Overview
Finding the right childcare can be a difficult decision, particularly if your child has a special educational need and/or disability (SEND).
A child is considered to have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty or a disability which makes it hard for them to benefit from the facilities generally available in mainstream schools or education settings. Younger children are considered to have special educational needs if this is likely to be the case once they reach school age.
Childcare and the law
Schools, early years settings, local councils and other organisations providing services to children must:
- not discriminate against them if they're disabled
- make reasonable adjustments so that they have the same play and learning opportunities as children and young people without SEND
There are laws, such as the Equality Act 2010, to protect children with SEND and their families from discrimination. The Children and Families Act 2014 aims to improve support and access to services, play opportunities, education and information for children with SEND.
Guide to childcare for children with SEND
To find out more about your rights, you can visit the Coram Family and Childcare website to read the guide to childcare for children with SEND.
The SEND local offer
Find out more about the support available in Stockport through our SEND local offer.