Supporting educational needs

Every child's educational needs are different. If you're worried about your child's development or educational progress, the first thing to do is talk to your child's teacher. Take a look in the my role in supporting my child's education section for more details. 

Every school has a teacher with responsibility for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This person is called the special education needs co-ordinator (SENCO). You can ask for a meeting with the SENCO if you have concerns. The SENCO may start a school support plan for your child. This is a clear plan agreed with you which identifies your child's needs and how the school will support them.

Parents, carers or the education setting can request an education, health and care (EHC) plan. You can find out more about education, health and care plans and how this process works.  

If you think your child may need an EHC plan it's really important to talk to your child's school first. An assessment will also be needed.

If you need help with this process you can contact the EHC team on (01226) 773966 or email ehcteam@barnsley.gov.uk

SENDIASS is an independent advice service that you can also contact for advice. You can phone them on (01226) 787234.

The majority of children and young people with special education needs (SEN) or disabilities will have their needs met within their local mainstream early years setting, school or college. Some children and young people may require an education health and care needs assessment. (SEND Code of Practice Jan 2015).

Health or development needs 

If your concerns are more about developmental or health needs it may be better to contact the 0-19 health practitioner. You might know these as health visitors or school nurses. You can phone them on (01226) 774411. They'll help you with any concerns you have and assess your child's health needs.