Children with disabilities and children with special needs have exactly the same human rights to be safe from abuse and neglect, to be protected from harm and achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes as non-disabled children.
Children with disabilities and children with special needs require additional support because they experience greater vulnerability as a result of negative attitudes and unequal access to services and resources, and because they may have additional needs relating to physical, sensory, cognitive and/ or communication impairments. A failure to acknowledge and promote disabled children’s human rights can lead to abusive practices being seen as acceptable.
All professionals who work with Special needs and disabled children should be alert to the indicators of abuse or neglect, for example:
In Torbay, there are a range of support services so that children and young people with SEND can be educated and enjoy social opportunities alongside their peers, in their local community.
Torbay's officially recognised Local Offer is maintained by the Local Authority in order to meet statutory requirements.
The pages contain information about services for children and young people with a Special Education Need (SEN) or Disability. Local Offer Website
If you would like further information about SEN, including how to make a request for statutory assessment, please contact the SEN Team on 01803 208274 or visit their website page here
Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) provides free, confidential and impartial information, guidance and support to parents and carers, or children and young people.
The service provides resources and information about the law on special educational needs and disability, as well as offering more intensive individual support and advice.
For more information visit the SENDIASS website.
