SEN Processes

Special Educational Needs could mean that a child has difficulties with:

• All of the work in school
• Reading, writing, number work or understanding information
• Expressing themselves or understanding what others say
• Making friends or relating to adults
• Behaving properly in school
• Organising themselves; or
• Some kind of sensory or physical needs which may affect them in school

Your child’s needs will usually be met in a mainstream school or setting but may need additional support and advice from outside specialists.

School Action
If you have concerns about your child it is important that you communicate your concerns to school and discuss with them to have your child placed on the Special Needs Register in order for school to monitor your child’s progress. School may at this point set some targets for your child, involving you and your child. If the school feel it is necessary to seek other professional advice they will do so with your permission.

School Action Plus ( + )
School will advise you if they need further support from outside professionals and will progress your child to School Action +. The school may develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and set more specific targets for your child. School will hold regular reviews to discuss your child’s progress.

Statutory Assessment
If after a period of trying different strategies, resources, support and advice school may seek a Statutory Assessment from the Local Authority. Parents/ Carers have the right to also request a Statutory Assessment.
Working with school to gather evidence of your child’s difficulties and how your child’s needs may be best met, a Multi Agency Panel will decide if your child needs additional support through a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Statement of Special Educational Needs
A Statement is a legal document set out in six parts each section with specific information. The Statement will describe your child, their Special Needs, a description of the help they need in specific areas, the recommended school, the non-educational support needed and describe how your child will get that help.

Annual Review
An annual review of Statement must be held in school and it is an opportunity for all Partners to reflect on your child’s progress and to set new targets for your child.

The above description of Special Needs Processes is a very simplified, shortened version to give you a flavour of what the process is about and a more detailed description can be found in the Department for children, schools and families (Special Educational Needs (SEN)- A guide for parents and carers) on www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications