What are Special Educational Needs?

Children who face challenges or disabilities in their learning may experience difficulties in their education, potentially falling behind their peers of the same age. These children, known as having Special Educational Needs (SEN), are eligible for support and assistance during their time at nursery, school, or college.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN) refer to a broader category of learning difficulties and disabilities in children. Roughly 20% of children will, at some point during their school years, require SEN support. This includes children with conditions like dyslexia or autism, as well as those with more severe mental or physical disabilities. This guide will provide a clear understanding of the fundamental aspects of Special Educational Needs.

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Who Qualifies for Special Educational Needs?

According to the government's guidance on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), a child or young person is considered to have SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires special educational provision. This means they experience significantly greater learning difficulties than most others of the same age or have a disability that hinders them from using the facilities provided for their peers in mainstream schools or post-16 institutions.

SEN covers four main areas of difficulty, including:

• Communication and interaction
• Cognition and learning
• Social, emotional, and mental health
• Sensory and/or physical needs

These categories encompass various conditions, such as ADHD and terminal illnesses. If you suspect your child qualifies for SEN, your initial step should be to discuss your concerns with their teachers.

Identifying Special Educational Needs in Your Child

If you suspect that your child may have SEN, it is essential to take action. If your child has not yet started nursery or school, consult your GP for advice. Schools or nurseries will approach you if they identify any issues once your child begins their education. They will have a Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) responsible for arranging necessary support for children with SEN.

If your child has already started school, communicate your concerns with their teacher. They will collaborate with the SENCO to assess whether your child has special needs. As a parent or guardian, you will actively participate in the process and remain informed about the decisions. For children aged 16 or above, their input will be considered when determining the support they need.

Getting Support for Your Child with SEN

After discussing your concerns with your child's teacher and SENCO, they should initiate an assessment. Every school's responsibility is to provide the best possible education for all its students. Therefore, they will want to identify and support children with SEN.

If it is determined that your child requires special support, the SENCO will work out the necessary assistance, possibly consulting medical specialists. Your involvement is crucial in this process, ensuring your thoughts and concerns are taken into account. Once a support plan is established, it will be put into action, with continuous assessment and adjustments based on your child's progress. Your input is valued during these reviews, allowing you to share your ideas or concerns.

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Available Support for Children with SEN

Children with SEN receive support from their nursery, school, or college, tailored to their specific requirements and age. Here's a detailed breakdown of the support available for children at different stages:

Preschools adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring children with SEN receive appropriate support. This includes making reasonable adjustments for children with disabilities, like tactile signs for those with visual impairments. At ages 2 and 3, children undergo written and health assessments to identify any special needs. By the end of the reception year in primary schools, a written assessment is conducted to inform Year 1 teachers about any specific requirements of their students.

Between the ages of 5 and 16, students with SEN may receive various forms of support, including:

• A special learning plan
• Additional encouragement
• Extra assistance from teachers or teaching assistants
• Support for communication needs
• Help with participating in group activities
• Assistance with personal care
• Classroom and break time observations
• Participation in smaller group activities

By Year 9, students with SEN receive a 'transition plan' to help them plan for life beyond school, such as attending college or further education. Ensure you communicate with the further education provider well in advance to explore suitable options. If they cannot meet your child's needs, your local council should be able to assist in finding alternatives.

Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC)

If your child requires more support than their school or college can offer, you can apply for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHC). These plans are available for children and young adults up to the age of 25 who require more assistance than what's typically provided for children with SEN.

To apply for an EHC, request an assessment from your local council. Over 16-year-olds can make the application themselves, or you can do it on their behalf. If the council agrees to an assessment, they may request information, including a letter outlining your child's needs, reports from their educational institution, and a doctor's note.

You may have to wait up to 16 weeks after the assessment for the council's decision. If your child qualifies for an EHC plan, the council will send you a copy of the plan. You'll have 15 days to provide feedback or request additional details.

Appealing the Council's Decision

If the council refuses to conduct an assessment for an EHC plan, declines to create an EHC plan, or if you believe the plan doesn't offer sufficient support or conflicts with your choice of school, you have the right to challenge their decision. Initially, contact the council to express your concerns. They might be willing to consider your suggestions and make necessary changes. If your grievances persist, you can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

Understanding Personal EHC Budgets

If your child has an EHC plan, you may be eligible for a personal EHC budget. This financial support is allocated to cover services and support for your child's social care, health, and education.

To determine your eligibility for a personal EHC budget, apply through your local council, who will inform you of their decision. While not all children with an EHC plan will receive a personal budget due to resource limitations, it's advisable to submit an application. You have three options for managing a personal EHC budget:

• Direct payments to your bank account - You are responsible for arranging and purchasing services.
• Notional arrangement - The local council or school retains the budget, while you decide how it is spent.
• Third-party arrangement - You appoint someone to manage and allocate the budget on your behalf.

In summary, Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a legal term that encompasses the needs of children facing learning difficulties or disabilities. The government outlines the support to which they are entitled, ensuring their education is adequately supported. The EQ Knowledge Bank is a valuable resource for answering your parenting questions, providing information, tips, and advice on a variety of topics, including the secondary school curriculum and child safety online.

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