SEN support
If a school or setting has supported your child’s learning through their Ordinarily Available Provision, but they are not making the progress they would expect due to their learning differences, they will provide additional, targeted support.
This is called a SEN Support Plan and reviewed with you at least termly.
The APDR cycle
This involves the four-step Assess – Plan – Do – Review cycle:
Assess
Teachers and the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) look closely at your child’s needs.
Plan
Together with you, they decide what support to put in place.
Do
The support is delivered; this could be small group work, specialist resources, or extra adult help.
Review
This cycle can happen more than once and is tailored to your child’s progress. You’ll be involved at every step.
What SEN can include
SEN support can take many forms, including:
- A special learning programme for your child
- Extra help from a teacher or assistant
- Making or changing materials and equipment
- Observing your child in class or at break and keeping records
- Making sure your child has understood things by encouraging them to ask questions and to try something they find difficult
- Supporting your child with physical or personal care, such as eating, getting around school safely, using the toilet or dressing.
SEN support could include teaching differently or help from an extra adult. Sometimes your child or young person may get help from a specialist.
If there is a problem
If your school or college is not following its legal duties, there are a number of ways in which you can challenge this.
IPSEA have produced guidance and a useful template which can be used to make a complaint.
IPSEA Template Letter: Complaining when the nursery/school/college is not using its best endeavours to secure special educational provision for a child with SEN →
IPSEA advice: Making a complaint about a nursery, school or college →
IPSEA advice: Complaining to the Department for Education about a school or college →
IPSEA advice: Complaining to Ofsted →
Further help and support
You may also find the following websites useful:
Bromley Council – SEN support →
Bromley Council – SEN Support: Funded Inclusion Plan →
IPSEA – How your nursery, school or college should help →
IPSEA – What does SEN Support in school mean? →