Some children find it harder to learn than other children of the same age. Most difficulties can be sorted out by the teachers or with some extra help provided by the school. A few children have more complicated learning difficulties. They may need extra help or special equipment over several years to make sure they get an appropriate education. The law says that if a child has learning difficulties and needs special help, he or she has 'special educational needs' (SEN). The local authority has to make sure that these children get the help they need. This is known as 'special educational provision'.
About one in five children may have learning difficulties at some stage during their school life.
For most, the school will be able to meet children's special needs by providing the help and resources necessary and by working with parents and carers. For some, their difficulties may be long-term. The local authority may become involved in helping the school to provide the extra help and specialist support they need. Your child may be one of these children with special educational needs. He or she may still be very young, not yet old enough even for pre-school provision. Or your child may already be in school. In either case, you may have been wondering about his or her progress in school and about what kind of help is available.
The information on this website explains the different kinds of help available and how it is provided. If there is anything that you do not understand or if you would like more information, talk to your child's school or contact us.
For more information please see the 'Read more' section on this page.
For general enquiries or to find out who your case officer is please contact: 01454 863173 and 01454 863301 or email us at SpecialEdNeeds@southglos.gov.uk