Special Needs Register is 4 years old too young?

[Pea123nut]

Our DD (aged 4 years) has been having difficulties in some developmental areas during her reception year. We as parents are not suprised at this considering she is very young in her year. But the teacher would like to put her on the special needs register so that the SENCO worker can observe her and additional support can be provided for her. I just feel slightly unsettled with this register idea and feel very frustrated with the system. She isn't stupid and I am sure she will pick up academic acievement when she's ready, by Friday she is absolutely shattered.

I think you're teacher is jumping the gun somewhat. I have worked with early years and KS1 for many years and would NEVER suggest putting a child in reception on the SEN register (they grow and mature at such different rates when they are so young!). In my experience, all this does in a child so young, is worry the parents and label the child. Perhaps you could ask that there is a ROC ("record of concern") created for her to ensure that her progress is monitored once the academic year gets going in year 1, and that then, if she is falling behind, support can be put in place.

All it would mean intiially would be an IEP (Individual Education Plan) giving specific goals for her to work towards, with designated support. It may not be forever or indicate a SEN simply that she would benefit from a bit fo extra input now, either indivudally or in a small group. Most children react well to that situation and can develop self confidence, if presented positively, rather than feel lost in a large class.

Being on the special needs register does not imply your child is stupid mearly the teacher or some other professionals have some concern about one or more area of development. Both my sons have been on the register all their educational lives (from pre school ) might be worth getting a copy of he SEN code of practice or just looking up early years action and action + and school action and action + . A large % of a school population are or "school action"

Ummmm

special needs does not mean stupid.

Perhaps recognising that may help you chose whether or not you want her to have some additional support just now.

As a SENCO I would argue that if there is a concern it is never too early ( or too young) to be placed on the SEN register-it isn't anything to worry about simply a record of children who are receiving a little extra support and the type of support given. Being on the register isn't forever for most children - interventions are usually for 10 weeks at a time and children move on and off the register, obviously children with more complex needs require long term support.

I would also argue that waiting to see if she is still behind in Y1 means a year has been wasted.

Agree with others, SEN does not equal stupid.

I mean really not at all. For example, a very bright chld with mobility issues would probably be on the SEN register.

It just means an IEP, yes, and ways of helping her overcome whatever issue there are -- eg with social skills, phonics, writing, whatever it may be.

My DS1 has been on the SEN register since FS2, he has been on SA+ and then SA, it has been a help tbh.

If a parent felt their child were not getting the help they needed at school I'm guessing they would soon be moanign (and rightly so). It's nto abotu a label OP, honestly.

I'm a SENCo in a preschool, and agree with other posters who say that this will simply mean your DD is getting some more targeted help through having an IEP, with specific targets aimed at helping her overcome whatever her issues are or meet her needs.

I would accept the help with open arms if one of my children needed it - and she may just need the boost for a litle while and then move off the register.

Agree with the others. My dd struggled from when she started school, she was very young in the year too. In yr 1 they just left her behind, and just made out she was awkward/stupid. In the end we changed her school - she is now on her 3rd IEP in her new school and making progress. It will take ages for her to catch up now though, if she ever does. Honestly, I'd take all the help offered - it probably will be short term, but might prevent your dd falling behind later.

why do people post seeking quite personal advice and then not bother to reply?

My child has been on the SEN register since age 3 and is still on (SA+). I'm really grateful for all the input and the additional work that the school is doing for our behalf.

Early intervention works far better than leaving things until later. The one to one help she got last year worked really well for her and she no longer needs that.

However, I was told that they couldn't put children on the Special Needs Register for immaturity.

For someone who has been fighting for help and a proper diagnosis and is going through the statementing process, which seems to be painfully slow at times, I can't believe that someone would actually turn down help!!!

No nor me Shoshana.. ds2 has dcd/dyspraxia and we have had to fight tooth and nail for intervention.
Peanut's OP is fascinating though, she obviously is mortified at the suggestion that her dd may benefit from some help... she'll learn.

Agree with Ingles2, make the most of what you are offered. GS has been in nursery and school and we have asked for help, been told too young, not bad enough. Been going to hosp, not yet found out what he has. School have excluded him for 1 day, reduced his day to 1/2 and from next term to 2hrs. The process they say is moving quickly but say come sept will only be on 2hrs a day as no help will be in place. mum and myself hav offered to go and support him but not been allowed. Mum has had to reduce working hrs to help me accommodate the schools exclusions. The situation at school is now affecting GD who is 18m older.

Hello, I think a lot of parents like yourself are in denial. The problems are only likely to get worse and worse. Would you rather follow the advice of an educational professional or a bunch of pushy, over-protective, wishy washy, middle class mums? I think you know your daughter is perhaps a little slower than other kids, so do yourself and your daughter a favour and get her the help the teacher is recommending. Good luck whatever you do.

bletering who are you calling a wishy washy middle class mum?

Actually nearly everyone on the thread has said what you said so I honestly don't know who you are referring to. Hope I was wrong to take (mock) offence.