Schools and learning

Special Educational Needs

Introduction

About one in five school children will need special help with their learning at some stage, while they are at school.

Some parents will know about their child’s special needs before they start school, but it may become clear that their child has special educational needs only after they have started school full-time.

The majority of children will have their needs met in their local mainstream school, using the resources already made available to the school by the local authority.

We also have a range of specialist facilities and support services for children with special educational needs. If your child does have special educational needs and you are worried about them starting school, this leaflet tells you:
• How you can best help him or her
• How you can work in partnership with the school and the local authority
• Your rights and responsibilities as a parent

Schools are encouraged to involve parents in their child’s education, whenever they can. This leaflet will help prepare you for when your child starts school.