Guerrilla Mum by Ellen Power

Getting the educational provision you need for your special needs child can feel like an uphill struggle. This book offers clear guidance on how authorities such as Local Education Authorities, schools, the National Health Service and the Government function, what the law entitles your child to, and how you can fight most effectively for the education they need. Basing the book on her own experience of bringing up two sons with special educational needs, Ellen Power describes how she worked with - and in some cases challenged - the authorities to get the right education for her children. Outlining what she did, how she did it, and how you can do the same, she explains clearly the implications of the Special Educational Needs code of practice and the Disability Discrimination Act, as well as giving advice on diagnosis, assessment, and dealing with the authorities. Further sections look at how to address issues such as transition between schools, and bullying. Interweaving real-life experience with practical advice, "Guerrilla Mum" is essential reading for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

I am currently studying with the Open University for an Early Years degree and I was therefore very interested to read this book. As stated above, the book is written by a mother who has two sons with special needs and her battle to get them the education they deserve.
This book has been written by a mother, and the language used is everyday language. It includes technical language and abbreviations but these are explained in day to day language. It has many questions in it which people in similar positions want to ask but forget or are scared to ask and takes you through all the processes needed to get the right diagnosis and develop a plan to get the child into education - and most importantly - the right education for them.

There are tips in each chapter which are highlighted in a text box along with a checklist at the end of each chapter - a useful reminder of what was included in each chapter.

There are many subjects included within the book which may be worries of parents of children with special needs - bullying at school, benefits available and where to go to for support or advice.

I found this book to be a very useful resource book, written in plain English. I do not have a child with special needs but through this book i could see the struggles parents face to get what is needed for their children. I would recommend it to parents who do have children with special needs but also to students of any education and social care studies for a great overview of the system.

Thank you to Michael from mychild forum for sending me this book to review.