Introduction to special educational needs

2 mins read

This advice applies in England only. Read information for families in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

In any classroom, children learn at different speeds and in different ways. A child who needs a lot of extra help in their learning might have special educational needs.

What are special educational needs?

A child has special educational needs (SEN) if they need a lot of help in any of these areas:

• Reading, writing, numbers.
• Talking and listening.
• Developing social skills.
• Physical skills.
• Emotion, mental health and behaviour.

In any classroom, children learn at different speeds and in different ways. Teachers will plan their lessons and choose different types of lesson materials to help each child learn best. A child with SEN is likely to need more help than this.

What does SEND stand for?

You are likely to see both acronyms SEN and SEND. They are slightly different, though often used interchangeably.

SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities. Some disabled children have SEN; some don’t. Likewise, some children with SEN are not disabled.

SEND is an umbrella term that includes all children with SEN and/or a disability.

How can schools help children with SEN?

A child with SEN may go to a mainstream school or a special school.

In a mainstream school, there are pupils with and without SEN. It is the responsibility of the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) to arrange extra help for those who need it. Most children with SEN will go to mainstream schools, and the law gives parents a right to say that they prefer this option for their child.

In a special school, there are only pupils with SEND. Their needs will usually be more complex. The school may have specially trained teachers, therapists or special equipment to support them.

Understanding the SEN system in England

Use the links below for more information about education support for your child:

• Support in the early years.
• Extra help in mainstream school – the first step to getting support.
• Education, health and care plans – children with more complex needs.
• Education beyond 16.

Related information

Extra help at school

If your child has special educational needs (SEN), their school can provide extra help through a system called SEN support.

Read more

Common concerns

Is your child having difficulty meeting certain milestones? We can help.

Read more

Support in the early years

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

Read more