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main content Special Educational Needs - FAQs

What are learning difficulties?

A child has learning difficulties if he or she:

• finds it much harder to learn than other children of the same age;
• has a disability which prevents him or her from using ordinary educational facilities; and
• has emotional or behavioural difficulties which may have a detrimental effect to their learning process.

What kind of special provision is available for children with learning difficulties?

Special provision is available for children with

• learning needs across the curriculum;
• learning needs associated with language skills;
• specific learning difficulties;
• sensory or physical difficulties;
• behavioural or emotional needs; or
• a combination of any set of needs.

Teaching may take place within a mainstream school with support, in a unit attached to a mainstream school or within a special school.

What can you do if you are concerned about your child's progress at mainstream school?

If you are concerned about your child’s educational progress at school, you should first discuss the matter with the Head Teacher. The School will put strategies in place to help your child and may draw up an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for him/her.

What is an IEP?

An Individual Education Plan targets very specific areas for learning and describes the process by which the child will be taught. Schools will draw up an IEP for a child if they are concerned about their educational progress in certain areas. Usually the school will implement at least three IEPs before contacting outside agencies for help.

What is a Statutory Assessment of SEN?

This is a process by which parents and all professionals who are involved with the child assess his/her strengths and weaknesses and highlight areas of need. Usually a request for a Statutory Assessment will be made by the school or pre-school setting. However, a parent can ask the LEA to make a statutory assessment of a child by completing a Parental Request for a Statutory Assessment of Special Educational Needs form or writing directly to the Special Educational Needs Team at the Civic Centre. The LEA’s Moderating Group considers all requests and may direct Officers to arrange an Assessment. A Statutory Assessment of your child’s needs may lead to a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

What is a Statement of Special Educational Needs?

A Statement will set out a child’s special educational needs and describe the provision to be made to meet those needs. If the advice collated during the Statutory Assessment indicates the need for a Statement, the LEA will issue this and arrange appropriate provision. Parents can express a preference for a particular school.

Statements are reviewed annually and will cease if a child’s progress is such that there is no longer a need for it to be maintained.