Support for children with special educational needs

Equal opportunities for all children

The Education Department provides equal opportunities to all children so they can access education regardless of their circumstances.

Your child’s teachers will use the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice (currently under review, February 2024) and the guidelines for Ordinarily Available.

We ensure children are included by:

providing a welcoming approach to children who have additional needs and their families
using flexible educational arrangements according to a child’s needs
monitoring progress to ensure children are meeting their targets
working towards children achieving high or increasing levels of attendance
providing extra services and support in a child's school or setting
ensuring staff access and enjoy high quality special educational needs training
ensuring staff deliver high quality teaching for all children
using a step by step approach to meeting their needs

Inclusion Policy in Schools

Parent's Guide to the SEN Code of Practice

This guide is for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 19 years who have special educational needs or a disability (SEND). It explains how to understand and use the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice (currently under review, February 2024) to support children and young people with SEND.

Parent's Guide to the SEN Code of Practice (currently under review, February 2024)

Annual Review Flowchart

Graduated Approach

Key Points of SEND Support in Schools

Requesting an Exceptional Action Assessment

SEND Support in Schools Flowchart

High Level Exceptional Action and Record of Need Processes

As defined in the SEN Code of Practice, best endeavours are made to meet the timescales set out in the following diagrams:

Exceptional Action and Record of Need Process

High Level Record of Need Process

Concerns about your child’s education

If you have concerns about your child’s education, you should speak to your child's class teacher or form tutor. They’ll discuss your child's needs and explain how they and the school can support you.

If you still have concerns, you should contact your school's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo). They oversee the support services within schools.

If you would prefer to speak with someone outside of school, you should contact the Inclusion team at the Education Department.