Schools, early years and childcare

A child’s early years are a very important time for their physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. When their health visitor or doctor makes a routine check, they might suggest that there could be a problem. Parents who have any worries of their own should get advice straightaway.

If a child is not yet at school or not yet going into an early education setting, parents can talk to their doctor or health visitor, who will be able to give advice about the next steps to take.

Parents who think their child may have a special educational need that has not been identified by the school or in an early education setting should talk to their child’s class teacher, to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) or to the head teacher as soon as possible.

Parents of children in secondary schools should talk to the child’s form teacher, SENCO, head of year or head teacher.

It is best to start with the child’s teacher or the SENCO. Parents can talk over their concerns and find out what the school thinks. The SENCO will be able to explain what happens next.

Working together with the child’s teachers will often help to sort out worries and problems. The closer parents work with their child’s teachers, the more successful any help for their child can be.

Remember – parents know their children better than anyone.

Questions that might be asked are:

• Does the school think the child has difficulties?
• Does the school think the child has special educational needs?
• Is the child able to work at the same level as other children of a similar age?
• Is the child already getting some extra help?
• Can a parent help the child?

Other organisations that can provide help are:

• Medway's Parent Partnership Service, provided by KIDS – a free service to parents.
• child health services,
• children' social care,
• local voluntary organisations, mainly charities.

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