As a parent or carer of a child or young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (“SEND”) you cannot help but be aware of the challenging and frustrating nature of navigating the system. And you are not alone. Over 1.5 million children in England have some form of SEND, which covers a range of conditions - from neurodivergence, such as Autism and ADHD to Specific Leaning Disabilities (SpLd) including Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, to physical and learning disabilities like Downs Syndrome, and mental health difficulties such as depression. It is a deliberately wide and encompassing definition and does not require a child or young person to have a diagnosis of any kind.
SEN are divided into four main areas, namely: Cognition & Learning, Communication & Interaction, Social, Emotional and Mental Health and Sensory/ Physical. And whilst every child deserves access to learning and support, this is particularly heightened for children with SEN. This is because, according to the SEND Code of Practice, children with SEN make progress which ‘is significantly slower than that of their peers starting from the same baseline’ which ‘widens the attainment gap’.
SEND Advocacy recognises the difficulties faced by parents and carers, and the tools you need to successfully achieve the right education for your child or young person. Knowledge is power, and a proper understanding of how the SEND system works and sometimes doesn’t work, is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself and your family. A better understanding of the SEND system and the law underpinning it will lead to a better understanding of how to obtain the support necessary for your child to thrive.
If you think your child has SEND, there are different procedures to follow depending on age. If your child is under 5, nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure children with SEND are offered support. For children between 5 and 15 or 16+, it is good to first talk to the class teacher or teachers and/or the SENCo-ordinator (“SENCO”) at their school or college.
The SEND system is complex and not the easiest to navigate, so don’t feel you are alone in the process. There is support available for you and your family, including local community groups, and help from advocates. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert on SEND law, policy or practice, our upcoming SEND Advocacy Academy has been created to equip you and parents and carers like you with the tools you need, and provide a more comprehensive guide to navigating the SEND system.
SEND Advocacy is here to help support children who learn differently to access and/or progress in education. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child or young person deserves, contact us today.
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