Demystifying SEN Support at School

Special Educational Needs (SEN) refer to the specific requirements of children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that require extra support and resources in order to reach their full potential. In this blog post, we will explore the processes involved in identifying and supporting students with SEN in schools, as well as the various types of support available.

Identification and Assessment

The first step in the SEN process is identification. Teachers, parents, or even the students themselves may raise concerns about a child's development or learning difficulties. The school will then conduct an assessment to determine if the child has SEN. This assessment may involve reviewing the child's academic progress, behavior, and any additional information from medical professionals or specialists.

Once a child is identified as having SEN, the school will create an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a SEN Support Plan. This plan outlines the child's specific needs, goals, and strategies for support. It is important for parents to be involved in this process and provide their input.

Types of Support

There are various types of support available to students with SEN, depending on their individual needs. These may include:

• In-class support: This involves providing additional assistance within the regular classroom setting. It may include adaptations to teaching methods, resources, or the use of assistive technology.

• Individual or small group support: Some students may benefit from one-on-one or small group sessions with a specialist teacher or teaching assistant. These sessions can focus on specific areas of difficulty, such as reading or math.

• External support: In some cases, schools may seek support from external professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, or educational psychologists, to provide specialized interventions and assessments.

• Specialist provision: In certain situations, a child may require a more specialized educational setting. This could involve attending a special school or a specialized unit within a mainstream school.

Working in Partnership

Supporting students with SEN requires collaboration and cooperation between parents, teachers, and other professionals involved. Regular communication and sharing of information are essential to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. It is important for parents to actively participate in meetings, review progress, and provide feedback on their child's support plan.

Conclusion

Understanding the processes involved in identifying and supporting students with SEN is crucial for ensuring that they receive the appropriate help and resources to succeed academically and socially. By working together, schools, parents, and professionals can create an inclusive and supportive environment that enables every child to reach their full potential.