Children with Disabilities
Children's Network
As a requirement of the Children’s Act 1989, later enforced in October 1991, Durham County Council is required to keep a register of information for children and young people with disabilities. This is what we call the “Children’s Network”. Children can be registered from birth until their 19th birthday and registration is entirely voluntary. We currently have around 811 children on the register and we would like to increase the number of families who are aware of Children’s Network and encourage them to register their child’s details with us. Your Child can be registered if they have a substantial learning difficulty or disability which limits or prevents him/her from living and developing as other children of a similar age and social/cultural background.
Why Do We Have A Register
How Will Being On The Register Benefit My Child
How Do I Register My Child and become a member of the Children’s Network
Useful Links
Notice Board
Why Do We Have A Register?
We have a register to identify the number of children and young people who are affected with disability across County Durham. This enables the planning process for future services to be more effective, as we can identify which services are needed and which should be developed and implemented in the future.
The information from the register can also ensure that parent/carers receive relevant information, as well as giving them the chance to feedback their comments on current services which are available for disabled children, we also encourage them to be involved in the consultation process for the development of future services.
All information is covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 and personal information remains confidential.
How Will Being On The Register Benefit My Child?
When your child’s name is on the children with disabilities register, they automatically become a member of the “Children’s Network”. This means you and your child/children will:- Receive a quarterly
Network_news_September_08.pdf (9 pages, 2586kb) this is for you and your children to share. It contains information on services, organisations and events as well as a pull out with competitions and activities for your children to enjoy.
- Receive a Children's Network Find it Guide which is a booklet full of useful Leisure/Education/Health/Transport/Benefits organisations and services as well as much more;
- Receive an invitation to the information Sharing Exhibitions that the Children’s Network hosts, so you can identify services and information which are available to you.
- Receive an invitation for you and your family to our free Children’s Network Fun Day events; and become part of a network that keeps you in touch with any new information which is in circulation and to be a point of contact that can assist with any queries you may have.
How Do I Register My Child and become a member of the Children’s Network?
Registration is quick and easy, and your child will receive a small gift, you can choose any of the following options:- Completion of the Children’s Network registration form and sending it via post (pre-paid).
- Apply online.
Useful Links
There is a range of high quality inclusive educational provision for children and young people with special educational needs in Durham. More information is available about school and parental support.
County Durham Parent Partnership offers support to parents of children with special educational needs (SEN).
Contact a Family is a national charity which brings together families of children with special needs. Its parents advisors can give information ranging from pratical areas such as benefits to information about rare genetic conditions.
The Every Child Matters in County Durham website aims to communicate how services for children, young people and their families will be integrated and co-ordinated with regards to health, social services, education and local authorities.
NHS Direct Online NHS Direct Provides confidential health advice and information around the clock.
Advice Benefits and Emergencies - Welfare Rights - Benefit and Tax Credit Information - Disabled Durham County Council has a Welfare Rights Team which is independent and has no connection with any agencies administering payment of benefit. The main part of its work is to maximize benefit and to represent those who have had their claims rejected or their benefit reduced or removed.
Please see the following links to the district councils who provide activities/playschemes integrating children with disabilities :
Sedgefield District Council - Customer Services
Carers' Support Centres can provide a range of information and advice to carrs of children and young people who have disabilities and special needs. They may also have support groups for parents and carers.
Durham and Chester-le-Street Carers Support
Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre
The Children's Network Notice Board will keep you up to date with forthcoming events and relevant information.
If you require any further information or would like to share any relevant information, please do not hesitate to contact us at Children’s Network:
Elaine Wilson – Children’s Network & Communications Officer
Communications and Special Projects Team
Children and Young People’s Services
County Hall
County Durham
DH1 5UJ
Tel: 0191 3833785
Fax: 0191 3835623
