Special Educational Needs (SEN)

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FAQs

• What can I do if I have concerns about my child's progress at school?
• What help can my child receive?
• What is an Individual Education Plan?
• What does School Action mean?
• What if there are still concerns about my child at school?
• Who can I get advice from?

What can I do if I have concerns about my child's progress at school?

You should discuss any concerns with your child's teacher. You and the teacher can work with your child to see what the difficulties are. A plan can then be drawn up to help your child make better progress at school.If the difficulty continues, you may also need to talk to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator [SENCO].

What help can my child receive?

Schools plan to help children with special educational needs in different ways. These plans are called School Action and School Action Plus. A small number of children have a statement of special educational needs. A statement is issued when the local authority completes an assessment of a child's needs and then writes a report saying what help a child should get at school. The school then writes an individual education plan for the child.

What is an Individual Education Plan?

An individual education plan sets three or four targets for your child. These may focus on your child's learning or behaviour at school. These targets should be reviewed regularly to check whether progress is being made.

What does School Action mean?

Teachers work with you and your child to plan, review and assess your child's progress. In some cases, professionals from health and social services may be involved. The school may provide: special learning materials or equipment; extra support on a one-to-one basis or as part of a group; extra time planning your child's learning; staff training. If your child makes little or no progress over a long period, your child may move to School Action Plus.

What if there are still concerns about my child at school?

You should again discuss this with your child's school. In some cases the school may suggest writing to us to request an assessment of your child's needs.

Who can I get advice from?

Teachers in your school will help with any queries you may have. You may also wish to contact: Supporting Parents: Inclusion Network Newham [SPINN] 743 Barking Road,E13 9ER or call 020 8470 9703. The SEN section also offers independent mediation on a small number of cases if we disagree with you about how best to meet your child's special educational needs.

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