SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS

Key Features

A child has SEN if they have a learning difficulty, that requires special educational provision
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can affect a child’s ability to understand, learn, communicate, socialise and move
It is not always easy to know whether a child is disabled or has SEN
The prevalence of pupils with SEN in UK is 18% or 1.5 million pupils
Almost half the children with SEN do not meet the definition of disability
All children are entitled to an education, irrespective of their learning ability
All children with SEND should either receive SEN support or an EHCP
EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework makes sure that there is support for a child under 5, with SEND
An EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan) is a legal document detailing a child’s special educational, health and social care needs
EHCP explains the extra help that will be given to meet those needs
Low academic performance makes graduation and employment less likely
Adult educational and occupational attainment, in turn, significantly predict adult mental health, longevity and relationship formation

Management Options:

Provide you with a clear diagnostic report detailing your child’s SEN and a management plan to address those needs
Diagnosis and management of chronic health problems
Early identification and management of developmental disorders e.g. ADHD, autism, specific learning difficulties
Offer you information about local and national sources of support and information
Give you specific behavioural, educational and environmental strategies
Advice on review by professionals e.g. Edn Psychologist, SLT where required
Advice regarding further tests/investigations, if required
You could use medical report e.g. to gain extra SEN support at school, request EHCP assessment, claim allowances/benefits etc.
You will feel empowered to enable your child from this holistic action plan
Present you with an option for follow-up, where required