Kent Acquired Brain Injury Forum
If your child has, as the result of injury, illness or an accident an acquired brain injury you may find the information in this leaflet helpful when considering when, where and how they will return to education. Please feel free to contact either of the Hospital School Services who will be able to offer you advice as to what may be appropriate in your situation.
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The Hospital School Service
In Kent we provide education to school age pupil if they are unable to attend school because they are ill or injured. This can take place in hospital, at home or at one of our school sites. We work closely with the pupil's medical staff; therapists and 'home' schools to try and ensure that they receive an appropriate education and smooth reintegration back to school.
Partnership with Parents
This organisation provides advice and support for parents who are concerned that their child may have special or additional educational needs. They can provide information about 'Statutory Assessment', help you find an independent supporter who will help with the paperwork and let you know what are your rights and responsibilities.
Statutory Assessment & Statements
LAs are obliged to identify and make a statutory assessment of those children for whom they are responsible who have special educational needs and who are assessed, according to their criteria as in need of a statement of special educational need.
This involves working co-operatively with parents, the child's school and, as appropriate, other agencies* as to whether a statutory assessment is necessary.
The assessment may not lead to a statement because the information gathered during the process may indicate ways in which the school can meet the child's needs without the need for any special educational provision to be determined by the LEA through a statement.
*The Medical Profession, Physiotherapists, Speech & Language & Occupational Therapists.
See Education and the brain injured child,Pilaw Dec 2004<
Local Education Offices
Additional Educational Needs Departments
These are based in the Local Education Offices and are where decisions are made about statutory assessment, the statementing process and provision
Education Psychologists
These people have an important contribution to make to education as they are able to assess how young people are learning and help schools to plan the best ways to teach pupils who may have special educational needs. They are normally based in the Local Education Office but work closely with schools.
Camhs
Child and Mental Health Services are able to offer advice, support, counselling and a variety of therapies for young people and families who need help & support to overcome problems or traumatic events. Referrals are taken from the family GP or young person's school. Please ask your GP for the details of your local service and for a referral if you have concerns about how your child which you think may be as a result of their acquired brain injury.
DfES
The procedure and Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs can be found on the Dfes website www.dfes.org.uk
Useful Contacts for Parents
Hospital School Service
Ros Eastwood East Kent 01227 781548
Jacquie Locke West Kent 01474 708762
Partnership with Parents
Carolyn Morley 01622-755515
East Kent Gill Montgomery 01622 350640
Mid Kent Jean Robinson 01622 755515
West Kent Stephen Carr 01622 350640
Education Offices
County Hall 01622 671411
Clover House 01227 772992 - East Kent
AEN Dept: Geoff Lloyd James 01227-284415
Psychology Service: Trisha McCaffrey 01227 284424
Kroner House 01233 639677 - Mid Kent
AEN Dept: Dave Holland 01233 898642
Psychology Service: Trisha McCaffrey 01233 898650
Kings Hill 01732 525000 -West Kent
AEN Dept: Julie Baldock 01732 555040
Psychology Service: Rosemary Rees 01732 225136