Nursery World - Disabled children want to be heard

Disabled children feel that many teachers do not listen to them or understand their needs, a survey for the Welsh Assembly has found. The survey of 105 children and young people aged five to 25, which was one of Wales's largest-ever consultation exercises, was carried out by the children's charities Barnardo's Cymru and NCH Cymru. The report, Are You Listening?, revealed that disabled children had 'much praise' for teaching support staff, but had 'very mixed views and experiences' of school and college.

The survey of 105 children and young people aged five to 25, which was one of Wales's largest-ever consultation exercises, was carried out by the children's charities Barnardo's Cymru and NCH Cymru. The report, Are You Listening?, revealed that disabled children had 'much praise' for teaching support staff, but had 'very mixed views and experiences' of school and college.

Those surveyed said their top three priority issues were mixing with children and making friends, good healthcare in school, and being in a happy, non-judgemental environment.

Their disabilities included learning difficulties, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and mobility difficulties.

Barnardo's researcher Claire Turner said the attitude of staff was crucial to service provision, because sometimes disabled children felt they were 'being ignored by professionals who talk to their parents about them rather than address them'.

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