FPLD responds to the Department of Education green paper

The Department of Education today published a green paper on special educational needs and disability.

Alison Giraud- Saunders and Barbara McIntosh, Co-Directors of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities say:

“We welcome the proposal for parents to have more control over the support that their family receives and the opportunity for personal budgets. Our experience has shown that parents of children with learning disabilities are fully stretched and it is crucial that they are given the right support in order to manage their personal budgets effectively.

The measures to identify children’s needs as early as possible are gladly received, as early intervention and support can really make a difference in giving children the best chance for success.

We are pleased to see that the planning process in which all agencies will work together with one shared vision will be extended to the age of 25 and we agree that the voluntary sector has a positive contribution to make.

We are glad to see that the Green paper builds on the success of “Getting a life” and the transition support programmes that challenge low expectations of disabled young people. We support the proposal for young people to gain better access to quality vocational and work related learning options. It’s important that children get a better understanding of the work environment and we hope that this will be extended to proper work experiences.

We endorse the focus on the most vulnerable children with life-limiting long-term conditions who need proper support in order to lead an ordinary childhood.

The introduction of the annual health check is a positive step and should inform future planning of the health and wellbeing board.

We are enthusiastic about the new training for teachers and key workers. We’ve been informed by many teachers who suggest that they lack appropriate training to enable them to feel confident working with children with learning disabilities.”