Help for the Under 5's in Newcastle

Children under 5 with disabilities and special educational needs

Sometimes it is known when a child is born that s/he may have a disability. Sometimes it is not known until a later date.
If your child has been identified as having a difficulty or a disability early on, it is likely that they will be seen by a paediatrician, or will have help from professionals, such as therapists.
You will be able to talk to your health visitor, your child's paediatrician or whoever sees your child about his or her progress.

Who can offer support?

If it seems likely that your child may need extra help to make progress with learning you can contact the Special Educational Needs Teaching and Support Service (SENTASS) Young Children Team to ask for advice, support and help in encouraging your child's development.
The Special Educational Needs Teaching and Support Service (SENTASS) Sensory Support Team can offer advice and support to parents of young children with hearing or sight problems.
Your child may be referred to therapists (such as physiotherapists or speech and language therapists) who may work closely with the Young Children Team.
You may be put in touch with a social worker who can support you and may advise you about any benefits you are entitled to.
You may be entitled to benefits for your child. You can ask a social worker or the Citizen's Advice Bureau about this, or contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00.
You may wish to contact a voluntary organisation that can offer support and may put you in contact with other families. Details of local and national voluntary organisations can be found in one of the leaflets in this pack.
There is a leaflet in this pack with names and addresses of support services and schools in it.

Nobody has told me my child has a disability or problem but I am worried about their progress. What can I do?

If you are worried about your child's progress in any area including walking, talking, understanding what you say, or learning things, do discuss your worries with your doctor or health visitor.
If you have worries or things you want to mention about your child it may help to write these down before you see the doctor or health visitor. The doctor or health visitor should write about your discussion in your child's parent held record. Always ask your doctor or health visitor to explain anything you don't understand.
Often your doctor or health visitor can reassure you that your child's development is normal.
If your doctor or health visitor share your concerns they may suggest that your child's development is checked by.
- a community paediatric team;
- a hospital specialist; or
- the Child Development Centre*based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

What about Nursery and School?

All children are entitled to a school place whatever their needs.
Children with disabilities are classified as "children in need" under the Children Act 1989. This act says that day care should be available for all "children in need".
Young children with difficulties benefit just as much as others from a nursery place. You may wish to talk to your health visitor or other people who see your child about a suitable nursery for your child.

The Children's Information Service (situated in the City Library) can give you information about a wide range of pre-school provision.

You can approach your local nursery and ask for your child to be considered for a place. Most children who have special educational needs attend ordinary local nurseries. It will help nursery staff if you let them know.

what your child needs help with;
if your child needs to take medicine;
the names of any doctors or other services who have seen your child.
Some children who would have difficulty managing in the nursery on their own are supported by a nursery nurse working for the Young Children Team. Usually the Young Children Team has been working with these children before they go to nursery. If your child does not have help from this service, but you feel that they could not cope with nursery without support, discuss this with your health visitor, doctor or another person who sees your child.
Some children may need help whilst they are at nursery and may need extra help when they reach school. If this seems likely you should be put in touch with an Educational Psychologist* who will talk with you about your child and discuss your views about what they are likely to need when they start school.
You can refer your child to the Educational Psychology Service if you feel your child has special educational needs or is likely to need a statutory assessment* of their educational needs.
There are 5 areas of the city at present involved in the Sure Start initiative. This initiative addresses 5 objectives, one of which is to improve children's ability to learn, including those experiencing difficulties. For further details of Sure Start areas please contact Helen Cavanagh on 232 8520 ext 25391.

Glossary

Child Development Centre The Child Development Centre provides a service for the whole of the north east health region. It consists of a team of specialists (a children's doctor, a physiotherapist, a speech therapist, a social worker and an educational psychologist) who can be involved in the assessment of babies and young children. Following assessment, therapy and other help can often be arranged for the child and support offered to their families.

Educational Psychologists These are a team of professionals employed by the local education authority, qualified in psychology and teaching, who work with parents and teaching staff, offering advice and support with any difficulty which might affect a child's development and learning.

Statutory assessment This is a very detailed look at a child's difficulties, strengths and needs to decide whether the child needs more or different educational help and, if so, what kind of help, how much and where this could be provided. This may lead to a statement of special educational needs (a document detailing a child's educational needs and what should be done to help the child make progress).
There is a leaflet in this pack about statutory assessment.

Remember you have the right to:

Have your worries about your child taken seriously.
Refer your child to the Special Educational Needs Teaching and Support Service (SENTASS) Young Children Team. There is a leaflet in this pack containing contact details for this and other services.
Refer your child to the Child Development Centre if you are concerned about their development. There is a leaflet in this pack containing contact details for this and other services.
Refer your child to the Educational Psychology Service if you think that your child may have special educational needs. There is a leaflet in this pack containing contact details for this and other services.
Seek advice from a social worker or Citizen's Advice Bureau if you feel your child may be entitled to benefits. Or ring the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00.

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