Education & learning

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

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The education systems differ in each UK country.

View content only relevant to your country:

Browse advice for England

Getting support

EHC plans & assessments

SEND reforms

Resolving issues

Transport to school and college

Admissions & school choice

Attendance, absence & medical needs

Bullying

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).

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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.

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EHC plans & assessments

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.

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EHC needs assessments

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

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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.

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Tribunal appeals

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

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SEND reforms

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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Resolving issues

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Teenager school pupils taking exam

Exam access arrangements

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

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Transport to school & college

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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.

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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…

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Independent travel training

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

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Admissions & school choice

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.

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Finding the right school

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

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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.

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Attendance, absence & medical needs

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.

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Help with medical needs

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Browse advice for Northern Ireland

Getting support

Bullying

Disability discrimination

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.

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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.

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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.

Read more

Bullying

HemiHelp event - child holding basketball, ready to shoot

Bullying

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

Read more
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.

Read more
HemiHelp event - child holding cuddly toys walking across trampoline

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.

Read more
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.

Read more
HemiHelp - 2 children sitting at table looking at mobile phone

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.

Read more
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.

Read more

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.

Browse advice for Scotland

Getting support

Education beyond 16

Resolving issues

Bullying

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.

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

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.

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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.

Read more

Education beyond 16

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…

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Community learning

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

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Resolving issues

Children high-fiving outside a bus

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.

Read more

Bullying

HemiHelp event - child holding basketball, ready to shoot

Bullying

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

Read more
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.

Read more
HemiHelp event - child holding cuddly toys walking across trampoline

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.

Read more
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.

Read more
HemiHelp - 2 children sitting at table looking at mobile phone

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.

Read more
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.

Read more

Browse advice for Wales

Getting support

Resolving issues

Bullying

Getting support

Dad and son in the woodlands

Support in education

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

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

Transport in Wales

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

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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.

Read more

Resolving issues

Children high-fiving outside a bus

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.

Read more

Bullying

HemiHelp event - child holding basketball, ready to shoot

Bullying

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

Read more
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.

Read more
HemiHelp event - child holding cuddly toys walking across trampoline

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.

Read more
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.

Read more
HemiHelp - 2 children sitting at table looking at mobile phone

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.

Read more
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.

Read more