IPSEA
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) offers free and independent legally based education advice to parents of children with SEND. They also provide training on the SEND legal framework to parents and carers.
Information & advice
SEN support in schools
Navigating school life can be challenging for any family, but for families with children who have special educational needs (SEN), it can sometimes feel like a journey with many unknowns.
This guide is here to help you understand the support available in schools and how to ensure your child receives the support they need.
What is SEN support in schools?
SEN support in schools refers to the additional help provided to children and young people with special educational needs within educational settings. Support is not limited to children with a formal diagnosis; it is based on the individual’s specific needs.
It is also not just about academic needs; SEN support in schools also addresses social, emotional, and physical challenges. The goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges, can access an inclusive and nurturing education.
Support is particularly crucial during key transitions, such as moving from nursery to primary school, to ensure children feel supported and ready for their new educational setting.
SEN support in primary schools (ages 4-11)
In primary schools, SEN support plays a crucial role in early identification to ensure every child has access to the right resources as early as possible in their educational journey.
What to expect:
- Differentiated teaching methods
- One-to-one or small group sessions
- Speech and language therapy
- Sensory resources or support
SEN support in secondary schools (ages 11-16)
In secondary schools, SEN support focuses on helping children and young people adapt to more complex learning environments, increased academic, social and emotional demands, all while preparing them for adulthood.
What to expect:
- Continued personalised teaching strategies
- Access to external therapists or counsellors
- Support for independence, such as study skills coaching
- Social and emotional support to navigate adolescence
Challenges for children at this stage:
- Managing multiple subjects and teachers
- Increased pressure for independence
- Social challenges and peer relationships
What is the role of SENCO in schools?
Every school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Their role is to oversee and coordinate all the SEN provision that’s been agreed within the school.
The SENCO collaborates with teachers, parents, and external specialists to develop, implement, and review tailored support plans – often called Individual Education Plan (IEP), Personal Learning Plan, or Pupil Passport. These plans outline the specific strategies, resources, and support that will help the child thrive in their education.
In primary schools, a SENCO usually works with the class teacher to ensure the plan is followed. In secondary schools, they share it with a wider team, including form tutors and subject teachers, so that every lesson is accessible.
SEN information report
Every school must publish an SEN Information Report about the SEN provision the school provides. You can find this on the school’s website. You can also ask your child’s teacher or the school’s SENCO for information on the SEND provision implemented by the school.
What is the Graduated Approach?
The graduated approach is a step-by-step process that all schools and early years settings use to support children with SEN. It’s a way of identifying a child’s needs, planning the right support, and checking how well it’s working, all while keeping the parents/carers involved.
It’s called ‘graduated’ because it’s a flexible, personalised approach. Support is carefully tailored to the child’s needs, recognising that these needs may change over time. This means the support can be adjusted as necessary.
The four key stages of the Graduated Approach are:
1. Assess
Teachers and SENCOs assess the child’s needs by observing their progress, their behaviour, and how they interact and respond to the curriculum. If there are any concerns, they might call upon external professionals, such as speech therapists, psychologists, or occupational therapists.
2. Plan
If the school decides SEN support is needed, a tailored plan is created to support the child. This could include extra support during lessons or perhaps adjustments to how the lessons are taught.
3. Do
The plan is put into action, with teachers, teaching assistants, the SENCO and other staff members working together to provide the necessary support. This might involve teaching in smaller groups, providing one-to-one assistance, or using specialised equipment.
4. Review
The plan should be regularly reviewed and any progress monitored, so that everyone knows what is and what isn’t working well. If necessary, adjustments are made to the plan, to ensure the child continues to make good progress.
What if the school isn’t meeting my child’s needs?
If your child’s needs are not being met through the support outlined in the graduated approach, you can apply for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment. You can apply for an EHC assessment either independently or with support from your child’s school and their Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS) team.
This assessment can lead to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a legal document that sets out the specific support, resources, and interventions your child requires to thrive in their education. An EHCP can ensure your child gets the right help, both in school and from other services, to meet their individual needs.
Transition
SEN support should include planning and preparing for times of transition, such as when a child or young person moves to a new school or setting. This may involve reviewing the SEN support in place or updating the EHC plan to ensure it reflects their current needs.
To make the move as smooth as possible, the current school or setting should share relevant information with the new one. This should be done in agreement with parents, so everyone is clear about what will be passed on and how it will help the child settle in.
How we can help
As a parent or carer, you don’t have to navigate the SEND system alone – support networks, professionals, and resources are here to guide you, helping you feel confident in advocating for your child’s needs.
Kids Family Advice & Support
If you’re looking for support for your child – whether it’s short breaks, help with sleep, or guidance for wellbeing – we offer a range of services designed to support both your child and your family
Discover our family advice and support services across the UK.
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SENDIAS services
We provide SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support) services in several regional areas. Our support is free, impartial, and confidential, offering guidance to families of children and young people with SEND.
We’re here to help you understand your rights, navigate the SEND system, and support you through important decisions about education, health, and care.
Useful links
Contact
Contact provide online, printed and helpline advice on education, benefits and finances, childcare, social care, medical information and more. They run programmes across the UK, including information sessions, workshops, drop-ins in hospitals and parenting courses.
EHCP process
Find out more about the EHCP process; requesting an EHC assessment, creating an EHC plan and disagreeing with a decision.
Find your local authority
Enter your postcode on the GOV.UK website to find your local authority, then visit their SEN support section to learn more about the support available in your area.