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: The revised version came into effect from 1 January 2002 and was issued by the Government to provide guidance to LEAs and Governing Bodies on their responsibilities towards all children with special educational need. All LEA’s, schools, early education settings and those who help them including Health and Social Services must have regard to what it says.