Some children will need special help with their learning at some time in their school life. There is a strong commitment in Darlington to inclusion. Inclusion is the principle that children should be educated with their peers in the neighbourhood school wherever possible. If special help is required it can usually be provided from resources that are already available in school. There is a system in all schools to identify which children need help and what can be done to help them. Parents have a right to be informed when this is happening. All schools have additional funding to enable them to provide for the majority of pupils who are identified as needing extra help.

In the case of a smaller number of children, the Education Authority may need to consider carrying out a Statutory Assessment of special educational need. Parents and schools have the right to request the Education Authority to consider carrying out such an assessment. There is a procedure for dealing with requests from parents and schools. Further information may be obtained from the school or from the Special Educational Needs Section (01325 388850) or from the Parent Partnership Service (01325 254548) which is a service providing information and support for parents of children with special education needs.

The assessment gives parents an opportunity to make their views known. The Education Authority will obtain advice from the child's teacher, a doctor, an educational psychologist and other specialists where necessary. If, when the assessment is complete, the Education Authority decides to issue a Statement of Special Educational Needs, parents are again encouraged to make their views known and have the opportunity to appeal against the special educational provision that is proposed.