SEN Support in Education

What is SEN Support?

SEN Support is the first level of help a school can provide for a child with SEN. It is delivered by the school itself, using its own resources and funding — no formal assessment or plan is needed.

Most children with SEN have their needs met through SEN Support. A child does not need an EHCP to receive help.

The graduated approach: Assess, Plan, Do, Review

Schools use a four-step cycle to identify, support, and review children with SEN:

• Assess — the school identifies your child's needs, gathering information from you, teachers, and any specialists involved.
• Plan — the SENCO and teachers agree on the support to put in place, the outcomes they are aiming for, and a date to review.
• Do — the support is delivered by teachers and support staff as part of everyday classroom practice.
• Review — the school reviews your child's progress, with your input, and decides whether to continue, change, or escalate the support.

The role of the SENCO

Every maintained school and academy must have a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). The SENCO is responsible for overseeing SEN provision, coordinating support, and liaising with parents and external professionals.

Your child's class or subject teachers remain responsible for your child's progress — the SENCO supports and advises them, but does not replace them.

When needs go beyond SEN Support

If your child is not making adequate progress despite SEN Support, or their needs are complex and long-term, you or the school can request an EHC needs assessment. This is the next step towards an EHC plan.

An EHC plan is not always needed — but if your child's needs cannot be met through SEN Support alone, it may be the right pathway.