You don’t have to be an expert on SEND law, policy and practice to advocate effectively for your child or young person - that’s our job! But as a parent or carer, you may find yourself wondering what your part is in advocacy for education. The answer is that it is critical to securing the support your child or young person needs. This may sound scary, but in actual fact advocacy is something that many of us do daily; often without even thinking about it. For example, if you have ever challenged an education or health professional about the support they are offering (or more frequently not offering), then congratulations, you are already advocating for your child!
Advocacy in education aims to address disparities in access to support so that all children are provided with equal opportunities to thrive. Without it, there is a real risk that the attainment gap between children with SEND and those without will not close and indeed is likely to increase. Knowing how vital advocacy in education is, helps parents and carers to take an active role in their child’s learning, despite the many hurdles they are unfairly met with. Advocacy enables parents to overcome these hurdles, leading to better and more appropriate support and increased empowerment for students with SEND.
As a parent or carer, there are two components of advocacy that are particularly important. The first involves how you talk to your child and to others, communication, and the second involves how you work with others to ensure this you and they are heard and, co-operation.
Communication
Advocacy is a specific type of communication, designed to put across a particular point of view or perspective with the aim of influencing the listener to behave a certain way in response. In the context of SEND it’s largely about standing up for the educational rights of children and young people. You do not have to be an expert on SEND to understand your child’s needs. But remember what is obvious to you won’t necessarily be obvious to someone else, and that is where communication is key.
Co-operation
In order to bring about real change, advocacy in education often involves coordinated efforts. Examples of this include working with an advocate to create a compelling case on behalf of your child or young person, as well as co-operation their school or college.
SEND Advocacy works across the SEND system, by Listening, Explaining, Advising and Presenting. It may be you need support to request the initial Education Health and Care Needs Assessment (“EHCNA”), or help in understanding the content of an Education Health Care Plan (“EHC Plan”). Whatever it is, we are here to help, and our range of services show we understand the importance of advocacy in education.
We also understand that as a parent or carer you should never underestimate the critical role you play in securing the right education for your child. We know the laws, but you know the child, and your knowledge is just as valuable as ours when it comes to effective advocacy.
Advocacy in education, particularly through communication and cooperation enables parents and carers to feel empowered and re-assured that their child or young person will get the support they require and deserve. And it’s important to remember that advocacy is not a solo process. You are not alone and we are here to help! 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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