Understanding SEN Support in Schools: Responsibilities and Support Plans

Special Educational Needs (SEN) support plays a crucial role in ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve. In this blog post, we will delve into the responsibilities schools have for providing support through SEN Support plans.

What is SEN Support?

SEN Support refers to the additional assistance and resources provided to children with special educational needs within mainstream schools. It is designed to help them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

Schools' Responsibilities

Under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice, schools have a legal duty to identify and provide support for children with SEN. This includes:

• Identifying children with SEN: Schools should have a clear process in place to identify children who may require additional support. This can involve regular assessments, observations, and consultations with parents and external professionals.

• Assessing and planning: Once a child has been identified as having SEN, schools must assess their needs and create an individualized SEN Support plan. This plan outlines the specific support and interventions the child will receive.

• Providing support: Schools are responsible for implementing the support outlined in the SEN Support plan. This may include additional teaching resources, assistive technology, or specialized teaching methods.

• Monitoring progress: Schools should regularly review and monitor the progress of children receiving SEN Support. This allows for adjustments to be made to the support plan if necessary.

SEN Support Plans

SEN Support plans are tailored to meet the individual needs of each child with SEN. They outline the specific interventions, resources, and strategies that will be used to support the child's learning and development.

These plans should be:

• Person-centered: SEN Support plans should be developed in consultation with the child, their parents, and any external professionals involved.

• Specific and measurable: The plan should clearly outline the goals and targets that the child is working towards, along with the criteria for measuring progress.

• Time-bound: There should be a clear timeline for implementing and reviewing the support plan.

• Regularly reviewed: SEN Support plans should be reviewed at least once a term to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective collaboration and communication are essential for successful SEN Support. Schools should work closely with parents, external professionals, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the child's needs are met.

This can involve:

• Regular meetings: Schools should schedule regular meetings with parents to discuss the child's progress, any concerns, and potential adjustments to the support plan.

• Multi-agency working: In some cases, external professionals such as educational psychologists or speech and language therapists may be involved in supporting the child. Schools should collaborate with these professionals to ensure a coordinated approach.

• Sharing information: Schools should share relevant information about the child's needs, progress, and support strategies with all staff members who work with the child.

The Importance of SEN Support

SEN Support is vital for ensuring that children with special educational needs can access a high-quality education and reach their full potential. It helps to remove barriers to learning, promotes inclusion, and fosters positive outcomes for children with SEN.

Conclusion

Schools play a crucial role in providing SEN Support to children with special educational needs. By understanding their responsibilities and implementing effective support plans, schools can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.