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A Beginner's Guide To SEN and SEND
22 May, 20251 - 2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What SEN and SEND is.
- What a SEN provision is.
- What an EHCP is.
- Why SEND provision is more important than ever before.
- Where the latest SEND jobs are and how to apply for them.
- Discover more about our SEND recruitment services.
Navigating the world of education can be complicated - especially when it comes to understanding how children with special educational needs are supported. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, Teacher, or simply curious, getting to grips with terms like SEN (Special Educational Needs) and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) is an important first step.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down what SEN, SEND and EHCPs really mean, explore the types of provision available, and what the 2010 Equality Act includes.
What is SEN and SEND?
Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) refers to individuals with learning disabilities or difficulties. These difficulties can have a direct impact on the individual's ability to learn and as such, they need additional support.
A SEND child might have:
- Problems with understanding other people, numbers and general information.
- Difficulties with reading and writing.
- Problems building relationships with adults.
- Difficulties with organising their time.
- Behavioural struggles, including difficulties with expressing feelings.
- Struggles with physical or sensory needs.
What is the 2010 Equality Act?
Under the 2010 Equality Act, colleges and schools must provide the appropriate support for children and young people by law. The Act means that colleges and schools must have the processes in place to identify and assess children who may require this additional help.
By providing this additional support, SEND children should have the same opportunities as everyone else. With the right provisions and guidance, SEND children can thrive and excel in an educational setting and beyond.
What is SEN provision?
SEN provision is an area, department or school which has been specifically built to offer a safe and understanding place for students to learn. Support and services can vary from school to school.
While some provisions include adapting the mainstream curricula, some will offer a curriculum specific to SEN. SEN specific curricula could be less focused on academic achievements and more focussed on improving the independence of the individual.
Within a SEN provision you will find a SEND Teacher and a SEN Teaching Assistant. The role of a SEND Teacher is to assess students progress and develop individual learning plans to suit the learning needs of individuals. A SEN Teaching Assistant must support the Teacher and may be required to work with children in a small group or one-on-one setting.
What is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document which is drawn up between a young person who requires the additional support, their local education authority, health and social care and a child's family.
The plan will clearly identify the young person’s education, healthcare and social care needs so that health care and educational professionals and parents/carers are all working in unison to a common goal.
An EHCP can be issued to a child or young person up to the age of 25 years and is led by the individual’s local authority. As the EHCP is legally binding, the local authority must fund any additional help which is required.
Why is SEND more important than ever before?
Since March 2020, the Covid-19 has disrupted many education and health services throughout the UK and world and taken effect on the mental health of children and young people.
Thousands of children with SEND and disabilities have failed to meet the academic, mental and physical progress which they could have achieved had the pandemic not happened.
Now a few years down the line from the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever before to support these young people and children to get back and catch up on what they have lost.
Educational Psychologists, EHC Plan Writers, SENCOs and many other professionals working within the SEND sector must collaborate to achieve the best possible outcome for children and young people with SEND.
SEND jobs
If you’re searching for your next local authority SEND job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Local authority recruitment services
As specialist local authority SEND recruiters, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs.
We can supply SEND staff for service redesign, tackling annual review backlogs and SEND/EHC Case workers to amend plans or hold annual review meetings.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?
South of the UK - Richard Shorrock
Midlands & North of the UK - Adam Zyda
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
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