ABSTRACT
The probability that a student and his or her family will be involved with other agencies in addition to the school often depends on the complexity and severity of the difficulty with more complex and severe difficulties (as well as some medical conditions associated with learning problems) generally being identified before school age. The difficulties experienced by particular students vary and it may be impossible for families or schools to sort out the complex interaction of factors which produce or result in a learning difficulty without the involvement of others. For teachers, parents and families, knowing when and how to interact with the vast array of professionals, inside and outside the school, who may become involved with a particular child is very important to the student’s welfare and progress, albeit confusing and time consuming on occasions. This chapter will first outline the range of people who might be expected to have an interest in supporting children who experience some sort of difficulty, and their likely role: the special educational needs (SEN) coordinator, teaching assistants (TAs), parents and families, outside agencies and so on.
