children with special educational needs

Children with special educational needs (SEN), also referred to as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are those who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn compared to their peers. These needs can encompass a wide range of challenges, including difficulties with thinking, understanding, and learning; emotional and behavioral challenges; speech, language, and communication difficulties; and physical or sensory impairments. 

Understanding Special Educational Needs:

• Definition: SEN is a legal term referring to children who require additional or different support to learn effectively.
• Causes: While some children have SEN due to a medical condition or disability, others may have SEND without a formal diagnosis or disability. Being a non-native English speaker does not automatically mean a child has SEND, although it can sometimes co-occur.
• Areas of Need: SEND can affect various aspects of a child’s development, including their ability to learn specific subjects like reading and writing, their social interactions, their behavior, their concentration, and their physical abilities. 

Support for Children with Special Educational Needs:

• School Support: Schools often provide support through their Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or through specialist help. This can involve extra help with schoolwork, specific learning strategies, and adjustments to the learning environment.
• Assessment and Planning: If a child’s needs are significant, a formal assessment may be conducted by the local authority, potentially leading to an EHC (Education, Health and Care) plan in some regions.
• Professional Involvement: Community paediatricians can assess a child’s needs and work with other professionals to provide support. Educational psychologists, such as those with the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in Ireland, offer guidance and training to schools.
• Parental Involvement: Parents can contact their child’s school SENCO or the local council for advice and support. They can also request an EHC assessment if they believe their child needs it