Education

Education is one of our key priorities. Our parent representatives sit on several strategic groups alongside head teachers and officers to improve educational provision for children with disabilities and special educational needs. You can find out more about the work they do by reading their meeting notes (from September 2011). If you want, you can also post comments and questions.

Parent Carer Forum consultations

• Parent view of school support and specialist services (September 2009)
• Sheffield Parent Carer Forum response to the SEN Green Paper (June 2011)
• Focus group on statements and school transitions (May 2011)
• Focus group on statements and school transitions (September 2011) 
• Focus group on statements and SEN funding (February 2012)
• Sheffield Parent Carer Forum response to school funding consultation (September 2012)

Useful links and documents

National relevance

• The SEN Code of Practice

The SEN Code of Practice is based on the legal framework for special educational needs. It gives practical guidance to all schools, Local Authorities, Social Services Departments and Health Authorities on how to fulfil their responsibilities under the legal framework.

• IPSEA

IPSEA is a national charity providing free legally based advice to families who have children with special educational needs.

• Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability (March 2011)

A Green Paper (consultation document) which outlines the government's proposals for reforming the special educational needs system.

• School funding reform - next steps towards a fairer system (March 2012)

Published by the Department for Education, this document explains how the government intends to reform the school funding system, including funding for pupils with special educational needs.

• A parent's guide to disability discrimination and their child's education (2011)

Local relevance

• Report on Information Day on School Transitions (October 2011)

A report on an information day for parents, organised by the Sheffield Parent Carer Forum in partnership with Sheffield City Council.

• Stepping Stones to Transition 2012/13

Booklet published by Sheffield City Council for parents of pupils with Special Educational Needs during school transition. Includes details of all special schools in Sheffield.

• Sheffield Parent Partnership Service

Sheffield Parent Partnership Service provides free, impartial, confidential information, advice and support to parents/carers of children with special educational needs on all matters relating to their child’s education.

• Sheffield's Inclusive Learning Strategy

This is the overarching strategy for children with additional needs in Sheffield. It sets out how the local authority aims to ensure that good inclusive learning takes place in all schools and settings.

• Inclusive Practice Stories

Examples of good practice in Sheffield's schools and Children's Centres.

• Exceptional Needs Pilot FAQ

Frequently asked questions about a 2-year pilot, launched in September 2011, which aims to develop inclusive practice in Sheffield's mainstream schools. Written by council officers for participating schools.

• Family-friendly schools

A handout for a training session for SENCOs, developed and delivered by Sheffield parents. Contains lots of ideas how schools and parents can work together better.