Education & learning

Support to help disabled children and young people to reach their full potential.

The education systems differ in each UK country.

View content only relevant to your country:

Education & learning – England

Getting support

A woman kneels on a rocky beach holding a young child in a pink swimsuit. The child looks at the camera, and the ocean waves are visible in the background under a clear sky.

Introduction to special educational needs & disabilities (SEND)

A child who needs a lot of extra help in their learning might have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

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Support in the early years

How early years education settings in England support children with special educational needs (SEN).

A young child and an adult are engaged in a craft activity at a table. The adult, wearing a gray hoodie and glasses, is guiding the child, who is dressed in a striped shirt. Art supplies, including markers and paper, clutter the table as they work together.

Extra support in school

Read about the extra support provided in mainstream schools for children with special educational needs in England.

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Education beyond 16

On this page, we look at the different options available when your child reaches the end of compulsory education.

A young child, with short dark hair, is enthusiastically playing in a water table with a small wooden hammer, while an adult with glasses who provides extra support in school watches closely and smiles. The background shows colorful decorations on windows, including a turtle and various crafts.

EHC plans

Some pupils receive support through an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

EHC needs assessments

Education, health and care (EHC) needs assessments determine whether a child or young person requires an EHC plan.

Getting an EHC draft plan

After an EHC needs assessment, you'll first receive a draft EHC plan.

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Annual reviews

Your local authority must review your child's Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan at least once a year.

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Changes in circumstances

There are some situations what might mean your child's Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan changes or ceases (ends) completely.

Teacher helping disabled child paint in a classroom setting - both are smiling.

Tribunal appeals

What to do if you disagree with a decision made by the local authority relating to your child’s special educational needs.

A child sits on a bus seat, with their hand near their mouth, looking out the window. Light filters through the bus's blue-tinted interior. Other passengers can be seen seated in the background.

The schools white paper & SEND reforms

What you need to know about the government's schools white paper and planned reforms to special educational needs (SEN) in England.

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School & college complaints

On this page we explain what you need to do if you want to complain about any aspect of your child's education.

Two young boys play with dinosaur figures at a blue table in a classroom during the Dinosaur Day fundraiser. The boy on the left wears a yellow and white striped shirt, while the boy on the right is in a red shirt. Other children and classroom decorations are visible in the background.

Exclusions

Exclusion is the formal sending home of a pupil from school for disciplinary reasons. An exclusion can be permanent or fixed-term.

Disability discrimination in school

Your child's rights not to be discriminated against at school and what you can do if you feel this has happened.

Exam access arrangements

It may be possible for special arrangements to be made if your child is at a disadvantage for tests and exams.

Dad helping child in wheelchair use accessibility ramp to get off a bus

School transport in England

Local authorities must make free travel arrangements for children who can't make their own way to school.

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Transport for young people over 16 in England

Young people over 16 do not have the same rights to free transport as children of compulsory school age.

Two boys with short hair sit next to each other on a bus in seats with blue upholstery. Both are wearing glasses and seatbelts. One boy in a pink shirt is smiling and holding his glasses. The other boy in a black shirt is smiling and holding a smartphone.

Challenging school transport policies in England

Research we carried out as part of our school transport inquiry has shown that a number of policies do not comply with…

A young boy smiles and waves as he steps off a bus with a backpack. Another boy stands nearby, looking at him, while a third child is seen from behind in the foreground. A green bus is visible in the background.

Independent travel training

Independent travel training is tailored and practical help for disabled people to travel by public transport, on foot or by bike.

A smiling woman assists a happy child in painting a ceramic object at a craft table, providing the same kind of extra support in school. The child, wearing an apron, holds a small paintbrush while the woman guides his hand. A palette with colorful paint sits on the table in what appears to be a pottery studio.

Applying for a school place

We can help you apply for a place for your child, whether starting school for the first time or changing to another.

A child sitting outside at the seaside smiling.

Finding the right school

On this page we explain how to find out information about schools and suggest some questions to ask when visiting.

A young child in a bright orange sleeveless shirt and an adult in a striped shirt and sunglasses are engaged in an outdoor activity at a table. The table is covered with various supplies, and trees are visible in the background.

Top tips to help when your child changes schools

These tried and tested tips were prepared by a special educational needs teacher and a group of parents.

Older child reading book with younger child

Absence from school

Some children with a disability or health condition will have lengthy or repeated periods off school.

Help with medical needs

Many children have medical conditions that significantly affect their school life. Some children miss a lot of school through illness.

Home education

If you are thinking about home education, it is important to understand the responsibility you are taking on.

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Bullying

Not all children experience bullying. If you find out your child is being bullied, there are ways to support them.

A young boy wearing a blue striped shirt browses for books on a shelf in a library. The bookshelves are filled with a variety of books, and the boy is focused on selecting a book. The scene is well-lit and colorful.

Keeping a record of bullying incidents

It helps to be as clear as you can about bullying details before you contact the school.

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Ways that schools can deal with bullying

Schools have a legal duty of care towards their pupils and a responsibility to prevent bullying amongst them.

A woman with glasses and braided hair holds a baby dressed in a striped shirt while sitting on a blue fabric seat in a vehicle, likely a bus or train. The baby looks curiously at the camera. The interior is softly lit, and other passengers are blurred in the background.

Meeting with the school

If you have spoken to the school but bullying is still happening, ask the school for a meeting.

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Helping your child respond to bullying

You can help your child learn positive ways to respond to bullying and build their confidence and self-esteem.

A smiling woman holding a young girl in her arms. The girl is wearing glasses, a pink cap, and a gray shirt, while the woman is dressed in a light gray shirt and has a smartwatch on her wrist. They are outdoors with greenery in the background on a sunny day.

What to do if the bullying carries on

Sometimes parents might need to take things further to find a positive resolution for their child.

Getting support

A woman wearing a hijab and a young boy in a blue hoodie hold hands as they walk along a sidewalk. A large white coach bus is parked on the street. Trees with green and autumn-colored leaves line the background. A yellow banner is attached to a nearby railing.

Support in education

Support for children and young people with special educational needs in Northern Ireland, including sources of further support.

School transport in Northern Ireland

The education authority has a legal duty to make free-of-charge travel arrangements for children and young people with an identified need.

Top tips to help when your child changes schools

These tried and tested tips were prepared by a special educational needs teacher and a group of parents.

Bullying

Not all children experience bullying. If you find out your child is being bullied, there are ways to support them.

Keeping a record of bullying incidents

It helps to be as clear as you can about bullying details before you contact the school.

Ways that schools can deal with bullying

Schools have a legal duty of care towards their pupils and a responsibility to prevent bullying amongst them.

Meeting with the school

If you have spoken to the school but bullying is still happening, ask the school for a meeting.

Helping your child respond to bullying

You can help your child learn positive ways to respond to bullying and build their confidence and self-esteem.

What to do if the bullying carries on

Sometimes parents might need to take things further to find a positive resolution for their child.

Disability discrimination in school

For more information about disability discrimination rights in Northern Ireland, see the website of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, or the Childen’s Law Centre.

Education & learning – Scotland

Getting support

Dad and son at pottery class, son painting pottery

Support in education

Find out about support in education for children with additional support needs in Scotland.

School transport in Scotland

Local authorities in Scotland must make arrangements they consider necessary to provide free transport to school for pupils living in their area.

Top tips to help when your child changes schools

These tried and tested tips were prepared by a special educational needs teacher and a group of parents.

Two women are outdoors enjoying a sunny day. The older woman on the left wears sunglasses and a shirt with the number

Staying on in school

If young people are 16 in school and want to stay on, the local authority has a duty to continue to educate…

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Going to college

College offers flexible courses for disabled students, including vocational training. Explore options, support and how to apply.

