We recommend that you approach your child’s school, offering to support them in supporting your child. It’s helpful to share not only what your child finds difficult, but what he/she thinks might help them.
If a school is unable to offer a strategy you suggest, what could they offer instead which might help your child in a similar way?
| Schools must: | SEND Code of Practice 2015 reference |
|---|---|
| Tell parents when they make special education provision for their child. | 6.2 |
| Use their best endeavours to make sure a child’s SEN needs are met. | 6.2 |
| Make sure children with SEN take part in activities alongside others who don’t have SEN. | 6.2 |
| Publish a SEN Information Report and review it every year. It must be clear and easy to understand and explain how they assess and support children with SEN & involve parents & pupils. | 6.79 |
| Schools should: | SEND Code of Practice 2015 reference |
|---|---|
| Meet with parents and the pupil to agree the assessment of their child’s needs, the plan of support, the expected impact and a date for review. | 6.48 |
| Meet parents at least 3 times a year | 6.65 |
| Ensure all teachers and support staff who work with the pupil are aware of the child’s needs, the support plan and any teaching approaches which help. | 6.49 |
Medical conditions and Disability
If your child has a medical condition, it may be helpful to explore and agree an individual healthcare plan with school (this is different to an EHC Plan). A school nurse or other medical professional could be involved.
The government guidance: ‘Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions‘ says:
Governing bodies should ensure that pupils with medical conditions are supported to enable the fullest participation possible in all aspects of school life. (page 16)
| Schools must: | SEND Code of Practice 2015 reference |
|---|---|
| Make arrangements for pupils with medical conditions and must have regard to the relevant statutory guidance. | 6.11 |
| Not discriminate against disabled pupils | Pages 16/17 |
| Make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils | Pages 16/17 |
| Publish an accessibility plan which explains how they plan to increase access for disabled pupils to the physical environment, the curriculum and information. | Page 17 |
The ‘Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions‘ guidance says it is generally unacceptable to:
- Require parents to attend school to administer medication or provide medical support to their child, including with toileting issues. No parent should have to give up working because the school is failing to support their child’s medical needs;
- Prevent children from participating, or create unnecessary barriers to children participating, in any aspect of school life, including school trips, e.g. by requiring parents to accompany the child. (page 23)
