Fathers urged to play active role in development of SEND children

Fathers are being encouraged to play an active role in the learning and development of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), in a council initiative.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) says male role models are key to young children’s development, and it’s inviting fathers to take part in structured learning and play sessions.

Under the council’s Portage Service, a family is awarded a support officer who works with them in their home and encourages learning and development using fun play.

The family can then access support and tools to build knowledge through learn and play strategies and continue the tailored sessions with their children at home.

Chris, from Bournemouth, has three children with his ex, the youngest of which has SEND requirements.

He was referred to the councils Portage service for SEND children aged 0-4 years old and was awarded a case worker who came to meet him and his son Albie in their home.

“It’s just trying to learn the way simpler ways of him learning, the way she did things where she just interacted with him, just slight changes, slight movements and yeah and just slow development over the period of time,” he said.

Chris says the sessions made a noticeable difference in Albie’s development: “He does things off his own back now, he tries to learn new things himself but then he needs some guidance so it’s definitely improved in the last year.

“To dads, make yourself want to get involved and know that it’s there. The benefit is the child will develop at a better rate than they could have if you don’t use the system.”

BCP Council says 96 children or families have benefitted from Portage advice and support over the last academic year and it is currently working with another 61 children and families.

Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “Often contact to our service is made by mums and female carers but we are actively asking for the whole family to be involved, especially fathers.

“Fathers and male figures in the family have a great impact on their family and this includes preschool children.”

Teri Hill is Chris and Albie’s support worker and normally works with families for eight weeks: “It is not just seeing the child develop, it’s empowering the parents, knowing that they’ve got the skills and that they can do the best for their child.

“The more the mums and dads that can access this the better, I just think it’s brilliant.”