Service Description: Children with special educational needs have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. These children may need extra or different help from that given to other children of the same age. An assessment of special educational needs (SEN) may be considered when a child has severe or complex educational needs for which additional resources, or alternative provision may be required to meet their needs. Once the assessment has been completed the child may be eligible for a special educational needs statement offered by the local authority. This sets out the special educational needs of the child and the special help they should have at school.
Also known as:- Assessment, SEN, SEN Admissions, Special Needs, Statement, Sure Start, Surestart
Answer: ‘School Action’ is the first stage of identifying a child’s special educational needs. This is done through the school. If a child requires more help then they move onto ‘School Action Plus’ – this would involve advice/support from outside agencies e.g. Behaviour Support, Learning Support etc. If after this your child is still not making progress then a request for statutory assessment is made. You should be consulted at each stage by your child’s school.