Children's Disability Register - Print version

About the Children's Disability Register

The Children's Disability Register is a confidential list of names and basic information about children with disabilities, special or additional needs.

The Children Act 1989 required all local authorities to establish a register of children with a disability in their area. This will then be used to assist service planning to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Children's names are added to the register at their parent's request, and in return parents can receive information about services available in their area.

The information held on the register is confidential. It conforms to the Data Protection Act. Only authorised workers from social care, education and health can access the information, via the Register Co-ordinator.

Does your child have to be included?

No. Inclusion on the register is voluntary. Your child can be removed from the register at any time. However, we believe most parents and carers will see the benefits and want their child to be included because it will:

• help us to identify the needs of children with disabilities in general and plan appropriate services for them;
• ensure that services across social care, education and health are aware of your child and his/her needs;
• help us to plan for your child's future needs and assist in the transition to adulthood.
• enable us to keep you up-to-date about our services, through regular updates, newsletters and bulletins.

Will it affect entitlement to services?

No. Services are dependent on assessed needs, not inclusion on the Register.

The Children's Disability Register is not linked to any other registers or records held by the local authority, including the Child Protection Register of children about whom there are concerns.

Should my child be on the register?

Your child qualifies for inclusion if they meet all the following:

• live in Coventry or be the responsibility of Coventry City Council
• be aged 0 to 18 or be receiving education at school
• have a physical or mental impairment which is likely to have a substantial and long term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day to day activities.

They may be children who need help with the following:

• intellectual development of learning;
• communication;
• personal and self care;
• hearing and vision;
• mobility;
• special treatment such as dialysis or medication;
• independence appropriate for age, gender, cultural, religious or social circumstances.

Apply to join the Children's Disability Register

Apply to join the Children's Disability Register [/applychildrensdisabilityregister]

We will confirm registration in writing.