Going back to school is a difficult and unworldly time for both children and their parents alike.  

We recognise that September can be the month of much distress for many of our clients and their families. If you are in the position where you are trying to ensure that your child’s needs are being fully recognised, you are not alone!  

Many parents are questioning;

• The level of Speech and Language Therapy support, Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy support that their child is receiving through the NHS
• The level of educational support their child is receiving from the Local Authority.
• The appropriacy of their child’s educational setting in meeting their child’s needs.

•  IPSEA – give free and independent legal advice and support in England and Wales through; 

– Disability discrimination advice and training in collaboration with the Equality and Human Rights Commission

They also campaign for improvements in the help given to children by schools and government. www.ipsea.org.uk/helplines.htm

• Parent Partnership– are statutory services that offer information, advice and support for parents of children and young people with special educational needs ( SEN ) they will also be able to put parents in touch with other local organisations. PPS ‘s also have a role in making sure that parent’s views are heard and understood and that these views inform local policy and practice. Some parent partnerships are based in the voluntary sector although the majority remain based in their LEA (Local Education Authority) or Children’s Trust. All parent partnerships, wherever they are based, are at ‘arm’s length’ from the LEA , that is, they are able to provide impartial advice and support to parents. www.parentpartnership.org.uk/Templates/contact/contact.php

·The Parents and carers Association are a Leicestershire   County group of Parents and Carers of children with a wide range of special needs and disabilities. They have all experienced the challenges and difficulties that can be faced in getting the support and care our children need. They share a common goal…they are committed to making services better for our own children and others. They are all service users and apply the expertise and experience we have gained in caring for our children to help others. They want to help to improve the services provided by:-

• Health Care
• Education settings, playgroups, leisure facilities
• Social Services
• Voluntary agencies

parentcarercouncil.co.uk/contactus.aspx

It is worth noting that IPSEA are independent from any local authority or statutory agency and therefore can give you fully independent advice.

Many families contacting our service have made use of the above organisations and have been extremely reassured by the support they have received.

Equally we will try and answer any questions you may have about your child’s developmental, physical and educational needs, signposting you to the appropriate areas of support.

We are pleased to be able to offer you immediate access to the therapists within our team, (in most cases within the next week) to provide you with the assessment and recommendations, to help move your child’s case forward.

Equally we are approved with many charities and organisations so it might eb possible for you to receive a grant to access some therapy services initially and possibly on an ongoing basis.

Please do not hesitate to see our Ask us a question form or call Sarah on 01509 600646 for an informal discussion.*