Understanding SEND
Most children face learning challenges at times, but children with special educational needs and disabilities may need extra, tailored support to thrive.
SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. A child with SEND will likely have greater learning difficulties or disabilities, meaning they’ll need extra help, support and adaptations at home, in education, and in healthcare, in order to learn or access activities.
What that looks like is different for every family, depending on the child’s needs.
If you read nothing else
A child does not need an official diagnosis to receive support for their SEND
Schools, councils and health services can put help in place from day one, even while you’re waiting for an assessment.
SEND in four areas
A child may have difficulty across several, but services usually identify a primary area to focus support around.
Cognition & learning
Finding it hard to retain new information, read, write, or work with numbers.
Dyslexia · Dyscalculia · MLD/SLD/PMLD
Communication & interaction
Finding social interaction, conversation or communication challenging.
Speech & language · ASD/Autism
Sensory and/or physical
Physical disabilities, medical conditions, or sensory processing differences.
Cerebral palsy · Deafness · Blindness
Social, emotional & mental health
Anxiety, depression, or struggles with emotional regulation, relationships and coping.
You're not on your own
Our community brings parent carers together to share experiences, support each other and help to shape the future of SEND support. Find out how you can get involved, attend events and contribute to the forum.
