How to Advocate for Children with SEN Needs

Creating Opportunities Through Support

Supporting children with Special Educational Needs is essential to ensuring they receive the education, care, and opportunities they deserve. Advocacy plays a crucial role in helping these children access tailored support, appropriate resources, and an inclusive learning environment. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, understanding how to advocate effectively can make a significant difference in a child’s development and overall well-being.

Understanding Special Educational Needs

Special Educational Needs refer to children who require additional support due to learning difficulties, disabilities, or other challenges that make it harder for them to access mainstream education. According to the UK Department for Education, approximately 17.3% of pupils in England were identified as having SEN in 2023, highlighting the importance of strong advocacy to ensure their needs are met.

Steps to Advocate for a Child with SEN

Know Your Child’s Rights

The UK government has established legal frameworks to support children with SEN, such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. These policies outline the rights of children and young people, ensuring they receive the necessary support through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if required. Familiarising yourself with these rights empowers you to advocate effectively. 

Work in Partnership with Schools and Professionals

Collaboration with teachers, SEN coordinators (SENCos), and other professionals is key to ensuring your child’s needs are met. Open communication can help create a personalised support plan, addressing specific learning challenges and adapting teaching methods accordingly. A strong partnership also enables early intervention, which research suggests can greatly improve long-term outcomes.

Request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)

If you believe your child requires additional support beyond what their school can provide, you can formally request an EHCNA from your local authority. This assessment determines whether your child qualifies for an EHCP, which outlines their educational, health, and social care needs. According to the National Autistic Society, early and accurate assessments lead to better support and improved educational experiences.

Stay Informed and Keep Records

Advocacy is more effective when you are well-informed. Keep copies of medical reports, school assessments, and communication with professionals. Regularly review your child’s progress and ensure their needs are being addressed appropriately. Staying up to date with new policies and resources can help you make informed decisions about your child’s education.

Join Support Networks and Advocacy Groups

Connecting with other parents and advocacy groups can provide valuable support and guidance. Organisations such as IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) and SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services) offer free legal advice and resources to help families navigate the SEN system.

How eQuoo Can Help SEN Students

For children with Special Educational Needs, developing confidence, resilience, and effective communication skills is essential to thriving in educational and social settings. eQuoo, our evidence-based emotional fitness game, can help SEN students build these crucial life skills in a fun and engaging way. One of the key skills eQuoo fosters is self-efficacy, which is the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals and overcome challenges, an essential trait for navigating the complexities of school life and beyond.

By developing self-efficacy through eQuoo, SEN students can:

• Feel more confident in expressing their needs and concerns to teachers and peers.
• Approach academic and social challenges with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Develop effective communication skills to self-advocate in various situations.
• Build resilience to manage setbacks and stay motivated in their learning journey.

eQuoo’s interactive storytelling and scientifically designed psychological techniques empower SEN students with the emotional soft skills and coping strategies they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Advocating for children with SEN can sometimes be challenging due to delays in assessments, limited funding, and a lack of awareness in some educational settings. A recent report by the Education Policy Institute highlighted that children with SEN are twice as likely to experience exclusions compared to their peers. Persistent advocacy and working closely with schools can help address these barriers and ensure fair treatment.

Conclusion

Advocating for children with SEN requires persistence, knowledge, and collaboration. By understanding their rights, working with educational professionals, and seeking support from advocacy groups, you can help create an inclusive environment where your child can thrive. Remember, you are not alone – there are numerous resources and communities ready to support you on this journey.

To find out more about eQuoo, get in touch using the form below to earn more about how we can support you.