Common Questions for Parents/Carers of Young People with SEND

These questions have been co-produced with professionals, parents and carers.

Q: I am worried about my child's progress - what should I do?

If you're concerned your child may have a special educational need, you can speak to a range of people. These vary depending on your child's age.

From Birth to Preschool

Talk to your family doctor (GP), health visitor or nurse. They may refer your child to a paediatrician (a doctor who looks after children) or a specialist.

If your child is in childcare, you can speak to their key person or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).

Your local Children's Centre can also provide advice.

From 5 years

Talk to your family doctor (GP).

You can also speak to your child's class teacher or SENCO. You should ask the school or college about the extra support they can put in place to help your child.

If your child isn't in a school or nursery

Contact your local council if your child isn't in a school or nursery. The Sutton Information, Advice and Support Service (SIASS) can also give you advice about SEND. To find out more, visit the SIASS directory page.

Q: Should my child go to nursery or preschool?

Attending Nursery or preschool is not compulsory, so it is up to you. However, there are many benefits of attending childcare before school.

Good early years education supports a child's:

• Learning and development.

• Wellbeing.

• School readiness.

• Opportunities to make friends and access new experiences.

Access to childcare can also support you to take up a college course or return to work.

You can find out about government support to help you with the cost of childcare on the childcare choices website[External Link] and the Sutton Council website [External Link]. This includes the free childcare entitlements for eligible 2, 3 & 4-year-olds.

You can also contact Sutton's Family Information Service (FIS). They can give you information on early years and childcare provision available in Sutton. The Family Information Service is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and you can find out more on the FIS Website.

Q: Does my child need support in a setting?

Most children and young people with SEND will be supported within their mainstream school. This is done through:

• The graduated approach

• Quality first teaching

• Targeted and personalised support

Q: Where can I get support for myself?

The Sutton Information Hub holds a directory of local and relevant national support services. Below you will find links to some of the service pages that you may find most relevant.

• National Autistic Society (NAS) Sutton Branch. NAS branches in England provide a local hub where parents, carers and autistic people. You can use them to get help, access services, support each other and meet other people and families in similar situations. For more information, visit the NAS Sutton Branch Directory Page.

• Children's First Contact Service (CFCS). You can contact the CFCS if you need advice or information, want to request a service or report a concern about a disabled young person. For more information, visit the CFCS directory page.

• Playwise Learning CIC. Playwise offers parents, carers and professionals of young children with SEND a range of support. This includes to help reduce the impact of SEND and support families on their journey. To find out more, visit the Playwise directory page.

• Sutton Parent Carers Forum. The Parent Carer Forum is a group of parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. They are recognised by the Department for Education, Ofsted and CQC. They are the "go to" local source of independent information on the parent carer experience. For more information, visit the Sutton Parent Carers Forum directory page.

• Contact. This service offers a helpline for parents and carers in any part of the UK with a disabled child aged from birth to 25. To find out more, visit the Contact directory page.

Q: What is the role of the SENCO?

The SENCO is a qualified teacher who holds the SENCO qualification. The SENCO has a role in developing the school's SEND policy and provision. They coordinate SEND provision and help staff in supporting SEN young people.

In Early Years settings the SENCO makes sure that all staff understand their approach to meeting the needs of young people with SEN. They also involve parents and carers and listen to their views. Early Years settings are not required to have a named SENCO, although many do.

Q: Where can I find out more about Preparing for Adulthood?

The Local Offer has lots of information on how to prepare for adulthood. There are sections on work, education, keeping healthy and finding somewhere to live.

You can also join Action Voices, a speaking up group for young people with autism and learning disabilities in Sutton. Learn more about Action Voices [External Link].