News

Huge rise in number of parents with SEND children accessing charity's advice service

There has been a 140 per cent rise in the number of parents and carers of children with SEND contacting Action for Children’s free online advice service over the last 12 months.
Action for Children reported a 140 per cent rise in the number of parents of SEND children contacting their service in the last 12 months, PHOTO Action for Children
Action for Children reported a 140 per cent rise in the number of parents of SEND children contacting their service in the last 12 months, PHOTO Action for Children

According to the charity, SEND issues were identified in more than a quarter of all conversations on its Parent Talk platform over the last year, while parents accessed articles on the subject more than 130,000 times over the same period.

It says that together, nearly 470,000 parents and carers accessed online advice and support from Parent Talk in the last year alone.

Parent Talk is a free online service which provides advice and support for parents and carers of children aged from birth to 19, through family support workers and advice articles.

Child mental health was the top issue for those seeking help, making up more than 50 per cent of all conversations last year. Challenging behaviour and parenting and relationships were the next most common topics. The charity also reported a ‘steady increase’ in parents seeking help for children refusing to attend school.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here



Nursery World Jobs

Deputy Play Manager

Camden, Swiss Cottage, London (Greater)

Early Years Adviser

Sutton, London (Greater)

Nursery Manager

Norwich, Norfolk