Guidance for new parent carers

Having a child with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) can affect all areas of life. The good news is, there is a lot of support. It is just knowing where to find it, which is why we have created this section. Just as importantly, it is understanding that is it is okay to ask for help. By informing and educating yourself, you will be empowered to help your child or children live the best lives they can.

I think my child may have special needs – what do I do? 

You could speak to your GP, the school or nursery teacher, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in the school or the school nurse. You can also contact the Special Education and Disability Information, Advice and Support Manchester (SENDIASS)

How do I get a diagnosis?

Diagnosis is the formal process to identify a learning disability or other disabilities and conditions. It is usually given by a health professional and is often based on a child’s medical symptoms. A GP usually makes a diagnosis of a learning disability, but it is often parents or teachers who first become aware that a child is having difficulties in certain areas. Sometimes, it can be a struggle to get a diagnosis and some parents may never receive one. Mencap says: ‘While you may feel that getting a diagnosis is something you would value, it is also essential to remember that nothing helps you understand your child’s needs better than your interactions with them.’ Mencap has helpful information on diagnosis.

What assessments will my child need?

You can ask Manchester City Council to carry out an assessment if you think your child needs an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHC or EHCP). This is a legal document that sets out a child or young person’s special educational, health and social care needs. It describes the extra help that will be given to meet those needs and how that help will support them to achieve what they want to in their life. Most young people with SEND will have their needs met without an EHC plan.

A young person can request an assessment themselves if they are aged 16 to 25. A request can also be made by anyone else who thinks an assessment may be necessary, including doctors, health visitors, teachers and parents.

You can find more on EHCs in this Manchester City Council information.

Will my child have to go to a special school?

Most children in Manchester with special educational needs and disabilities, including those with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, are supported in mainstream schools. See this Council guidance on SEN support in mainstream schools.

You and Manchester City Council might decide a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school is the best way to support your child’s education. Your child will need an EHC to get into a special school. Parents and the young person can request particular schools and colleges. Find out more.

Any other guidance around education? 

What if I disagree with decisions around my child’s education?

See this guidance on Disagreement Resolution and Mediation Services in Manchester.

The Council for Disabled Children has created some guidelines for parent carers looking for support with tribunals or disputes. Whilst parents and young people are free to use whoever they wish to support them, these guidelines are to help inform and support that choice. You have a right to free impartial information, advice and support from trained, SEND specialists. In the Manchester City Council area, this is offered by the SENDIASS team - check out their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Do I need to register my child with Manchester City Council?

Manchester City Council keeps a register of Disabled Children and Young People aged 0-19 years with disabilities or special educational needs. There is no requirement to sign your child up to the register – it is up to you. Find out how to register your child.

Does support end when my child is 18?

In most cases, support and services go up to the age of 25. That is certainly the case with us – we cover young people with SEND up to, and including, 25 years old.

How can the Manchester Local Offer help me?

We have an online directory, regular drop ins, a newsletter with the latest SEND news and updates, and can work with you to help improve services and what’s on offer. We also have our Local Offer SEND Information Hub, with a breadth of resources around various topics.

To get the newsletter delivered straight to your email inbox, you need to sign up through the Council's e-bulletin subscription page. Here is some guidance on how to do this

Are there other parents to talk to and give me advice?

Experienced parents who know how to navigate their way around the SEND system are a great source of support and guidance:

  • The Manchester Parent Champions offer support to other parent/carers in the city through their Facebook page. They also work in partnership with the Council and staff in health and education settings to improve services and make life better for Manchester SEND families. See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
  • As parent/carers themselves, Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) understands the day-to-day challenges. They share information through Facebook and their website. Like the Manchester Parent Champions, MPCF are there to give SEND families a voice and would welcome hearing about your experiences. You can become a member for free, using this online contact form.
  • At a wider level, there are numerous parent/carer groups around the UK. Some of these are around SEND in general, like Special Needs Jungle, or they are part of the offer from national groups. There are also local groups which you can search for on our database using keywords.
  • Our monthly drop ins are a great place to get support from other parent/carers in the city, like The SPACE Group.

Am I a carer and what help can I get?

You might not think of yourself as a carer but recognising that you might be means you can access support, advice and guidance (see 'Am I a Carer?'). Carers Manchester is the first point of contact in the city for your questions, no matter how big or small. It is a group of organisations working together to improve services for Manchester’s unpaid carers. 

You may have a young carer in your family, a young person aged 18 or under who helps with the care of a brother or sister. Find out about support for young carers in the city.

Are there organisations to support me?

There are many local and national organisations that offer free support. You can find a list of some of them in our Local Offer SEND Information Hub or search our database under keywords. There are also organisations listed in our hub under topics.

What else might it be helpful for me to know about?

We encourage you to take a look at our Local Offer SEND Information Hub

‘About Me’ has been developed in Manchester to give children and young people a concise and clear person-centred profile of just one page or two pages that can be used in all settings. It saves repeating their story. Download the templates which are easily filled in electronically or can be printed out. 

We would also like to give a mention to two reliable sources of information and support. The first is Carers Manchester. The other is Contact, a national charity for families with disabled children. They are very informative on all aspects of life.

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