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Special Educational Needs (SEN): A guide for parents and carers - Revised 2009

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Thumbnail of Special Educational Needs (SEN): A guide for parents and carers - Revised 2009This product is created by DCSF

This guide aims to help parents and carers understand what special educational needs are and what they can do if they are worried that their child may be having difficulties at, or before, they go to school.

It also describes what early education settings, schools and local authorities and other services can do to help their child, and what rights they and their children have.

If parents or carers have concerns or worries at any time, they should share them with their child’s teacher or head teacher or any other professional working with their child.

Visit the SEN area of Teachernet for more information

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Audience: Carers, Parents, SENCOs
Format: Booklet, Document - Braille, Document - Large Print, Leaflet  Date issued: August 2008
Function: Information  Reference: DCSF-00639-2008

Price: FREE
Price: This product is only available for ordering to schools.

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Also:

Includes

  • Basic principles
  • Special educational needs - What does it mean?
  • What can you do if you are worried that your child may be having difficulties?
  • Meeting special educational needs
  • What is the graduated approach?
  • What if you disagree with the early education setting or the school?
  • Assessments and statements
  • What is a statutory assessment?
  • How long will you have to wait for the LA to decide whether your child should have an assessment?
  • What can you do if the LA decide not to assess your child?
  • The assessment
  • Timetable for assessment
  • What happens after the assessment?
  • What if you disagree with the LA’s decision?
  • What is a statement?
  • What happens once a statement has been prepared for your child?
  • Can you choose your child’s school?
  • How long have you got to comment?
  • When will the local authority make the final statement?
  • What if you disagree with the statement?
  • What if the LA decide that your child does not need a statement?
  • What if you disagree with the LA’s decision?
  • Annual review of the statement
  • Can changes be made to the statement?
  • What if you disagree with the LA’s changes?
  • Transition planning
  • Choices after 16 – will your child be able to stay on at school?
  • How long does a statement last?
  • Can you ask for your child to be assessed again?
  • What happens if you move to another LA area?
  • What happens if you disagree with the LA?
  • What is a parent partnership service?
  • What is a disagreement resolution service?
  • What is the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal?
  • How long do you have to appeal?
  • What if the Tribunal cannot deal with your complaint?
  • Definitions
  • Other publications you may find useful
  • If you need more help
  • Addresses of voluntary agencies

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