Children with Special Educational Needs

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my child has a disability?

Schools must not treat a child less favourably because they have a disability. They must do what they can to change things so that a child with a disability is not at a major disadvantage compared to other children. Schools and local authorities must plan to improve access to mainstream schools and the curriculum for children with disabilities.

The laws on special educational needs and disability discrimination are different. Not every child with a disability will have special educational needs. Children with special educational needs do not always have a disability.

If you are worried about your child's special education provision or access to learning for his or her disability you should first talk to the teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator. You may want to ask the local Independent Parental Support Service Parents in Partnership for help.

If you feel that the school could make reasonable adjustments and are refusing to do so, you should contact the Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review Team for advice. We will try to sort out issues between you and the school through mediation. You may ask for independent mediation.

If you still feel your child has been discriminated against, you may complain to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

What is independent mediation?

Independent mediation is when an independent person helps the people involved in a dispute to find a way to sort out their differences and come to an agreed solution.

We belong to The London Special Educational Needs Disagreement Resolution Service. Any process of conciliation or mediation will not affect your rights to appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

Contact

Jonathan Butler

Special Educational Needs Team

Town Hall

1 Town Square

Barking

IG11 7LU

Tel: 020 8227 3018

Fax: 020 8227 3307

Textphone: 020 8227 3180

Email: jonathan.butler@lbbd.gov.uk|