Special Educational Needs (SEN) support

What does it mean if a child has SEN?

A child has Special Education Needs (SEN) if:

• They have more difficulty learning than other children of the same age.
• They have a disability that makes it hard to use regular school facilities.
•  Need extra support and help to cope with school than other children of the same age.

Examples of SEN

• Emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).
• Autism, including Asperger Syndrome (ASD).
• Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD).
• Specific learning difficulties like Dyslexia.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
• Communication difficulties.
• Medical needs like Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy.
• Mobility difficulties.

There are many things a child might struggle with

These include difficulties with:

• Reading, writing, or math.
• Understanding information.
• Expressing themselves or understanding others.
• Making friends or interacting with adults.
• Behaving well in school.
• Organising themselves.
• Sensory or physical needs affecting their school life.

Steps you can take

• Talk to the SEN Co-ordinator (SENCO) at your child's school or nursery.
• Ask a teacher to guide you.
• Contact your local council if your child is not in school or nursery.
• Contact your local Information, Advice, and Support (IAS) Service for more advice on SEN.

What is an EHCP?

• If your child needs more support than the school provides, you can apply for an EHCP.
• An EHCP plan outlines their educational, health, and social needs and the support required.

What can it help with?

• It makes sure everyone working with you knows how to help you.
• It helps you get extra support in school or college, like:
  • A teaching assistant.
  • Special equipment.
  • Therapy (like speech or occupational therapy).
  • It helps with planning for the future, like learning new skills or getting a job.

How can I apply for an EHCP?

• Ask your local council for an assessment.
• If you are aged 16 to 25, you can request an assessment yourself.
• Doctors, health visitors, teachers, parents, or family friends, can also request an assessment.

If your child has been given an EHCP you might get money

This is to help with a child's needs and can be through:

Direct payments

•  Money is paid into your account to buy and manage services.

Local authority/school arrangement

• They hold the money, but you decide how to spend it.

Third-party arrangement

• Someone else manages the money for you.

Benefits you could apply for with an EHCP

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if your child is under 16.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if your child is over 16.

What do I need to show?

• Reports from your child’s school, nursery, or childminder
• Doctor’s assessments of your child
• A letter from you about your child’s needs

How will my child be assessed?

• An educational psychologist might assess your child.
• They are psychologists who are trained to understand young people's difficulties and needs.
• They will try to resolve problems at school by working with teachers, parents and children.
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) could get involved for further diagnosis.

Child Law Advice

• Service: Specialist advice on child, family, and education law.
• Telephone: 0300 330 5485.

Council for Disabled Children

• Service: Resources and support for disabled people and those with SEN.
• Email: [email protected].

IPSEA

• Service: Provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND.
• Telephone: 01799 582030.

Alternative Providers:

• Evolve Psychology offers ADHD and Autism assessments for children up to 19 in Harrogate and Huddersfield.
• Right to Choose have a list of alternative providers.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources and people ready to help you and your child.