and-me.org.uk

The BBC have reported that parents are to be given more financial control over support for children with special educational needs, in a major shake-up of the system in England.

The government says it wants to push ahead with proposals announced last year that parents should have a “personal budget” for their children.

The changes could also see fewer children in the special needs category.

Children’s minister Sarah Teather said the current system was “outdated and not fit for purpose”.

The government is setting out its response to last year’s green paper on special educational needs – which warned that too many parents felt frustrated with having to “battle” against the system.

Full story here

Some items used specifically for your disabled child can be classed as vat exempt.
We have just ordered a soft play wedge for Jacob, as this is used for his physio we can claim the vat back.
The process can be fairly confusing – so to make this easier here is a quick guide:

1. Check with the supplier that the product can be classed as vat exempt.
2. Some suppliers will provide you with a specific form for you to sign on behalf of your child.
If they don’t have this form, use this templateEligibility declaration by a disabled person
Fill in the ‘customer details’ as your child.
Fill in the supplier and product details
3. Email signed document over to supplier.
You then complete the order and (at the suppliers discretion) receive the VAT back!

We also found that you can claim back VAT for items purchased over the last four years.

Further details can be found here (10.1)

Scope have released a new report that has been supported by 20 leading disability charities.
The government are looking to reform this payment in 2013 (for people aged from 16), so this is well worth having a read…(click here)

Just seen that there is a campaign/protest being organised for today.
Anyone else know about this – or have disabled children been overlooked?
The Hardest Hit

Jacob starts school full time in September and we met his teachers and other parents yesterday. Very interesting to meet everyone.
We also found out that if you decide not to take the option to use a taxi service to and from the school you may be able to receive funding towards the cost.
May be worth looking into.

Got a question about money, income or what financial support is available – try this category…