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SEN Support

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SEN Support

Contents

What SEN Support is
Identifying needs
The Graduated Approach
Types of SEN Support
Working with specialists
Monitoring progress and reviewing plans
SEN Support vs EHCP
Related guidance

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What SEN Support is

SEN Support is the system used in schools and early years settings to help children who need additional support but do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

It aims to ensure every pupil with learning, communication, sensory, physical or emotional needs receives the help required to access education and make progress.

SEN Support is part of the Graduated Approach set out in the SEND Code of Practice and must be personalised, flexible and regularly reviewed.

Related guidance

  • School
  • EHCP Process
  • Therapists and Specialists
  • Alternative Provision
  • Home Education
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    Identifying needs

    Schools identify special educational needs through:

    • teacher observations
    • progress data and classroom assessments
    • feedback from parents or carers
    • screening tools for speech, literacy, behaviour or learning
    • referrals to professionals such as educational psychologists or therapists

    Once a need is identified, a plan must be created explaining what support the pupil will receive and why.

    The Graduated Approach

    The Graduated Approach involves four stages:
    1. Assess
    Understanding the pupil’s needs through teacher assessments, specialist input and parent/carer information.
    2. Plan
    Creating a written SEN Support plan that outlines:
    • outcomes
    • interventions
    • staff responsible
    • how progress will be measured
    3. Do
    Delivering the agreed support in lessons, small groups or 1:1 sessions.
    4. Review

    Evaluating progress and adapting support every 6–12 weeks.

    Parents must be involved in all review discussions.

    Types of SEN Support

    Schools may offer:

    • adapted teaching and scaffolding
    • small-group interventions
    • literacy, maths or language programmes
    • social communication groups
    • sensory breaks and regulation strategies
    • emotional wellbeing or mentoring support
    • assistive technology (reading pens, laptops, visuals)
    • targeted behaviour strategies
    • additional adult support where appropriate

    Support must be individualised and based on clear evidence of need.

    Working with specialists

    Schools can involve external specialists without needing an EHCP. This may include:
    • speech and language therapists
    • occupational therapists
    • physiotherapists
    • educational psychologists
    • mental health practitioners
    • autism outreach or specialist teachers

    Specialists help refine strategies, assess progress and recommend next steps.

    Reports from specialists can also be used as evidence for an EHCP if needed.

    Monitoring progress and reviewing plans

    Schools must keep written records showing:

    • what support was provided
    • how often
    • who delivered it
    • what progress was made
    • what changes were needed

    Parents should receive regular updates and be invited to structured review meetings every term.

    The SENCO oversees all SEN Support across the school and ensures interventions are evidence-based and effective.

    SEN Support vs EHCP

    SEN Support:

    • managed by the school
    • does not require local authority approval
    • covers mild to moderate needs
    • supports most pupils with SEND

    EHCP:

    • a legal document issued by the local authority
    • for complex or long-term needs
    • guarantees specific, quantified provision
    • may include EOTAS or specialist placement

    If a pupil is not making expected progress despite strong SEN Support, a school or parent may request an EHCP needs assessment.

    Find SEN Support services

    Call 999 or go to A&E if someone is at immediate risk of harm.

    If urgent but not life-threatening, contact:

    • NHS 111

    • Your GP for an urgent appointment

    • A mental health crisis line (varies by area)

    Discover experts who help schools and families put high-quality SEN Support in place.

    Search for specialist teachers, assessors and intervention providers