Advocating for your child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) means speaking up and taking action to ensure they get the support they need at school, home, and in the community. Here’s how to do it in simple terms, with examples:
1. Understand Your Child’s Needs
The first step in advocating is to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and what support they need.
● Example: If your child struggles with communication, you might notice they need more time to answer questions or use visual aids like pictures.
● Action: Write down what you see at home and ask teachers if they see the same at school.
2. Learn About Your Rights
As a parent, you have the right to ask for support for your child, especially in education. Learn about:
● SEN Support: Extra help schools & early years settings provide, like one-to-one teaching or special tools.
● EHCPs: Legal plans that outline your child’s needs and how they will be met.
Example: If your child’s school isn’t helping enough, you can ask for an EHCP assessment.
3. Communicate with the School / Early Years Setting
Good communication is key.
● Action:
○ Talk to your child’s teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
○ Attend meetings and share your concerns calmly and clearly.
Example: If your child is falling behind in class, ask, “What strategies are being used to help my child catch up? Can we try some extra reading time?”
4. Keep Records
Write down important details so you can refer back to them.
● Action:
○ Keep copies of letters, emails, and reports from teachers or professionals.
○ Write notes after meetings.
Example: If the school / early years setting promises extra support in a meeting, write it down and follow up if it doesn’t happen.
5. Work with Professionals
Many people might be involved in supporting your child, like speech therapists, doctors, or educational psychologists.
● Action:
○ Ask for their input.
○ Share their reports with the school / early years setting
Example: If a therapist recommends sensory breaks for your child, ask the school / early years setting to include them in the daily routine.
6. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive
Speak up firmly but politely if you feel your child isn’t getting enough support.
● Action: Use phrases like:
○ “I would like to understand why my child isn’t getting this support.”
○ “How can we work together to solve this problem?”
Example: If a school says they can’t afford extra help, you can say, “I understand budgets are tight, but my child has a legal right to the support they need.”
7. Get Help from Others
You don’t have to do it all alone.
● Action:
○ Join parent support groups.
○ Contact services like SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice, and Support Service).
Example: If you’re struggling to write a letter to request an EHCP , SENDIASS can help you.
8. Appeal Decisions if Necessary
If the local authority refuses support, you can challenge their decision.
● Action:
○ Request mediation.
○ Appeal to a tribunal if needed.
Example: If your EHCP application is denied, you can say, “I’d like to challenge this decision because the evidence shows my child needs extra support.”
Remember:
● Stay calm and focused on your child’s needs.
● Build good relationships with teachers and professionals.
● Never hesitate to ask questions or request explanations.
By being persistent and informed, you can ensure your child gets the support they need to thrive. Would you like help drafting a letter or preparing for a meeting?
