SEND support in schools

In this guide:

What is SEND support in schools?

SEND support in schools refers to the additional help provided to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities within educational settings. Support is not limited to children with a formal diagnosis; it is based on the individual’s specific needs.

It is also not just about academic needs; SEND support in schools also addresses social, emotional, and physical challenges. The goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges, can access an inclusive and nurturing education.

Support is particularly crucial during key transitions, such as moving from nursery to primary school, to ensure children feel supported and ready for their new educational setting.

SEND support in primary schools (ages 4-11)

In primary schools, SEND support plays a crucial role in early identification to ensure every child has access to the right resources as early as possible in their educational journey.

What to expect:

• Differentiated teaching methods
• One-to-one or small group sessions
• Speech and language therapy
• Sensory resources or support

SEND support in secondary schools (ages 11-16)

In secondary schools, SEND support focuses on helping children and young people adapt to more complex learning environments, increased academic, social and emotional demands, all while preparing them for adulthood.

What to expect:

• Continued personalised teaching strategies
• Access to external therapists or counsellors
• Support for independence, such as study skills coaching
• Social and emotional support to navigate adolescence

Challenges for children at this stage:

• Managing multiple subjects and teachers
• Increased pressure for independence
• Social challenges and peer relationships

What is the Graduated Approach?

The graduated approach is a step-by-step process that schools and early years settings use to support children with SEND. It’s a way of identifying a child’s needs, planning the right support, and checking how well it’s working, all while keeping the parents/carers involved.

It’s called “graduated” because it’s a flexible, personalised approach. Support is carefully tailored to the child’s needs, recognising that these needs may change over time. This means the support can be adjusted as necessary.

The four key stages of the Graduated Approach are:

What if the school isn’t meeting my child’s needs?

If your child’s needs are not being met in school, as set out in the graduated approach, you can apply for an EHCP assessment. This process helps identify the specific support your child requires and ensures their needs are properly addressed.

An EHCP can provide access to additional resources and tailored interventions to help your child thrive in their education.

Where to find more support