Step Up Step Up - December 2013 | Page 18

PAGE 18 df STEP UP New guide will help children with special educational needs Parents and carers of children with special educational needs or disabilities are being encouraged to help Croydon Council develop a new guide to local support services. The team leading the project is looking for people with experience of looking after children with special needs to give their views on what the guide should include and how the information should be made as accessible as possible. The council wants to ensure the right support is being provided to help every child reach their full potential. Views are therefore also wanted on the range of services currently provided – such as how special needs are assessed, accessing suitable school places, and the support provided for young people as they approach adulthood. Over the course of November, 15 focus groups took place at locations in New Addington, Coulsdon and Thornton Heath. For details, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/sendoffer The new ‘Local Offer’ guide will be published by September of next year.