Hi Mel,
Iâm one of the information and advice officers at Mencap. We do hear from families about issues at school and getting the right support for children. I have some general information which might be useful:
There have been some changes in education called the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) reforms which are part of the Children and Families Act which became law in 2014. All local authorities must follow the SEND code of practice.
As part of the SEND reforms education, health and care (EHC) plans have now replaced statements of special educational needs. The advantage of EHC plans is that they offer a more holistic approach covering health and social care needs for someone in an educational setting. They now extend from 0 to 25 years for anyone who is in education. EHC plans are necessary when the school or college cannot support the pupil through the usual special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) channels.
If your son is going to have an EHC assessment, or a review of one already in place, itâs really important to work with the school to achieve the best possible outcome. They are in a position to fully assess your son in the classroom and evidence any additional support needs. They will use an âassess, plan, do, reviewâ cycle for your child. If you arenât happy with the response from your sonâs teacher talk to the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) at the school.
Another part of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms is to provide an information, advice and support service to families, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SENDIASS). They offer an independent, flexible and supportive service to give parents/carers, children/young people 0-25, schools and professionals the opportunity of working together to meet the special educational needs and disability of the individual pupil.
You can look up your local SENDIASS on this link: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network/network-section?page=17&return_type=page&return_section=32
I hope that helps and I hope your son gets the support he needs in school. You can call the learning disability helpline on 0808 808 1111 if you need more.
Best wishes,
Margaret