Special Educational Needs: Changes for the better?

Health Visitors are to work with parents and carers when it comes to assessing children's special educational needs and development according to new Government plans. The aim is to make sure the children are given the correct and most effective support.

The Green Paper issued just last week offers a great change to current policy and has been welcomed by educational professionals and parents alike.  It will mean that further assessment of toddlers aged about 2 1/2 will take place to provide more information to professionals assessing for Special Educational Needs.  Doctors, midwives, health visitors and community organisations will be on hand to help and provide the support required.

Much of the current system will be more simple.   One key point is that parents will be given control of the budget allocated to their child and they will be allowed to spend it as they see fit. And one key assessment will replace the current statements procedure.

Provision will also be given for those  children who do not have a SEN statement, but who require support.  An 'Achievement For All' will be created to help them.

Naturally, there are some concerns for the future of all children's health and support services provided by the government due to the impact of budget cuts.