Every child is different and  every child matters. They mature and learn at different rates, and some are better at some things than others. When difficulties persist however, there may be a cause for concern, and this could mean that a child has special educational needs (SEN). Concerns may be raised by the parent or carer, a health visitor, GP, school nurse, teacher or any other professional involved with the child.

Many difficulties are mild and temporary but some will be more severe and longer term. Most children with SEN will be taught in an ordinary school. A very few will need to attend a special school, where their needs can be met by specialist teaching and smaller groups.

What can parents and carers do?

• contact us at Parent Partnership Service
• talk to the class teacher and the SENCO
• order a copy of the Code of Practice from the DCSF
• start to keep a diary of concerns
• retain information, reports etc., from professionals about the nature of the child's difficulties
• think about making a request for formal statutory assessment - contact us for help and support - we offer free training for this
• contact the school SEN governor
• look at the OFSTED report for the school
• contact ACE for information about exclusions
• contact IPSEA for information
• contact your local children's centre
• join a support group, e.g. Calderdale Talk, British Dyslexia Association
• request a consultation with the Educational Psychologists
• contact Parentline and Gingerbread
• last but by no means least - ask your child what they think!

(For contact details of these groups, see the useful info page)