Special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) support is a category of support for pupils with SEND. These children will receive special educational provision. 

The school will:

  • have identified that they have a SEND
  • note this in their records 
  • tell parents or carers that their child will now receive SEND support
  • check that they're putting the right support in place for these children

To do this the school uses the graduated approach.

The graduated approach

The graduated approach is a 4 stage cycle that helps the school learn more about:

  • the pupil
  • what helps them make good progress

The graduated approach has 4 parts:

  • assess
  • plan
  • do
  • review

Find full details about the graduated approach.

Help for your child through SEND support 

SEND support can take many forms; it will be different for each child to suit their needs. 

SEND support could include:

  • a special learning programme for your child
  • extra help from a teacher or teaching assistant
  • working with your child in a small group
  • helping your child take part in class activities
  • encouraging your child to ask for help
  • helping other children work or play with your child

The school will tell you as parents or carers what support they're developing for your child. This might be through:

  • a provision map
  • an SEN Support Plan
  • something similar to these 

School funding for SEND support

All mainstream schools have funding to support pupils with SEND. This is called the notional SEN budget. 

Schools can decide how to use their notional SEN budget to support pupils with SEND.

Progress with SEND support

Schools should adapt the support given to a pupil depending on how effective it's been. 

If a pupil doesn't make progress with SEND support, the school and parents may consider making a request for a needs assessment for a needs assessment for an EHCP.

SEND support in early years settings and further education (FE)

SEND support is available for early years settings and FE but the amount of support may differ.

SEND support for medical conditions or disabilities

Find information about support for children or young people with:

Exclusions and alternative provision

Find information to help you if your child has been excluded from school or can't access full-time education at school. 

Education and Early Help (SEND) Team

Name: Education and Early Help (SEND) Team near you
Full contact details