SEND: Special educational needs and disabilities

This section of the website covers the support system in England for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Each topic page is a clear, easy-to-use guide that answers key questions on what SEND is, what the Local Offer is, how the support system works in early years settings and schools, and in education and training for those over 16.

Education, health and care plans and challenging decisions, appeals and tribunals are covered, too.

There’s also an overview of the different systems in place in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

A little girl turns away from her painting to smile at the camera

What is SEND?

This page tells you about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and special educational provision.
A woman and her son lie on the floor, reading a book. The mother, Sarah, is smiling. The boy, Harry, who has blue glasses and an orange t-shirt on, is concentrating on the book.

SEN support in schools

This page covers support for children aged 5-15 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in school.
A woman plays with a young girl

SEND support for children under five

This page covers support for children under five with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in early years settings.
Two young men smiling, one of them is wearing a blue baseball cap and the other a red teeshirt

Support for children over 16 in education or training

This page covers support in education or training for children aged 16 and over with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
A young child is supported in sensory play.

Education, health and care plans

This page covers education, health and care plans (EHCPs), including what they are, what they look like and whether your child needs one.
A person seen from the chest down, sitting on a wall with their hands in their lap.

EHCP appeals and SEN tribunals

This page tells you how to appeal against a decision if you’re not happy with some aspect of your child’s education, health and care needs assessment

Special educational needs around the UK

Additional learning needs in Wales

This page gives a brief overview of the additional learning needs system (ALN system), introduced in September 2021 and being phased in by the summer of 2024.

Special educational needs in Northern Ireland

This page covers special educational needs (SEN) support in Northern Ireland.

Additional support needs for learning in Scotland

This page gives a brief overview of the Education Act 2004 and the Supporting Children’s Learning: Code of Practice.

Support from Sense

We deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life for disabled people with complex needs. Get in touch to find out more about the services we offer.

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