Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
Your child's educational journey may need some extra provision along the way. Providers use a graduated approach to support all children.
The graduated approach starts with high quality teaching and the teacher will talk to you about how your child is progressing at information sharing evenings.
If you have any worries outside of these occasions do book a time to talk to your child's class teacher, tutor or head of year. You may also like to speak to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) or inclusion manager.
You can read your provider's SEND policy to gain more understanding of their approach and read the SEND report on the provider website for more information. A useful parent/carer guide is here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers
How will my child's education setting offer support?
If your child's setting has identified an area of need, they will put in place interventions and monitor the impact of these using the 'assess-plan-do-review' process. You will be involved in the planning and review of interventions designed to support your child achieve agreed outcomes. This process will be recorded on an individual plan, provision map or Personal Education Plan (see page 8 above). If concerns remain and your child needs further support to make progress you may wish to request an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Assessment. You can do this as parents or ask the provider to do this with your agreement.
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is a legal document that outlines your child's needs and what is expected of the school. Some children may need specialist provision (a special school) to meet their needs. Sometimes this is from the start of the child's education and sometimes at a later point.
What is involved in an Education, Health and Care Plan assessment?
Your local authority SEND team will consider whether there is evidence that your child has not made expected progress, despite the education setting having taken action to identify and meet their special educational needs. When all the information is gathered, everyone who has been involved in the assessment stage will determine the support needed for your child/young person to achieve what they want from life. This will be recorded in a proposed Education, Health and Care Plan. Once finalised, the EHCP will outline your child's needs, how those needs will be met and will name the school or education provider they will attend. The EHCP can bring additional funding and is reviewed at least annually. Please refer to your local authority "Local SEND Offer" for more detailed information.
Where can I get help?
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offer information, advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This service is also offered directly to young people. The service is free, impartial and confidential. Search online for your local SENDIASS team.
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