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<p>The department recognises that Noonan’s syndrome can cause a range of needs and
difficulties for individuals, which may mean that they, or their families, require
additional support. For children, support can be provided through both the education
system, and through children’s social care services.</p><p>Schools are required to
identify and address the special educational needs (SEN) of the pupils they support
and to use their best endeavours to make sure that a child or young person who has
SEN gets the support they need. Local authorities (LAs) have a statutory responsibility
to assess whether children and young people have SEN that require the support of an
education, health and care (EHC) plan. If the local authority issues an EHC plan,
it also has a statutory duty to secure the provision specified in the plan, working
with its education, health, and social care partners.</p><p>Outside education, the
department believes that it is right for LAs, who know their areas’ needs best, to
determine what services are required locally, including early help. In line with this,
respite care services for disabled children (which are sometimes known as Short Breaks)
are provided based on an individual assessment of each child and family’s needs. The
Children and Families Act 2014 (Section 97) requires local authorities to assess and
support the needs of parents/carers as well as those of children with SEN or a disability.
Assessments are based on individual needs but should include parents’ well-being and
‘control over day-to-day life’.</p><p>This year LAs have access to £51.3 billion to
deliver their core services, including a £1.7 billion grant for social care. In addition
to statutory services, we are providing £27.3 million to the Family Fund in financial
year 2021-22 to support over 60,000 families on low incomes raising children and young
people with disabilities or serious illnesses. Grants can be used for a range of purposes,
including family breaks.</p><p>The Blue Badge Scheme provides a national arrangement
of parking concessions for people with a range of disabilities and medical conditions
to enable them to park closer to the places they wish to visit. Eligibility for a
blue badge is not restricted to specific conditions. People with conditions such as
Noonan’s Syndrome could receive a badge if they meet the eligibility criteria. It
is for the relevant LA to decide if an applicant meets the criteria. If an individual
is eligible for a badge, then their carer can use it when accompanying the badge holder.</p>
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