Frequently Asked Questions

School Based Support

How do I get help for my child who seems to be struggling at school?

If the parents are unhappy with anything the school does when dealing with their child, they should talk first to the child's class teacher or subject teachers or the SENCO. They may also talk to the head teacher. They may take a friend or relative or an independent parental supporter with them. Representatives of the local parent partnership service or local voluntary organisations or parents' groups may also be able to help.

What is the definition of SEN or Learning Difficulties?

The Education Act 1996 says that 'a child has special educational needs if he or she has a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.' It also says that 'a disability, which prevents or hinders them from making use of education facilities', amounts to a learning difficulty if it calls for special educational provision to be made. Special educational provision is provision that is additional to or otherwise different from that normally available in the area to children of the same age.

The definition includes more children than those who have 'learning difficulties' in the commonly accepted sense. This is because the definition of learning difficulties in the legislation includes children who have a disability and who need something additional or different to be provided for them. So, for example, a child with a visual impairment who needs materials to be provided in an enlarged font is defined in the legislation as having a learning difficulty even if they are not behind in their learning.

If my child is identified as having special educational needs, what happens next?

It is likely that their needs can be met in a mainstream school. The school should include you in discussions and decisions about your child and they should also try to get your child's views. It may be decided that extra help, a different way of teaching or special equipment is required. In early education settings this help is called Early Years Action and in schools it is known as School Action.

School say my child is on School Action. What does this mean?

The school must tell you when they start giving extra or different help to your child because they have special needs. This help could be a different way of teaching or help from an extra adult, perhaps in a small group, or it could be the use of some special equipment. This stage is called School Action.

Your child’s teacher is responsible for working with them and can tell you:
What additional help will be givenHow often your child will receive the helpWho will provide the helpWhat your child’s targets areHow and when your child’s progress will be reviewedWhat help you can give your child at homePlus

What happens if my child doesn't make any progress under School Action?

The class teacher or the SENCO should talk to you about getting advice from other people outside the school. This might be from a specialist teacher, an educational psychologist or a speech and language therapist. This kind of help is called Early Years Action Plus in early education settings, or School Action Plus in schools.

What is School Action Plus? (SAP or SA+)

If your child does not make enough progress at School Action, the school’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may decide to ask for help from people outside the school. This could be a speech therapist, a specialist teacher or an educational psychologist.

This sort of help is called School Action Plus.

The SENCO should keep you informed about how your child is getting on and should include you in any discussions about the help that is being provided. The school will normally write an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which details the targets, support required, who will support and when progress will be reviewed.

Remember that your views are very important at every stage.

What happens if my child needs more help than the school can provide under SA+?

Help through School Action or School Action Plus may not enable your child to make adequate progress. You or the school can ask the local authority (LA) to carry out a Statutory Assessment of special educational needs. This will take account of specialist advice and your views as well.

If, after the statutory assessment, the LA decides that your child needs more help it must write a 'Statement' (Statement of Special Educational Needs). This describes all the child's needs and special help requirements. With the LA's support, the school can usually provide this.

The statement is reviewed annually, and you will be invited to take part in review meetings.