Special Education Needs (SEN) Support

Building on OAP, SEN Support provides additional, tailored help so every child can access learning and experience success at their own pace.

How SEN Support works:

Early identification

Teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) identify barriers to learning early.

Identifying special educational needs

Schools consider the four broad areas of need outlined in the SEND Code of Practice. These areas help schools understand the type of support a child may need:

• Communication and Interaction
• Cognition and Learning
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health
• Sensory and/or Physical Needs

Planning support

Support is tailored to meet individual needs, often through a support plan.

Specialist input

External professionals, such as educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, may be involved when needed.

Collaborative partnership

Families and professionals work together to understand and build on the child’s strengths, needs, and aspirations.

To access SEN Support, contact the teacher or SENCO. They’ll guide families through the process, working collaboratively to identify needs and explain the range of support available.

Note: A formal diagnosis isn’t required. Support is based on individual needs and can begin as soon as these are identified.