Rights, advocacy and making your voice heard

Reasonable adjustments and access

Education providers have duties under the Equality Act 2010 to avoid disability discrimination and make reasonable adjustments. The adjustment needed depends on the child and the situation.

Examples to discuss include communication support, accessible information, classroom changes and suitable auxiliary aids. Ask the provider to explain its decision and how your child’s access will be met.

Make a clear request

• Describe the situation and the barrier your child faces.
• Explain the effect on learning, safety, participation or wellbeing.
• Describe the change you are asking for, with relevant evidence.
• Ask who will respond, by when, and how progress will be reviewed.
• Keep correspondence and a short record of meetings.

Bullying and discrimination

If your child reports bullying, listen in the language they can access. Write down what happened, who was present and what would help them feel safe. Ask the school to act under its safeguarding and behaviour procedures.

Do not put the responsibility on the child to become more resilient or to explain deafness repeatedly. Ask for an access and safety plan, with a named adult and a review date.

If there is immediate danger, use the urgent help routes.

When you disagree with an education decision

Stockport SENDIASS provides free, confidential and impartial information and advice. It can help you understand SEND decisions and the routes for resolving a disagreement.

Some EHC assessment or plan decisions have appeal rights. Deadlines and mediation requirements can apply. Read the decision letter promptly and ask for advice about your particular decision.

Contact Stockport SENDIASS · Read official EHC plan guidance.

Concerns about NHS care

Ask the clinical team for an explanation and written next steps. For care provided by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, PALS can help with concerns and the complaints process. PALS does not make clinical decisions or provide a diagnosis.

If you need independent NHS complaints advocacy, ask PALS or the council for the current commissioned service. A complaint, a clinical reassessment and legal advice are different routes and can raise different questions.

Read Stockport NHS PALS information · Stepping Hill review information.