How to Get SEND Support at School

Navigating the education system when your child has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can feel overwhelming. Understanding the process of getting support ensures your child’s needs are recognised and met, helping them to succeed both academically and emotionally. In the UK, schools and local authorities are required by law to provide the right help through a needs-based approach outlined in the SEND Code of Practice.

This guide explains how to get SEND support for your child at school, from early years identification to requesting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Recognising When Your Child Needs Support

Every child learns differently. Some may need extra time with reading, writing, or maths, while others may experience difficulties with communication, attention, or emotional regulation. Teachers, parents, or health professionals may be the first to notice these challenges.

If you or your child’s teacher feels that extra help is needed, it’s important to start a discussion as early as possible. In most cases, the first step is for the class teacher or subject teachers to adapt learning materials, offer small-group work, or provide additional classroom support.

In early years settings, such as nurseries or preschools, the staff will observe and record any concerns and work with parents to create an early support plan. Early recognition is vital for improving long-term outcomes for children with SEND.

Talking to the School’s SENCO

Every mainstream school in England must have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). The SENCO’s role is to identify, plan, and monitor the support children receive, ensuring the school follows the SEND Code of Practice.

When concerns arise, parents should arrange a meeting with the SENCO to discuss their child’s strengths, difficulties, and possible interventions. It’s helpful to bring examples such as school reports, health assessments, or notes from professionals like speech and language therapists.

During this meeting, the SENCO will review what support is already in place and whether further action is needed. This might include:

• Additional in-class support or one-to-one help.

• Adjustments to learning materials or teaching methods.

• Specialist input, such as speech, language and communication therapy.

• Support for social, emotional and mental health needs.

The aim is to ensure the right strategies are used to help your child thrive within their mainstream school environment.

SEN Support in Schools

If your child’s needs go beyond what the standard classroom environment can provide, the school can put them on SEN Support. This is a graduated response to need, following the “Assess, Plan, Do, Review” model.

1. Assess: Teachers and professionals identify the child’s specific needs.

2. Plan: The school agrees on the interventions and targets.

3. Do: Support strategies are implemented in class or through small-group work.

4. Review: Progress is monitored and discussed with parents regularly.

At this stage, the school should involve both parents and the child or young person in decision-making. It’s important that your voice is heard, as you understand your child’s strengths and challenges best.

If the school cannot meet your child’s needs within its current resources, you can request a statutory needs assessment from your local authority. This may lead to an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Requesting an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan

An Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, sometimes called a Care Plan (EHCP), is a legal document that sets out the additional support a child or young person requires. It covers educational, health, and social care needs and explains how these services will work together.

You can request an EHC assessment through your local authority or your child’s school can do so on your behalf. To start the process, write to your local authority’s SEND department explaining why you believe an assessment is necessary. Include any reports, assessments, or supporting evidence that show your child’s difficulties.

Once the request is submitted, the local authority must decide within six weeks whether to carry out a full assessment. If approved, they will gather information from professionals involved with your child, such as teachers, doctors, and therapists. If the assessment confirms that your child needs additional provision, an EHC Plan will be issued.

What an EHC Plan Includes

An EHC Plan (Education, Health and Care Plan) sets out:

• Your child’s special educational needs and required outcomes.

• The specific education, health and social care support to meet those needs.

• The school or setting responsible for delivering support.

• Review dates to track progress.

It’s a collaborative plan that ensures professionals work together to provide consistent and measurable support. Parents should be fully involved in reviewing and updating the plan, ensuring it remains relevant as their child develops.

If the local authority decides not to issue an EHC Plan, you have the right to appeal through mediation or a SEND Tribunal.

The Local Offer and Support Services

Every local authority in England must publish a Local Offer — a central directory that lists available SEND services, schools, therapies, and parent-carer support groups. The Local Offer provides details about education, health, and social care options for children and young people with SEND.

It’s the best starting point for finding practical help such as:

• Speech and language therapy services.

• Early years SEND teams.

• Educational psychologists.

• Short-break and respite services.

• Parent support networks.

Exploring your Local Offer can help you discover the right resources before or during the EHCP process.

Working Together to Support Your Child

SEND support is most effective when schools, families, and professionals collaborate. Maintaining open communication with teachers, SENCOs, and your local authority helps ensure your child receives the right assistance at the right time.

Keep written records of meetings, emails, and progress reviews. This information is invaluable if you need to demonstrate your child’s needs during assessments or reviews. Remember, you have the right to request independent advice through SEND Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS).

Building Confidence and Next Steps

Getting SEND support for your child at school can feel complex, but with the right guidance, it becomes a structured and manageable process. Whether your child needs extra classroom help or a full Education, Health and Care Plan, there are clear systems in place to protect their rights and ensure their needs are met.

At SEND Family Guidance, we work with parents to help them understand the process, prepare for meetings, and build confidence when working with schools or local authorities. Together, we can make sure every child or young person receives the education, health, and social care support they deserve.