Disabled children: Numbers, characteristics and local service provision

With the publication of the report, Aiming High for Disabled Children: Better Support for Families , the government has pledged to improve outcomes for disabled children and their families identifying three priority areas: access and empowerment; responsive services and timely support; and improving quality and capacity. In order to plan and deliver effective services, local authorities require good information about the numbers and needs of disabled children, and about the support they receive. Such data are also needed by central government to support policy development and monitor progress in improving outcomes. This report establishes numbers and characteristics of disabled children and the services provided to them, following a survey of all Directors of Children's Services in England