SEN for Parents

Basic Principles of Special Education Needs (SEN) for Parents

You need to keep these points in mind as you read the information on this page:

  • all children with special educational needs should have their needs met;

  • the special educational needs of children are normally met in mainstream schools or early education settings;

  • your views should be taken into account and the wishes of your child should be listened to;

  • you have a vital role in supporting your child’s education;

  • You should be consulted about all the decisions that affect your child

  • children with special educational needs should get a broad,well-balanced and relevant education, including the foundation stage curriculum (for children aged 3 to 5) or the National Curriculum (for children aged 5 to16) .

What can you do if you are worried about your child's educational progress or you think that your child may have SEN?

Your child’s early years are a very important time for their physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. If you have any worries about your child's development, you should get advice straight away from a health visitor or doctor and share any concerns you may have with your child's teacher, head teacher or any other professional working with your child. If your child is not yet at school or not yet going to an early education setting, you can talk to your doctor or health visitor who will be able to give you advice about the next steps to take.

If you think your child may have a special educational need that has not been identified by the school or early education setting, you should talk to your child’s teacher or to the SENCO (Special Education Needs Co-ordinator) straight away. You will be able to talk over your concerns and find out what the school thinks. 

You might like to ask if:

  • the school thinks your child has learning difficulties

  • the school thinks your child has special educational need

  • your child is already getting some extra help

  • you can help your child

Remember that it is important to work together with your child’s teachers to help sort out any problems and address any concerns early on. The closer you work with your child’s teachers, the more successful any help for your child can be. If your concerns are confirmed by the school setting, the SENCO will be able to explain what happens next in terms of applying for a Statutory Assessment of Special Needs.

Even if the Education Authority decides not to carry out a statutory assessment of your child, your child can still get extra help. We will write and tell you and the school the reasons used not to carry out an assessment.  You or the school may still feel that more needs to be done to meet your child’s educational needs. You should talk to the school to find out what can be done. They may consider different arrangements or outside help will be appropriate. You can also talk to the Islington Parent Partnership Service. 
Click to find out about the options you have if you disagree with a Council decision relating to SEN or are unhappy about the Local Education Authority's practice.

Help for parents and a list of voluntary organisations

Click for the Parent Partnership Service – an independent support and advice service set up for the parents of SEN children, children with disabilities or children at risk of exclusion. Alternatively, here is a list of useful Voluntary Organisations that are also here to help parents in looking after children with disabilities.

Specialist Education Provisions within Islington for SEN Children

The Bridge School is a community special school for pupils aged between 2-19 years with severe and multiple learning difficulties and for pupils who are on the autistic spectrum.

Richard Cloudesley is a day school for children with disabilities aged 2-19 years.

Samuel Rhodes is a school for children with multiple learning difficulties

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