Do you suspect that your child might have SEND?
Discover how you can recognise and respond to Special Educational Needs in your child with these tips in our guideline.
Special educational needs are learning or developmental difficulties that can make it harder for a child to learn at school. This could mean challenges like trouble communicating, physical disabilities, emotional or behavioural problems, or issues with understanding and thinking. Some children only need help for a short time, while others may need ongoing, personalised support to succeed.
Understanding SEND is important because spotting and addressing issues early can help children reach their full potential. By acting quickly, parents, teachers, and professionals can build a positive environment that supports learning, boosts confidence, and helps children succeed both in school and in life. Taking this proactive approach gives every child the chance to thrive in their education.
The process starts when a parent, teacher, or child notices that extra help might be needed. It’s important to share these concerns with the school’s teacher or Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinator (SENCO). This ensures the school is aware of the issue and can take steps to help.
Once concerns are shared, the SENCO or a staff member talks with everyone involved, including parents and the child. They also observe the student in the classroom to understand what the difficulties are.
Before requesting formal assessments, schools often try quick interventions to give immediate help. This could include different teaching approaches or strategies to see if they make a difference for the child.
If the early steps aren’t enough, the school or parents can ask the local authority for a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) assessment. To do this, they need to provide evidence of the challenges and explain what has already been tried.
The local authority looks at the request and carries out an evaluation. They gather information from the school, healthcare professionals, and parents to fully understand the child’s needs. Reports, observations, and recommendations are all part of this process.
After the assessment, a decision is made about whether an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is needed. If it is approved, the EHCP sets out specific support and resources to help the child succeed both academically and personally.
The assessment process includes help from experts like educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists. Educational psychologists look at how someone thinks, learns, and feels, helping to find areas where support is needed. Speech and language therapists work on communication challenges, offering ways to improve understanding, talking, and social connections. Occupational therapists focus on physical and sensory needs, making sure children can fully take part in and enjoy their school environment.
To help children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) get the support they need, a variety of personalised strategies are used. One of the most important documents is the EHCP, while an additional tool is an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). These tailored plans set tailored goals and track assessment and progress. Teachers, parents, and support staff work together to review and update these plans regularly.
Extra tutoring is another valuable approach. It gives children additional time and attention to understand key concepts, close learning gaps, and boost their confidence. Therapy options, such as speech, occupational, or behavioural therapy, can also be provided. These therapies help children overcome challenges and gain skills that benefit both their education and social development.
When combined, these measures create an inclusive and supportive learning environment, enabling all children to reach their potential.
Regularly talking to teachers, special educational needs (SEN) coordinators, and specialists is key to building a strong support system for children with additional needs. Open communication helps parents stay up to date on their child’s progress, share useful insights about their strengths and challenges, and work together on ways to tackle new issues. This teamwork ensures everyone is working towards the same goals and helps parents stand up for their child’s unique needs, improving their overall experience at school.
Speaking up for a child’s needs is vital for creating an environment where they feel supported. When their voice is heard, children are empowered to take part in decisions that affect their learning and well-being. By encouraging inclusivity and respect, parents and teachers can help children feel valued, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Write down any behaviours, patterns, or changes you notice in your child. Recording specific examples over time can help you spot trends and provide clearer details when talking to professionals.
Share what you’ve noticed with people you trust. Friends or family members might offer helpful advice or reassurance from their own experiences.
Talk to your child’s paediatrician about your concerns. They can offer expert advice, do assessments, or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Addressing issues early means you can get the right support sooner. Whether it’s using extra resources, therapy, or specific strategies, early action can make a huge difference to your child’s development and future success.
Reach out to family, friends, or parenting groups for emotional support and shared experiences. Connecting with others can ease feelings of isolation and provide helpful advice or perspective.
Caring for a child can be challenging, so it’s essential to take time for yourself. Whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing, reading, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea, these small moments can help recharge your energy.
Remember that no parent is perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Focus on doing your best rather than striving for perfection, and recognise your own limits.
Physical and mental well-being are vital for effective caregiving. Make time for regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to strengthen your resilience and overall health.
If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, consider reaching out to a counsellor or therapist. Professional guidance can provide coping strategies and a safe outlet for your feelings.
Getting professional help can make life easier and happier for both parents and children. Parents can learn useful ways to manage stress, improve communication, and handle challenges like disagreements or behaviour issues. Children can benefit from personalised advice to express themselves, grow their confidence, and thrive. With professional support, families can strengthen their bonds, develop healthy habits, and create a caring home where everyone can do their best.
If your child has SEND and struggles with difficult behaviour, Bright Heart is here to help. We take the time to understand your child’s needs and match them with the right tutor to support their growth and success. Contact us today to find out how we can help your child develop and achieve their potential. Our Educational Consultants ensure that each of our students has an Individual Learning Plan.
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