Government Publications

Early Years Support

Early Support - www.earlysupport.org.uk - is the central government mechanism to improve the quality, consistency and coordination of services for young disabled children and their families.

The programme is funded by the Department of Education and Skills through Sure Start and has been developed in conjunction with the Department of Health and the voluntary sector. Programme materials are available free of charge to parents and those who work directly with young children and their families, in England.

The Early Support Family Pack ESPP1 is for families with a child under three who are being supported on a regular basis because their child needs additional help. It is likely to be most useful to families where a range of agencies (like health, education and social services) are involved and support needs to be well co-ordinated. The Early Support Family pack provides information and support through the first few years of a young child's life. The pack is available to any family in England with a baby or toddler who needs additional help. Families are normally introduced to the material face to face by someone who is already supporting them.

The Early Support Family Pack is free to families of young disabled children in England. email: dfes@prolog.uk.com Phone: 0845 602 2260 or use the online order form

The Early Support Information for parents booklets describe the nature and characteristic impact of a range of conditions, disabilities or situations. You can download them from the site or order from:

DfES Publications
PO Box 5050 Sherwood Park Annesley Nottingham NG15 0DJ Email: dfes@prolog.uk.com Phone:0845 602 2260

SEN Code of Practice

The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice provides guidelines on how to best support children with special educational needs. This course shows examples of good practice under the Code. Its purpose is to help you to reflect on and develop practice appropriate to your circumstances. It is aimed at every one in schools and LEAs, and also those agencies who work closely with them.

You can obtain copies of the code of practice here or by requesting a hard copy free to parents by telephoning 0845 60 222 60 or by emailing dfes@prolog.uk.com

Guides to Direct Payments

A Parents Guide to Direct Payments. The alternative way to provide services and support: if you would like to have more control over how your child's services are provided, you could consider using direct payments. You can receive money to buy services from an organisation or employ a person instead of Social Services arranging the services for you. For example, you could employ a carer to provide short breaks or respite care for your child or you could use direct payments to purchase a nursery placement.

An easy guide to Direct Payments: giving you the choice and control October 2004 edition. A guide to Direct Payments aimed at people with learning disabilities