How SEN is identified and assessed in education

The SEND Ranges

Schools / settings use guidance called the 'SEND Ranges'.

The Ranges describe:

the needs of children and young people with SEND, and how these needs affect their learning
the support and provision the child / young person might need at each Range

The Ranges are used to make sure that every child is treated with equality and fairness.

They are used by all schools / settings, including specialist schools and academies.

Range 1
Universal Support within mainstream education setting
Range 2
Universal and short term targeted support within in a mainstream education setting
Range 3
Targeted support based in a mainstream school
Range 4
Targeted / specialist - support based in either in mainstream or additionally resourced school
Range 5
Specialist - support based in either in additionally resourced or special school
Range 6
Specialist - support based in special school
Range 7
Highly specialist provision, possibly 24 hours

If your child has SEND (see how 'SEND' is defined), and is in an early years setting, primary or secondary school:

Your child's teacher and / or SENCOwill work with you to identify your child's needs.
They will then determine which of the SEND Ranges your child's needs fit into, for each of the 4 types of need (your child may have a different Range for each type of need).
Schools offer a range of support for children and young people, see types of support and plans.

The Ranges were co-produced between families, education, health, social care and SEND colleagues in other councils.

Families and services in South Tyneside were consulted to make sure the Ranges reflect experiences and practice in the borough.

If your child / young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), their Ranges will be reviewed every year.

If your child / young person has a SEN Support Plan, their Ranges will be reviewed with their SEN Support Plan.