All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and early years settings, are required to accommodate children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). They must make 'reasonable adjustments' to ensure these children receive appropriate support.
Key points for parents and carers:
- school's SEND information: each school must provide details on how they identify and support children with SEND. This information is typically available on the school's website, often called the SEN Information Offer
- SENDCO: the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCO) will be your main point of contact at the school
- additional facilities: mainstream settings may offer extra facilities, such as visiting teachers, and some have resources for children with learning, emotional, communication, physical, or sensory needs
Expectations for mainstream schools
- quickly and accurately identify children and young people with special educational needs
- inform parents when their child has been identified with a special educational need and provide access to independent information, advice, and support
- ensure teachers are equipped to teach children with diverse needs
- focus on the quality of teaching for all children and develop approaches to meet individual needs
- meet the needs and objectives outlined in an Education, Health, and Care Plan
- a regularly reviewed SEND policy is available on their website
- work in partnership with children, young people, and their parents
- delegate resources fairly and efficiently in response to identified needs
Teaching and learning adjustments
- teacher training: All teachers will teach children with special educational needs, and schools offer training to ensure they can meet the needs of pupils requiring additional support. Some teachers may have specialist qualifications
- lesson planning: Teachers adapt their lessons to cater to the different needs of the class. For example, they may give pupils different tasks during the lesson. Sometimes, children who need extra help work in a smaller group or follow a slightly different learning programme for a short time
- special equipment: may be used to assist with learning
- parent involvement: parents will be involved in planning their child's learning
If you need help
SEND Independent, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS)
SENDIASS offers free information, advice, and support to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their parents and carers.
Additional support and resources
Search our SEND directory for resources, services, and support based on age, need, and type of assistance.
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