Choosing what is best for your child

Specialist or inclusive service? Most disabled children, even those with profound impairments, can succeed in mainstream services if they have the right support. Many services have staff with special training and experience in meeting the needs or disabled children. If your child needs a specialist service there are some specialist pre-schools, private nurseries and holiday schemes.

How to decide on a service

• Consider your child's personality and needs. Does your child like busy places with lots of other children, or do they prefer quieter settings? Do they thrive on new and changing experiences, or do they get anxious if things are not familiar? Do they tire easily? Do they have difficult or challenging behaviour if they are not managed in a certain way?
• Plan to visit several services. Think about your child's particular needs. Make a list of important things to ask and to look for. Visit while the children are there so you can see what they are doing.
• All services registered with OfSTED must have a Special Needs Policy - ask to see it.
• Accessibility - How accessible are the buildings, the toilets, the play and activity areas and the equipment?
• Activities - What activities are provided? How do staff plan the activities to make sure all children are included?
• Independence - How does the service ensure children are as independent as possible?
• Community Links - What are the links with the local community?
• Child behaviour - How do staff manage difficult or challenging behaviour?
• Dignity and Self-esteem - How does the service ensure children's dignity and self esteem are maintained?
• Specialist advice - Does the service have access to specialist advice about learning and other special needs that children may have?
• Surroundings - How does the place feel? Is it bright and welcoming? Are the children busy and happy?
• Experience - Does the service have any children with Special Needs attending at the moment? Can you speak to their parents?
• Communication - How is essential information about children's special needs shared with staff, and how easily accessible is it if they need to consult it?    

How you can help make the placement a success

• Make sure you provide the setting with essential information about your child's needs, medical information, special words or gestures your child uses, likes and dislikes, allergies etc, and contact telephone numbers for emergencies.
• Introduce the child gradually, as they need to feel confident. Keep the service informed about any important events or changes.
• Take an interest in the things your child has been doing, let them show you their work, or new skills. Give them lots of praise.