SENDIASS
At SENDIASS, we encourage you to build and maintain a positive relationship with schools and remain child-focused. This can be difficult when the relationship breaks down due to the child’s needs not being met, or the school not recognising the child has unidentified needs.
Schools should be having at least three meetings per year with parents to discuss what support is in place, any changes that need to be made and plan support to meet needs.
SEN support in schools is the extra help and resources provided to students who have special educational needs or disabilities that mean they need more assistance than their age-related classmates. This support helps students to take part in lessons and reach their learning goals alongside their peers. It follows a stepped approach, where support is tailored to the child’s individual needs, ranging from small changes in teaching to more focused interventions.
Identifying and assessing needs
Schools are responsible for recognising students who have SEN and understanding their specific needs.
Graduated Approach
SEN support works in a cycle of Assess, Plan, Do, and Review, so the support can be adjusted over time based on how the student is doing.
SEN Support Plan
This plan details the student’s needs, goals, and the support they will receive. It is created with input from parents or carers.
Funding
Mainstream schools receive funding to support students with SEN, which can be up to £6,000 per student for extra or different help, according to Education Advocacy.
Parent involvement
Schools must keep parents informed and involve them in decisions about their child’s SEN support.
Types of support
Support may include different teaching methods, one-to-one or small group help, special equipment, and input from specialists.
SENCO
Every school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who organizes and oversees SEN support.
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
While most students receive support through SEN support plans, some may need an EHCP, which is a more detailed plan based on a thorough assessment.