2:33. A school's arrangements for parents of children with special educational needs should include:

Information

? on the school's SEN policy

? on the support available for children with special educational needs within the school and LEA

? on parents' involvement in assessment and decision-making, emphasising the importance at their contribution

? on services such as those provided by the local authority for children 'in need'

? on local and national voluntary organisations which might provide information, advice or counselling

Partnership

? arrangements for recording and acting upon parental concerns

? procedures for involving parents when a concern is first expressed within the school

? arrangements for incorporating parents' views in assessment and subsequent reviews

Access for parents

? information in a range of community languages

? information on tape for parents who may have literacy or communication difficulties

? a parents' room or other arrangements in the school to help parents feel confident and comfortable.




Involving the child

2:34. The effectiveness of any assessment and intervention will be influenced by the involvement and interest of the child or young person concerned.

2:35. The benefits are:

? practical - children have important and relevant information.  Their support is crucial to the effective implementation at any individual education programme

? principle - children have a right to be heard.  They should be encouraged to participate in decision-making about provision to meet their special educational needs.

2:36. Schools should, therefore, make every effort to identify the ascertainable views and wishes of the child or young person about his or her current and future education.  Positive pupil