Dyslexia Action launches guidance for parents to help them understand changes to SEND provision

The ‘How to…Navigate the changes in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision’ guide, highlights the new legal requirements that schools and colleges have a duty to follow in England, when changes under the ‘SEN and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25 years’ come into effect.

These changes are due to be approved this month as an amendment to the Children and Families Act which was passed by parliament in March.

The guide includes information on:
– What is changing in relation to SEND
– Education, Health and Care Plans
– How a Local Offer should help
– What should happen if a child is assessed as being disabled by their dyslexia
– Who will receive a Personal Special Educational Needs Budget
– If dyslexia is identified what approach should be taken by the teacher?
– What parents can do if they are not happy with the support their child receives
– Useful contact details for other organisations that can offer helpful advice and/or support.

BAFTA member David Neal, whose 13-year-old daughter Grace endured a long battle with the education system to get her dyslexia recognised, has welcomed the guidance: “The new government legislation has so many changes that it will be easy for a child at school with dyslexia to slip through the net,” he said.

“The guide produced by Dyslexia Action is like gold dust to any parent wondering how they can ensure that the local authority and the school are providing the appropriate provision for their child. I cannot recommend this guide highly enough. I will be keeping a copy to hand and discussing it with my child’s special education needs coordinator at every opportunity.”

Further reading: Genetic and cognitive understanding of special needs could help learners

Dyslexia Action’s chief executive, Kevin Geeson, said: “We are delighted to have produced this invaluable and easy-to-read document if it helps to allay parents’ fears concerning the expected changes in special educational needs and reassures them about what the changes will mean for their children in schools.”