How do I get SEN support for my child at school?
In short, talk to your child's class teacher or the school's SENCo, share what you have noticed, and ask what support the school can put in place and how progress will be reviewed. A formal diagnosis is not usually needed for SEN support.
SEN support is the help a school gives a child with special educational needs from within its own resources. It can look very different from one child to another, and it usually starts with a conversation rather than a form.
Who to talk to
The class teacher is usually the first person to speak to. Every mainstream school also has a SENCo, the special educational needs co-ordinator, who oversees support for children with additional needs. You can ask to meet them directly.
What SEN support can include
- Extra help from a teacher or teaching assistant
- Working in a smaller group for some lessons
- A specific learning programme or intervention
- Adjustments in class, such as visual prompts, movement breaks or extra time
- Support with friendships, communication or unstructured times of the day
The government's guide lists what SEN support can include for children aged 5 to 15.
How it should work
Schools are expected to follow a cycle of assessing a child's needs, planning support, putting it in place and reviewing how it is going, with parents involved at each stage. It is reasonable to ask what the plan is, who is delivering it and when it will be reviewed.
If you feel it is not enough
If your child needs more help than the school can provide, you can ask your local council for an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment yourself. Your local SEND information, advice and support service can explain the process for free.
The government page on extra SEN help and EHC needs assessments explains who can make a request.
Common questions
Does my child need a diagnosis to get SEN support?
No. Schools should respond to a child's needs whether or not there is a formal diagnosis. A diagnosis can help explain a child's profile, but it is not usually a requirement for support in school.
What should I ask the SENCo?
Useful questions include what they have noticed, what support they suggest, who will deliver it, how often, and when you will meet again to review it.
Meetings with school can feel rushed, and the language can be hard to follow. A parent consultation with a Qualified Teacher can help you prepare, understand what is being offered and think through what your child actually needs, so you go into the next conversation feeling clearer.
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