Training materials for teachers of learners with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties

The initial period of finding out about a child’s disability is normally a highly stressful time for parents. They may be bewildered by what they are being told by professionals, and have little or no knowledge of what support they and their child are entitled to. Yet the earlier that a child with disabilities and SEN has access to appropriate support, the better the long term outcomes are likely to be.

Legislation may enable provision for identifying and meeting needs to be made, but in 'real life' there are many reasons that things may not be straightforward. Inconsistency between authorities and service providers may mean that while a child has certain legal rights, these may not have been exercised as early as would be desired.

Following identification of a child’s disability, the main contact for most parents is with medical and health professionals, although they also may already have contact with a social worker. Health services, typically through a health visitor, ensure that local authority children’s services are alerted, since it is that department that has a legal duty to provide services.

The legal framework for the majority of children’s services lies within the Children Act 1989 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. However, other relevant legislation will be identified within this module.