Getting The Right Help

Every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their challenges or abilities. In the UK, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported through a structured system designed to meet their individual needs. Understanding how this support works helps parents and carers feel confident, informed, and ready to advocate for their child.

At SEND Family Guidance, we help families understand what SEND really means, how to navigate the education system, and what practical steps you can take to ensure your child receives the right help.

What Is SEND?

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It refers to children and young people who require additional support to access education or achieve the same learning outcomes as their peers. This can include learning difficulties, physical disabilities, communication challenges, or social and emotional needs.

The term SEND covers a wide range of needs, from mild learning difficulties to complex health conditions that affect daily life. Under the SEND Code of Practice, local authorities, schools, and health and social care services have a legal duty to work together to identify, assess, and support every child with SEND.

To learn more about the different types of educational needs and how they’re supported in UK schools, explore our guide:

➡️ Understanding Special Educational Needs (SEND) in the UK

How Educational Needs Are Identified

Recognising special educational needs early makes a huge difference. Teachers, health professionals, or parents may notice signs such as difficulties with learning, communication, social interaction, or emotional regulation. Once identified, the school will assess the child’s needs and decide on the right level of support.

If your child needs more help than the school can provide from its own resources, you can request a statutory assessment from your local authority. This may lead to an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, which sets out the child’s educational goals, the support they’ll receive, and how different agencies will work together.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our step-by-step resource ➡️ How to Get SEND Support for Your Child at School walks you through the process of identifying needs, requesting assessments, and understanding your rights as a parent.

The Role of Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play a vital role in the SEND process. You know your child best, so your views and insights are essential in shaping their support plan. Working closely with teachers, health professionals, and local authority representatives ensures that your child’s individual needs are clearly understood.

At SEND Family Guidance, we encourage parents to attend school meetings, contribute to target setting, and stay involved in every stage of their child’s learning journey. If you ever feel unsure, we can help you understand your rights, request assessments, or prepare for meetings with education, health, and social care professionals.

Find out how professionals and families can work together effectively in our article:

➡️ The Role of SEND Support Services for Parents

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention gives children the best possible start. By identifying challenges early and providing targeted support, children with SEND are more likely to achieve progress and develop confidence. Early support might include speech and language therapy, small-group learning, or specialist teaching assistance.

Local authorities often offer early years SEND teams who work with nurseries and parents to create tailored support plans. If your child is under five and you’re concerned about their development, speak to your health visitor or nursery SENCO to explore early intervention options.

Discover why early support is key to long-term progress in our detailed guide:

➡️ Why Early Intervention Matters for Children with SEND

Education, Health, and Social Care Working Together

SEND provision is most effective when professionals collaborate. The Education, Health and Care system ensures that schools, NHS teams, and local authorities coordinate to provide joined-up support for children and young people with SEND.

For example, a child with a learning difficulty might receive input from an educational psychologist, a speech therapist, and a social worker. Each professional contributes their expertise to help the child learn and thrive. This multi-agency approach is at the heart of the SEND Code of Practice, promoting consistent and high-quality support across all services.

Supporting Your Child at Home

While schools and professionals play an important role, parents and carers are often the strongest source of support. Simple steps like maintaining a consistent routine, using visual timetables, and celebrating small successes can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and independence.

At home, focus on creating a calm, supportive environment that encourages learning through play and communication. If your child has sensory needs, try adjusting lighting, noise, or textures to create a space that feels safe and comfortable.

Accessing Local Support and Guidance

Every local authority has a Local Offer, which lists the education, health, and social care services available for children with SEND. This includes specialist schools, therapy services, parent support groups, and short-break schemes. You can find information on your council’s website or through your local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).

At SEND Family Guidance, we help parents navigate these options, understand the processes involved, and feel empowered to make informed decisions. Whether you need advice on assessments, education plans, or daily support strategies, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Empowering Parents and Building Confidence

Understanding SEND is not just about learning acronyms or policies, it’s about building confidence as a parent or carer. With the right knowledge and support, you can ensure your child receives the help they deserve, both in school and beyond.

SEND Family Guidance is committed to supporting families through every stage of the journey, from early concerns to adulthood transitions. Together, we can make sure every child and young person with SEND has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.