Introduction to SEND

SEND support is a category of support for pupils with SEND. These children receive special provision.

The school will:

• have identified that they have a SEND pupil
• note this in their records
• tell parents/carers that their child will receive SEND support
• check that the support is right

To do this they use the graduated approach.

The graduated approach

This is a four stage cycle that helps the school learn more about the child/young person and what helps them to make good progress.

It has four parts:

• assess
• plan
• do
• review

Help for your child - SEND support

Support for individuals will look different.  It could include:

• a special learning programme
• extra help from a teacher or a teaching assistant
• working in a small group
• help with taking part in activities
• helping other children to work or play with your child
• encouraging your child to ask for help

School will tell parents/carers what support they are developing and this might be through documents such as an SEN Support Plan or a provision map or something similar.

Funding for SEN support

All schools have funding to support children with SEND in their ‘notional SEND’ budget and they can decide how to spend it. If schools and/parents feel a child’s needs cannot be met from within the school’s budget, they can request a needs assessment for an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Progress with SEND support

Schools should adapt the support depending on how effective it has been and if a pupil doesn’t make progress with the support given, school and the parents may consider making a request for a needs assessment for an EHCP.