Care and support

Services available for children with disabilities

Children with disabilities have the same rights as other children. We want to make sure that they grow up with the support that will give them the same opportunities as other children to lead fulfilling lives.

The services that can be arranged depend on what you and your social worker decide are the most appropriate for your child’s needs and what can be afforded. Some services may not be available in your area and there may be a waiting list for others.

The family support that could be offered to you could include:

• Help with arranging day care for children under school age
• Help with arranging day care for school age children outside school hours and in school holidays
• Overnight stays or other short stays for your child to give you both a break from the normal routine
• Advice about adaptations to the house or special equipment to increase your child’s independence
• Extra help in the home
• Advice about benefits and other financial assistance
• Counselling and advice
• Putting you in touch with voluntary organisations and other agencies which provide support and advice

The school based support that might be offered could include:

• Every school receives help from professionals such as educational psychologists and specialist advisory teachers who can provide advice to teachers and parents of children with disabilities
• All schools provide extra help for children with disabilities, as appropriate. The head teacher, working closely with you, will identify your child’s special educational needs and make the best possible provision in school
• If your child’s educational needs are significantly greater than those of other children, a statutory assessment of your child’s needs in school may be carried out. Either you, or the school may ask for this statutory assessment. If you need further information about your child’s Special Educational Needs, you can contact the Central Assessment Support Team on 01992 588505
• Following an assessment of special educational needs, any special provision which your child needs will be identified. This may mean either special arrangements being made in your local school, or a transfer to more specialist provision if necessary.

Wherever possible, provision to meet your child’s needs will be made in your local school.