Education

Letters spelling out Education

Special Educational Needs

In any classroom, children learn at different speeds and in different ways. A child who needs a lot of extra help in their learning might have special educational needs (SEN).

A child with special educational needs (SEN) may need more help, or a different kind of help, from that normally given to children of the same age.
They might have difficulty with: 

communication and interaction – for example, where children and young people have difficulty making sense of language or understanding how to talk and listen to others

cognition and learning – for example, a slower pace of learning, difficulties with organisation and memory skills, or a particular difficulty with reading or numbers

social, emotional and mental health – for example, difficulty in managing relationships with other people, or behaviour that affects their health and wellbeing, or prevents them from learning

sensory and/or physical skills – for example, visual or hearing impairments, or a physical need that requires additional support and equipment.

The law says:
‘A child or young person has special educational needs if he or she has a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.’
(Children and Families Act 2014 section 20.1)

In a mainstream school it is the responsibility of the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) at the school to arrange extra help for those who need it. Most children with special educational needs will go to mainstream schools, and the law gives parents a right to say that they prefer this option for their child.

In a special school there are only pupils with special educational needs, and they will usually have needs that are more complex. 

Talk to the classroom teacher and get to know your SENCO

You know your child better than anyone else. You may already know your child has SEN or you may feel that there are issues but you aren’t sure what those needs are. It’s really key that you talk in the first place with the classroom teacher and raise these issues and provide the school with any information that you already have to ensure they have insight into your child’s difficulties.

If a child has identified SEN, the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO) will work with the parent and class teacher to plan what to do. This could be a special programme of work, access to particular equipment, time with a teaching assistant or teacher individually or in a group.

SEN Support is the first level of extra support provided by mainstream settings. 

Please see our page on SEN Support


 

What if I disagree with a decision?

Please see our page on Disputes- mediation & tribunal