Support for SEN in schools
Types of support in education
Schools offer a range of support for children and young people with SEN.
Universal Support
Support that is available to all children in a school / setting is known as 'Universal Support'.
Department for Education guidance promotes 'Quality First Teaching' in schools, which has a strong focus on teachers understanding the unique needs of each child.
This means adjustments can be made, and support can be personalised for all learners, including those with SEND.
This means that most children and young people with SEND can have their needs successfully met in local mainstream schools, with 'reasonable adjustments' where needed.
Targeted SEN Support
If your child has received support with reasonable adjustments, but has not made expected progress, they may need extra 'Targeted SEN Support'.
Schools / settings should hold a face-to-face meeting with you and your child / young person to discuss their needs and plan support.
Your child may also need a SEN support plan.
The changes that are made as part of Targeted SEN Support are carried out by the school / setting.
Specialist SEN Support
A small number of children and young people have needs that can't be met through universal or targeted support.
Your child / young person may need Specialist SEN Support if:
- they are accessing everything that is available through Targeted SEN Support, and
- they have involvement from other professionals and specialists, and
- they are not making the expected progress.
Funding
If your child / young person needs Specialist SEN Support, they may need extra help and funding from the Council.
Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
If your child needs:
- specialist support in their current setting on a long term basis (more than a year)
- an additional resource base, or a
- specialist setting
they may need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).