Giving disabled children the opportunity to reach their full potential in school is perhaps one of the most important aims of the modern education system. Having been heavily criticised in the past for a general lack of support, the Government is now channelling considerable energy into the establishment of an effective, efficient and equal system to ensure disabled children are offered the necessary foundations for living a happy and stress-free life.
Key Workers
Teachers often have large classes to attend to and the concept of key workers makes it possible for each child to receive valuable one to one attention. The allocation of named key workers in schools aims to offer children additional advice, encouragement and understanding in all aspects of school life. Having consistent access to an individual key worker also encourages children to nurture a strong relationship with their key worker and can be instrumental in building ambition, confidence and self-esteem. Key workers are designed to make school a safer and more enjoyable experience for children.
Family Support Workers
In addition to the key worker programme, the introduction of family support workers offers solutions to practical problems such as transport and access to facilities, as well as offering help and emotional support to the wider family unit. The support worker is also able to act as a link to health services and other sources of support open to the family, such as charitable trusts.
The aim of these workers is primarily to ensure that children make the most of their education whilst maintaining a happy and healthy home-life. With these additional measures in place, it is hoped that each child will have the self-belief to grow into a confident, motivated and enthusiastic individual.