also means that your child will get extra help either in a mainstream (normal) playgroup, nursery or school or in a special school or playgroup or nursery. For more info contact the DfES on 0845 6022260 or from their website.
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How will I know if my child has special needs?
In some cases it will be obvious from a very early stage that your child has long term special needs i.e. they’re blind, have downs syndrome or some other major disability. Others may not show up until your child is older and already in play group or school.
Sometimes the problems will show up through the various health visitor checks or your doctor thinks there is a problem you should seek advice straight away.
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Where can I go for advice?
If you are told that your child has a specific illness, syndrome or disability you can probably get advice from one of the many voluntary organisations which can be found on the government website click here and download the guide to parents. The addresses of the organisations are at the end of the document.
If your child is at school or playgroup you can speak to your child’s class teacher, head teacher or SENCO (the person with responsibility for special needs in the school) or group leader.
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School has contacted me to say that my child has special needs what happens now?
Nothing will happen without your involvement at every stage of the process. The SEN Code of practice is quite clear that you must be involved in any decisions about your child. They will discuss with you the plan they have for supporting your child and all through the process if they and other experts that your child needs to have a statement of special educational needs. (Don’t panic this is a statement expressing the difficulties your child is having and the kind of extra support the council are going to provide to support your child. THEY ARE NOT A JUDGEMENT OF YOU
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Is there anyone I can talk to about my child and their education who is not connected to the school
Yes, you could contact the local parent partnership on 01603 704070 or through their website www.norfolkparentpartnership.org.uk as well as the telephone and website they publish a range of information SEN written in an easy to read format. One of the booklets they have is useful contacts
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