Page last updated 3rd June 2025

Our Getting Ready for School pack contains tips and ideas from parents and carers about what to ask and look for when choosing a school for your child. It also contains some ideas about how to tell a school about your child and their health needs.

Download your copies using the links below or order a pack >

• Getting Ready for School tips & ideas >
  
• Where to find specialist information & advice >
• Additional Support in Schools in England >
• 5qSMA Information for schools V5 >

How will I tell school about my child and their needs? 

If your child needs more additional help than the school can provide you will be guided and supported to outline their educational and any health care needs. Most schools will have their own ways of finding this out. No two children are the same but one or more of these examples describing a child and their support needs may be helpful. They are fictional but not unlike children we know:

• Liam has SMA Type 3 > He is able to walk but gets tired and may need support.
• Aash has SMA Type 2 > He uses a Wizzybug to get around and does not have regular breathing support needs.
• Evelyn has SMA Type 1 > She has more complex health needs, including regular breathing support needs.