Special Education Needs (SEN)

Also known as: SEND Reforms, Special Needs

Service Description: Children/Young people with special educational needs have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. These children may need extra or different help from that given to other children of the same age.

An assessment of a child/young person’s education, health and care needs may be considered when they have severe or complex educational needs for which additional resources, or alternative provision may be required to meet their needs.

Once the assessment has been completed the child/young person may be eligible for an Education, Health & Care Plan offered by the local authority. This sets out the special educational needs of the child/young person and the special help they should have at school. The plan may also set out any health or social care provision the child/young person needs.