The thing we probably get asked most about on our enquiry line is how a school can support a child with SEND.

From the kind of support that’s possible, through to school plans and meetings and getting more help when things aren’t going well, it’s a big and important topic. So, to help answer your questions, we’ve brought lots of information together in a new booklet.

It’s full of practical tips and advice and based on what happens every day in schools. Available as a PDF and a printed booklet, it takes parents and carers step by step through SEN support in schools. As well as setting out the law and everyone’s rights and responsibilities, it also includes information about:

• what kind of support is and should be available in all schools
• what a SENCO is and what they do
• reasonable adjustments – what these are how they can support your child to manage in school
• school plans and meetings
• your role as a parent
• how schools plan and give support
• Early Help – what that is and how it works
• getting specialist help and assessment
• what an educational psychologist is and what they do

The booklet has colour coded sections, small chunks of information and step by step guides to processes. The information is easy to find and clearly written.

This booklet is the third of several planned guides for parents and carers. We already have guides to Education Health and Care (EHC) Needs assessment and EHC plans and reviews. A future booklet in development will look at suspensions and exclusions.

You can download the booklet to read and keep. If you’d like a printed copy of the booklet, contact us with your name and address.