When your child struggles at school — whether with reading, focus, communication, or emotional regulation — it can feel overwhelming. You want them to succeed, but the jargon, acronyms, and processes schools use can seem like a maze.
This guide is here to help you navigate that maze with confidence. We’ll explain what Special Educational Needs (SEN) really means, how schools support children, and how the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process works in England. Most importantly, we’ll give you practical steps, examples, and advice you can use today to make sure your child gets the help they deserve.
What “SEN” Really Means — And Why It’s More Common Than You Think
Special Educational Needs (SEN) simply means a child has learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children their age. That’s it. It’s not a label for life — it’s a sign that your child needs support tailored to them.
This can cover a wide range of needs, including:
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Communication and interaction – such as speech and language difficulties or autism spectrum conditions.
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Cognition and learning – for example, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or moderate learning difficulties.
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Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) – including anxiety, ADHD, or emotional regulation challenges.
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Sensory and physical needs – such as hearing impairments, visual impairments, or mobility issues.
👉 According to the UK Department for Education, around 1 in 5 pupils in England are identified as having SEN — so if you’re navigating this, you’re far from alone.
DfE SEN statistics show that SEN is a normal part of school life.
SEN Support in Mainstream Schools: What It Looks Like
Not every child with SEN needs an EHCP. In fact, most children receive help through a stage called SEN Support — extra support provided by the school within its existing resources.
Here’s how that works in practice:
1. Identifying the Need
Teachers usually notice if a pupil is struggling and will talk to you about it. Sometimes parents are the first to spot signs — like a child avoiding reading or becoming anxious before school.
(If you’re unsure what signs to look for, read our guide on Recognising Early Signs of ADHD and Where to Get Help.)
2. The “Assess, Plan, Do, Review” Cycle
Schools must follow a simple four-step process known as APDR:
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Assess: Teachers and the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) identify your child’s needs.
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Plan: They create a support plan — for example, small group phonics sessions, sensory breaks, or visual timetables.
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Do: The plan is put into action in lessons.
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Review: After a term or so, progress is reviewed with you and new steps are agreed.
This cycle repeats regularly, ensuring support grows with your child.
3. The Role of the SENCO
Every school must have a SENCO, the person responsible for coordinating support. They’ll work with teachers, parents, and outside specialists (like speech therapists or educational psychologists) if needed. A good SENCO is your ally — build a strong, open relationship with them.
When SEN Support Isn’t Enough: What an EHCP Is and How It Works
If your child’s needs are complex or long-term and cannot be met by SEN Support alone, they may need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) — a legal document outlining the help they must receive.
EHCPs replaced “statements of SEN” in 2014 and provide a coordinated approach to support across education, health, and social care.
Here’s what you need to know.
The EHCP Process Step by Step
Applying for an EHCP might seem daunting, but broken into steps, it becomes manageable. Parents can request an EHCP themselves — you don’t need to wait for the school.
1. Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment
The process begins with a formal request for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment. You or the school can make this request to your local authority.
👉 Template letters and advice are available from IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice).
The local authority must reply within 6 weeks to say whether they’ll carry out an assessment.
2. The Needs Assessment
If approved, the local authority gathers detailed evidence, including:
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Reports from teachers and the SENCO
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Medical and therapy assessments
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Psychological or educational evaluations
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Your views and your child’s views
This phase should take about 16 weeks.
3. Deciding on an EHCP
Based on the evidence, the authority decides whether to issue an EHCP. If they refuse, you can appeal (and many parents successfully do).
If they agree, they’ll draft the plan and send it to you for comments.
4. Finalising the EHCP
You can suggest changes before it’s finalised. Once issued, the EHCP is a legally binding document — the school and local authority must deliver the support it specifies.
The entire process should take no more than 20 weeks from start to finish.
What an EHCP Includes
A well-written EHCP is detailed and specific. It usually includes:
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Section A: Your child’s views and aspirations
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Section B: Special educational needs
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Section C: Health needs related to SEN
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Section D: Social care needs
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Section E: Desired outcomes
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Section F: Special educational provision (this section is legally enforceable)
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Section G–K: Health and social care provision, personal budgets, and more
👉 A useful guide is the SEND Code of Practice, which sets out the legal framework for SEN support and EHCPs.
What Good Support Looks Like — Real-Life Examples
It’s easier to understand how SEN support and EHCPs work with real examples:
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Example 1 – Speech and Language Delay:
Mia, age 6, struggled with expressive language. With SEN Support, she received small-group speech therapy sessions twice a week and a visual vocabulary board in class. After six months, her communication improved, and she began participating more confidently. -
Example 2 – Complex Needs and EHCP:
Ahmed, age 9, has autism and sensory processing difficulties. SEN Support wasn’t enough, so his parents requested an EHCP. The final plan included sensory-friendly adaptations, 1:1 teaching assistant support, and regular speech therapy. Ahmed is now thriving in a mainstream classroom with the right support in place.
If Things Don’t Go as Planned
Sometimes, the system doesn’t work smoothly. You might face delays, vague EHCP wording, or disagreements with the local authority. Remember:
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You have rights. EHCP decisions can be appealed through the SEND Tribunal.
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Seek help. Organisations like IPSEA and SENDIASS provide free legal advice and advocacy.
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Document everything. Keep copies of letters, reports, and emails — they’re essential if you need to appeal.
Your Role as a Parent — And Why It’s Vital
Parents are not bystanders in the SEN process — you are key partners. Schools and local authorities must involve you in planning and decision-making.
Practical ways you can support your child include:
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Communicate regularly with teachers and the SENCO.
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Share insights about what works at home.
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Celebrate small wins — progress often comes in small steps.
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Build resilience together. (Our guide on Building Resilience in Children offers practical strategies.)
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Navigating SEN support and EHCPs can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone — and your child’s future is bright. With persistence, knowledge, and the right support, children with SEN can thrive academically and emotionally.
Every small step you take — from speaking to the SENCO to applying for an EHCP — is an investment in your child’s potential. And remember, you are their most powerful advocate.
