A diagnosis of 'Special Educational Needs' can be upsetting for parents. Education expert, Elizabeth Cook, explains what 'special needs' are, and the support available to help children overcome these difficulties.

Raisingkids member's problem
My 4 yr-old recently started preschool, and within a week, I was told that the staff feel he has 'Special Needs' and have put him on a Stage 1. They told me to tell my Health Visitor and she would explain what Stage 1 was but when I approached my Health Visitor, she had no idea. I'm still trying to find out.

My son has speech problems, and now I've been made aware of his 'Special Needs', I can't help but panic. He has been in nurseries since he was 2, so it can't be adjusting to a routine. I really feel that there's some kind of serious problem.

His behaviour has become appalling. All we ever get from him is a shrug of the shoulders, no matter what punishments we use. I have tried to voice my fears, but just get told not to worry. Everyone says it's probably all to do with his speech. I don't want this still to be going on when he starts primary school. I don't want him to be the child that struggles, but equally I don't want to be a pushy mum.

Elizabeth's advice
There's no need to panic. You recognise that your son has speech problems, and this will undoubtedly be the reason that your son has been identified as having 'Special Educational Needs'. Children are described as having Special Educational Needs if they have learning difficulties which may be caused by:

• a physical disability
• emotional or behavioural problems
• medical or health problem
• developmental delay
• sight, hearing or speech impairment

Having had his special needs recognised, your son will now be provided with additional support and help with his speech problems. Your son's nursery will have an identified SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and you need to speak to him or her. The setting is required to keep you informed every step of the way about the support your son will be given.

Stage 1 means that a process has begun in identifying your sons needs. Your child's teacher and the SENCO will start to gather information about the particular difficulties your child might be having in school and from this information they will create an individual education plan (IEP) aimed at helping your child to overcome the identified difficulties. This will probably involve the help of a speech therapist.

Catching children with special needs early means that remedial action can be taken before it becomes a major problem. Many children with speech problems overcome these with specialist help - once the problem is overcome your son will no longer be classed as having special needs and will be taken off the special needs register.

However, it's important for you to note that whatever is decided about your son can only take place if you agree to it. I think you will find the DfES website useful (www.dfes.gov.uk), particularly the parents' guide to children with special needs, that should tell you everything that you need to know. But if you have any further queries after reading this, please do contact me again.

• More Of Liz's Answers About Under-11s
• Check Out Our Education Pages
• Talk It Over In Our Discussions
• Ask Our Experts: 'Special Needs' 9 Yr-Old