Support for children with special needs
For most children, specialist support can be provided within a mainstream service. Depending on their needs, this may be trained staff, special equipment, medical treatment, therapy or specialist advice about learning needs. A few children will need to use a separate "specialist" service, but these should still have links to the community. First Steps to Information is a guide for parents/carers of children with special needs and covers Southampton and the surrounding areas, and provides lots of useful information about services and activities - click here to request a copy from the Children's Information Service. How can extra support be provided? - By the Childcare Service itself. Many services have developed expertise and skill in providing an inclusive service for children with special needs. The service will have links with professionals in Health, Education and Social Services to obtain specialist advice about your child if needed. -By the Local Education Authority(LEA). Children with special educational needs will be assessed by Southampton Psychology Service and referred to the Local Education Authority. These children will be discussed at the Early Years Panel which meets termly and considered for placement in Inclusive Early Years Settings, Early Learning Groups or Specialist Nurseries (the booklet 'Speical Provision in Southampton' offers further information - click here to request a copy). It is not usual for a child to have a Statement of Special Educational Needs prior to school starting age but if one is issued it will describe what services are needed. The Local Education Authority will provide the support specified in any educational placement. If the child needs extra staff time during additional childcare hours, or out of school care such as after school or holiday care, the Local Education Authority will not provide this. However, the Opening Doors Service can provide some support for childcare settings, thorugh grants or support workers. - By the Health Service. If your child will need medication, nursing or therapeutic procedures while they are being cared for you should first talk to your Paediatrician or other Health professional. The service will need full information about your child's medical needs. Advice or training may be provided for staff in your chosen service to administer certain procedures. In the case of some procedures, only medical personnel can administer them. Ask your Doctor if they can arrange the necessary support. - By Social Services. If you are caring for a child with special needs, you may need support to help you. Social Services can provide an Assessment of your child's needs, and of your needs as a carer. If the Assessment shows that you need a regular break from caring, Social Services may help to fund a childcare place for your child, or provide extra support for your child in a daycare service. - Other Sources of help. What if the service you want to use needs extra staff time to meet your child's special needs? The Parent Partnership Service or the Opening Doors project may be able to help.
| 
