Useful Links

Weekly Newsletters Term dates and school holidays Staff Dates For Your Diary School Prospectus

DLA Information Sharing

Long Meadow School

Provision of Evidence for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Purpose

Long Meadow School recognises that families may apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to support children with disabilities or long-term needs.  This information outlines the school’s role in providing information as part of such applications.

School’s Role

The school’s responsibility is to provide factual, evidence-based information regarding a child’s presentation, care needs, and level of independence within the school environment.

The school does not:

  • determine eligibility for DLA
  • provide opinions on whether a claim should be awarded
  • comment on family finances or personal circumstances

Decisions regarding DLA are made solely by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Evidence Provided by School

Any information provided by the school will:

  • be based on direct observation within the school setting
  • reflect the child’s day-to-day functioning during the school day
  • describe actual care, supervision, or support needs, where present
  • distinguish between diagnosis and educational or care need

Where a child is able to:

  • access learning independently
  • manage routines and transitions
  • regulate emotions appropriately
  • and does not require additional supervision or adult support

this will be clearly stated.

Diagnosis and Need

The school recognises that a diagnosis may help to explain a child’s profile; however, a diagnosis alone does not automatically indicate additional care or supervision needs in school.  School evidence will reflect need rather than diagnosis.

Differences Across Settings

The school acknowledges that children may present differently at home or in the community. Any statement provided by the school reflects school-based observations only and does not seek to comment on or challenge parental experiences outside of school.

Professional Integrity

The school is committed to:

  • maintaining professional integrity
  • ensuring consistency across reports for DLA, EHCPs, and external agencies
  • providing evidence that is accurate, balanced, and defensible

The school will not exaggerate or infer need where it is not observed.

Supporting Families

While the school aims to work collaboratively with families, staff are required to ensure that all written evidence remains factual and reflects the child’s needs in school. Families are encouraged to provide their own views and experiences as part of any DLA application.