SEN what does it mean?

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A guide for parents / carers

Children learn at different speeds and in a variety of ways. There is likely to be a wide range of ability within your child's early years setting or class year group at school. Children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulties which calls for special educational provision to be made for them.

This definition is based on the two key phrases that are part of the full legal description of special educational needs. If you would like to see a copy of the full legal definition it is in paragraph 1:3 of the SEN Code of Practice, page 6. It can be downloaded from TeacherNet under publications – SEN – document code 0581/2001. Alternatively telephone 0845 6022260 to request a copy.

What is a learning difficulty?

Children who have a learning difficulty may find it harder to learn than the majority of children of the same age, or they may have a disability which prevents or hinders them from taking full advantage of the education provided for other children.

Children do not have learning difficulties simply because their first language is not English. However some of these children may also have learning difficulties.

What might my child’s learning difficulty cause problems with?

• reading, writing or number work
• expressing themselves or understanding information
• making friends or relating to adults
• behaviour  
• personal organisation
• tasks or activities which depend on sensory or physical skills

The SEN Code of Practice is the guidance that early years settings, state schools, Local Authorities (LAs) and others must follow to identify, assess and make provision for children who have special educational needs. It suggests that there are four main areas of special need. These are:

• cognition and learning
• behaviour, emotional and social development
• communication and interaction
• sensory and/or physical needs

Some children have needs in more than one of these areas.

What is special educational provision?

Special educational provision is the extra or different help given to children with special educational needs. Special educational provision takes many different forms. It might be additional or different help provided in a mainstream class for a small group or an individual child. It can include group work or individual support that takes place outside the classroom. It could also mean attending a specialist class, a special school, or a District Specialist Centre.

How many children have special educational needs?

About 1 in 5 children are likely to have special educational needs of some kind at some time during their school career. Some children may have special educational needs for a relatively short time; others will have special needs throughout their schooling. Some will have special needs in particular curriculum areas, but others may need help with all, or most aspects of their education.

For more information see the government's SEN Guide for Parent and Carers.

Where can I find out more?

You can ask any of the following people for more information about special educational needs:

• the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) at your child’s early years setting or school.
• the headteacher at your child’s school.
• Voluntary organisations: You can find a list of the main national voluntary organisations in the SEN Guide for Parent and Carers.

* If you require copies of leaflets about SEN, or further information about any aspect of your child’s special educational needs, please contact Wiltshire Council or the Parent Partnership Service.

Last updated: 29 September 2010