Support for my little grandaughter

[EireannBella38]

I have an adorable 7 year old grandaughter who has been diagnosed with global delay, she is not completely non verbal , but her speech is very limited, and her social skills are limited. She has been assessed as needing special education, (up to now she has had a one to one in mainstream school), but we have been told there are no places in our town. I am anxious to do as much as I can to support her. I don't know how best to help her, she does have some challenging behaviours. No one is offering us any support

[Jofisher]

Have you been offered a special needs school, when you say you don’t know how to help her in what context ? Obviously the parents will need support and it’s quite daunting when you first attend the reviews as your sitting in a room to discuss your child with all these professionals so to support the parents if they need it that would be helpful. Babysitting is always welcome as well and have you contacted the Mencap helpline for advice. Also she should be under the child disability team at social services so they should be able to advise you. There are benefits and charities that can help with funding to support the parents in all sorts of ways. It’s the practical things that need sorting first and foremost and then you can deal with all the other things. I don’t know if this is helpful or not. Also for the parents there’s the carers association that can give great support also. I wish you luck

[Sarah_Mencap]

Great advice here already. It is wonderful that you are supporting your granddaughter and wanting to find out more.

Please do see if there are any carer/parent carer groups near where you live (don't be put off by the parent bit - grandparents most welcome too). They are a great way to meet other families who are in a similar situation. You can meet them and let off steam, and you are likely to find they know a lot about what is going on in your area, and how best to get support.

Mencap's helpline (mencap.org.uk/advice-and-su... is also here if you would like to talk to someone about this.

Finally, you might find Contact a good organisation to have a look at. They have lots of great information about education and support here - contact.org.uk/help-for-fam...

Best wishes.

Sarah

[Kieran_Mencap]

Sorry to hear you are having issues. You could also try sossen.org.uk or ipsea.org.uk

You could also do a Google search using “SENDIASS (enter area you live) local office” this will give your local office details as well as any information, advice and support available in your area.

I hope this information helps and that your granddaugther gets the support she needs.

Kind Regards

Kieran