Advice for parents
Woodcroft welcomes enquiries and visits by parents and their advisers. Any decision to place a child at Woodcroft is made as part of the statutory assessment process explained below. The placement is arranged in partnership with the child's local authority and it is then they who take responsibility for paying for the assessment and school fees.
The statutory assessment process
We believe that addressing a child's needs in good time can have a significant positive impact on later schooling. A working knowledge of the process of assessing and providing for those needs will help you to get the best for your child when he or she needs it - whether in your local mainstream school, or in more specialised provision like Woodcroft.
Pupils attending Woodcroft School will either have a statement of special educational needs (see below) or be going through a statutory assessment process prior to a statement being issued if appropriate.
If you feel your child's needs cannot be provided for in their current school or early education setting, a statutory assessment may be necessary. This is a detailed investigation carried out by the local authority to determine exactly what your child's needs are and what special help they need. This may result in a statement of special educational needs - usually called a 'statement'. This describes all the child's needs and all the special help that he or she requires to meet those needs. The final statement when issued will also name the school considered to best meet those needs.
In the first instance you would need to approach your child's current school or early education setting in order to request an assessment. They may agree that it would be appropriate for them to ask the local authority to do this. If not, you may approach the local authority directly and request an assessment. If the assessment goes ahead, your views will be sought along with those of all the professionals involved with your child.
If you have already considered the range of provision available, and you think that a placement at a specific school would be the best place to meet your child's needs, you can express this preference as part of your contribution. If the local authority decide to issue a proposed statement following the assessment process, they should send you details of state mainstream and special schools in your area as well as a list of all non-maintained special schools and government approved independent special schools. You will have another opportunity at this stage to express your preference.
The authority must consider your wishes carefully before making a final decision. You have the right to appeal against the decision through the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST).
Further reading
Click on the titles below to follow links to government guidance. Both publications give you full and detailed information about the assessment process and possible outcomes. Free copies can be obtained from your local authority or by telephoning the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) publications line on 0845 602 2260. Our head teacher Margaret Newton can also give free and confidential advice on the issues involved.
SEN: a guide for parents and carers
This guide will help you to understand:
- what special educational needs are
- what you can do if you are worried that your child may be having difficulties at, or before, they go to school
- how you can help your child
- what early education settings and schools can do to help your child
- what local authorities and other services can do to help your child
- your rights and your child's rights
The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice
The code gives practical guidance on how to identify and assess children with special educational needs. It incorporates your legal rights and the statutory duties placed on local authorities, as well as outlining the process of putting together statements. A good understanding of the 'Code of Practice' will help you to make sure your child receives the specialist help they need when they need it.
Useful links
If you think that your child may have special educational needs, or the support that he or she is currently receiving does not meet his or her needs, the following organisations may offer guidance, support and publications on how to proceed. Please note that Woodcroft is not liable for the contents of external websites, nor does it endorse the services, organisations or websites listed.
Directgov
Directgov is a government website that brings together public service information. The above link will take you directly to the Parents section. It gives an overview of the step by step approach to identifying and addressing children's special educational needs and offers useful links to other sources of information and advice.
Teachernet
Similar to Directgov site.
Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST)
Parents whose children have special educational needs can appeal to the Special Needs and Disability Tribunal against decisions made by local authorities in England about their children's education. Helpline: 0870 241 2555.
National Parent Partnership Network (NPPN)
The NPPN supports the work of local parent partnership services throughout England. Parent partnership services can be found in every local authority in England. They provide information, advice and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs. Telephone: 020 7843 6058.
Advisory Centre for Education (ACE)
ACE are a national independent registered charity offering free advice for parents. Freephone advice line: 0808 800 5793 (Mon-Fri 10-5).
Independent Panel for Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
IPSEA give free and independent legal advice and support in England and Wales. Freephone helpline: 0800 0184016 (Mon-Thu 10-4 and 7-9; Fri 10-1 and 7-9. During school holidays times are reduced).
Network 81
Network 81 is a national network of parents working towards properly resourced inclusive education for children with special educational needs. They have a national helpline offering advice on all matters relating to special educational needs. Helpline: 0870 770 3306 (Mon-Fri 10-2).
National Autistic Society (NAS)
Woodcroft's provision is accredited by NAS. They also provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services. The website includes information about autism, asperger syndrome and NAS services and activities. Helpline: 0845 070 4004.
Autism Services Directory
This is a direct link to the Autism Services Directory. Provided free by NAS, it provides free access to information on autism related services in the UK.Next >