 What is SEND?Â
Find out about more about Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and associated terminology.
Use this page to explore and understand some of the key terms and definitions surrounding Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).
What is SEND?
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.
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Special educational needs (SEN) means a child or young person may:
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find it more difficult to learn than other people their own age
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face challenges that make it difficult to go to school or college
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need extra or different support to assist their learning
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What is a disability?
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Disability means a person may:
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have problems with their health
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find it harder to do things than other people
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Who can I talk to?
If your child is under 5 years old, you should talk to your Health Visitor. You can also talk to your child’s Early Years Provider (your nursery, school or child minder) - all Early Years Providers should have a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) who can help you.
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What support can my child receive?
Your child will get SEN support at their education setting. Your child may need an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan if they need more support than their school provides.
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An Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan is a plan of care for children and young people aged up to 25 years who have more complex needs. For more information about SEN support for children of different ages, you can find out more about national guidance on the .gov website by clicking here.
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EHC Plans identify educational, health and social needs and set out the additional support to meet those needs. For more information about EHC Plans, click here.
What is the SEND Local Offer?
The SEND Local Offer describes the support that is available for children and young people aged 0-25 years with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
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Find out more about Northumberland's SEND Local Offer by clicking here.
Explore the full range of support available through your Northumberland SEND local offer below:
What are Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
Looking for further support and guidance?
If you are concerned about your child's development and think they may have special educational needs, contact the SEN co-ordinator, or ‘SENCO’ in your child’s school or nursery.
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If your child is not in a school or nursery, and you live in Northumberland, email Northumberland County Council's SEN team by clicking here.
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Northumberland's Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) can also give you advice about SEND.