What this section is about
This is basic information about your child, but do not rush it. Make sure names, dates, addresses and school details are correct.
Avoid saying
- They go to school normally.
- They are in mainstream so they are okay.
- They are fine at school.
Better ways to explain
- Although my child attends school, they require significant support to cope with the school day.
- My child may mask in school and release distress at home afterwards.
- School attendance does not mean my child manages independently.
Example wording
My child attends school, but this does not reflect the level of support they need. They often mask their difficulties in education and become emotionally overwhelmed afterwards, requiring significant support at home to regulate, recover and complete basic daily tasks.
Evidence that helps
- School attendance record
- support plan
- Behaviour logs
- Pastoral support records
- Emails to and from school
- Evidence of reduced timetable
- Evidence of
- Notes about masking or after-school meltdowns
Common mistakes
- Assuming school attendance means no difficulty
- Forgetting to mention reduced timetable
- Forgetting school refusal
- Forgetting after-school collapse
- Saying "school says they are fine" without explaining home impact
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.