SEND information for parents
What does SEND mean for parents?
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Children with SEND may:
- Find learning harder than others of the same age
- Need extra support in education, health, or daily life
SEND can include:
- Communication and interaction difficulties
- Learning and cognition needs
- Social, emotional and mental health needs
- Sensory or physical needs
Your child's rights
Children and young people with SEND have the right to:
- Access education that meets their needs
- Be included in school life
- Receive reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
How schools support your child
Schools use the Graduated Approach to provide support:
- Assess, Plan, Do, Review – identifying needs and putting support in place
- Enhanced Assess, Plan, Do, Review (EAPDR) – extra help when standard support isn’t enough
If your child needs more help than the school can provide, the school may request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA). If agreed, your child will receive an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Working with your child's school
You should:
- Talk to the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
- Share your child’s strengths and challenges
- Attend review meetings and contribute your views
Independent advice and support
Staffordshire SENDIASS (Information, Advice and Support Service) offers free, impartial advice for parents and carers. They can help with:
- Understanding SEND processes
- EHCP applications and reviews
- Dispute resolution
Visit Staffordshire SENDIASS.
The SEND Local Offer
The Local Offer is your online guide to services and support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND. It includes:
- Education and training options
- Health and wellbeing services
- Social care and transport
- Preparing for adulthood guidance
- Support groups and advice services
Visit the SEND Local Offer.
SEND Parent Carer Forum
The Staffordshire Parent Carer Forum is a group of parents and carers who work together to improve services for children and young people with SEND. They:
- Share experiences and feedback with the local authority and health services
- Help shape policies and services
- Provide a voice for families in Staffordshire
Joining the forum gives you the chance to:
- Influence decisions about SEND services
- Connect with other parents and carers
- Access information and support
Find out more about the Parent Carer Forum.
Preparing for adulthood
From Year 9 (age 14), planning for adulthood begins. This includes:
- Education and training options
- Employment and volunteering
- Independent living
- Health and wellbeing
- Friends, relationships and community involvement
Learn more about preparing for adulthood.
Contact us
For questions about:
- Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNA)
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
Call: 0300 111 8007