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Going to university

Explore university options for disabled students. Find out about entry requirements, support services and living away from home.

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Vocational training

Scotland has a variety of vocational training programmes designed to help young disabled people gain valuable work experience, develop skills, and get…

A woman in a yellow cardigan sitting on a sofa using a tablet.

Community learning

Community-based learning offers flexible and accessible options for anyone seeking to build skills outside traditional educational settings.

Disability discrimination in school

Your child's rights not to be discriminated against at school and what you can do if you feel this has happened.

Bullying

Not all children experience bullying. If you find out your child is being bullied, there are ways to support them.

Keeping a record of bullying incidents

It helps to be as clear as you can about bullying details before you contact the school.

Ways that schools can deal with bullying

Schools have a legal duty of care towards their pupils and a responsibility to prevent bullying amongst them.

Meeting with the school

If you have spoken to the school but bullying is still happening, ask the school for a meeting.

Helping your child respond to bullying

You can help your child learn positive ways to respond to bullying and build their confidence and self-esteem.

What to do if the bullying carries on

Sometimes parents might need to take things further to find a positive resolution for their child.

Getting support

Support in education

The law says that local authorities have a duty to identify children with additional learning needs (ALN) in their care.

Transport in Wales

Information on the law and guidance around school transport in Wales.

Top tips to help when your child changes schools

These tried and tested tips were prepared by a special educational needs teacher and a group of parents.

Disability discrimination in school

Your child's rights not to be discriminated against at school and what you can do if you feel this has happened.

Bullying

Not all children experience bullying. If you find out your child is being bullied, there are ways to support them.

Keeping a record of bullying incidents

It helps to be as clear as you can about bullying details before you contact the school.

Ways that schools can deal with bullying

Schools have a legal duty of care towards their pupils and a responsibility to prevent bullying amongst them.

Meeting with the school

If you have spoken to the school but bullying is still happening, ask the school for a meeting.

Helping your child respond to bullying

You can help your child learn positive ways to respond to bullying and build their confidence and self-esteem.

What to do if the bullying carries on

Sometimes parents might need to take things further to find a positive resolution for their child.

View content only relevant to your country:

You’re currently viewing content relevant for

Education & learning – England

Getting support

Introduction to special educational needs & disabilities (SEND)

Support in the early years

Extra support in school

Education beyond 16

EHC plans & assessments

EHC plans

EHC needs assessments

Getting an EHC draft plan

Annual reviews

Changes in circumstances

Tribunal appeals

SEND reforms

The schools white paper & SEND reforms

Issues

School & college complaints

Exclusions

Disability discrimination in school

Exam access arrangements

Transport to school & college

School transport in England

Transport for young people over 16 in England

Challenging school transport policies in England

Independent travel training

Admissions & school choice

Applying for a school place

Finding the right school

Top tips to help when your child changes schools

Attendance, absence & medical needs

Absence from school

Help with medical needs

Home education

Bullying

Bullying

Keeping a record of bullying incidents

Ways that schools can deal with bullying

Meeting with the school

Helping your child respond to bullying

What to do if the bullying carries on

Education & learning – Northern Ireland

Getting support

Support in education

School transport in Northern Ireland

Top tips to help when your child changes schools

Bullying

Bullying

Keeping a record of bullying incidents

Ways that schools can deal with bullying

Meeting with the school

Helping your child respond to bullying

What to do if the bullying carries on

Disability discrimination in school

Education & learning – Scotland

Getting support

Support in education

School transport in Scotland

Top tips to help when your child changes schools

Education beyond 16

Staying on in school

Going to college

Going to university

Vocational training

Community learning

Issues

Disability discrimination in school

Bullying

Bullying

Keeping a record of bullying incidents

Ways that schools can deal with bullying

Meeting with the school

Helping your child respond to bullying

What to do if the bullying carries on

Education & learning in Wales

Getting support

Support in education

Transport in Wales

Top tips to help when your child changes schools