Helping young people reach their goals.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Children and young people
All children with a learning disability have the right to a good start in life and a childhood like everyone else. Their families don't get the support they need, and their parents have to fight for services and opportunities.
Mencap believes that all children with a learning disability have the right to:
- a childhood like everyone else
- a good start in life
- a good education
- equal life chances and opportunities for the future.
New SEN clauses
On Monday 3 September, the government published draft clauses on reforming the special educational needs (SEN) system.
Mencap supports Every Child in Need campaign
Mencap is supporting the principles behind the Every Child in Need campaign which has highlighted concerns about the government’s proposals to change the legal framework protecting the assessment of vulnerable children in need of social care support.
Early years
It is vital that the families of all children with a learning disability have access to high-quality information and services as early as possible.
Education
Every child with a learning disability has a right to a high-quality education that meets their special educational needs.
Mencap's education policy
Read Mencap's education policy for children and young people with a learning disability.
Childcare during school holidays
One in three parents of disabled children received no holiday childcare during summer 2011.
Young people
Young people with a learning disability do not have the same opportunities to go to college, get a job or have a social life as other young people.
Martin's story
As a family we knew that the year 9 review (age 14 years) would be the start of a very important journey leading up to Martin leaving school at 19 years.
Christopher's story
Christopher is 24 years old. He has a severe learning disability and a complex type of symptomatic epilepsy.
Peter's story
I'm Peter and I'm 17 years-old. In my spare time I like horse riding and playing on my computer.
Jessie's story
Jessie is 12 years old and started mainstream school in September.
Leaving school
Leaving school can be an exciting but challenging time for young people with a learning disability. There are often many options to consider and lots of decisions to make. Find out about the support available.
The Children and Families Bill
On 5 February 2013, the government published its Children and Families Bill to reform services for vu
Every Disabled Child Matters
Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) is a campaign to get rights and justice for every disabled child. As part of the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign we are lobbying the government to fight for rights and justice for every disabled child, and working with councils and health authorities to improve services.
