Special Educational Needs (SEND) is a legal term. It describes the needs of a child or young person who has a difficulty or disability which makes learning harder for them than for other children their age.

Children and young people with SEND may need extra help or support, or special provision made for them to have the same opportunities of other children of their age.

0-5 years 

You know your child better than anyone else, therefore if you have concerns about  your child, don't wait for their next routine health check - visit your GP or call your local Children’s Centre and ask to speak with a health visitor.

You can telephone the Duty Desk at: 

The Early Years Roadmap is for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 with Additional or Special Educational Needs.

This Roadmap has been put together with parents, carers and professionals. The Roadmap includes links to services, information, support and a parent experience from pre-natal and birth to school age and ongoing support.  

 

Useful links:

Early Years 0-5 Road Map - pdf

Early Years 0-5 Road Map - LiveWell Website

5-19 years

If your child is already in school or college talk to their teacher. Ask to speak to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator(SENCO), who organises extra help for children with SEN.

Talk to the teacher or SENCO about:

  • why you think your child may have special educational needs.
  • whether your child learns at the same rate as other children their age.
  • what the school can do to help.
  • what you can do to help.

Useful resources:

Useful links: