SEND jargon-buster
The SEND world is full of acronyms nobody explains. Here is what they all mean, in plain English. Search or browse by topic.
The basics and getting support
SEN Special Educational Needs
When a child needs extra or different help with learning compared with most children their age.
SEND Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
The umbrella term covering both learning needs and disabilities.
SEN Support
The help a mainstream school gives from its own resources, before or without an EHCP. It follows the graduated approach.
Graduated approach
The assess, plan, do, review cycle a school uses to work out and adjust the support a child gets.
SENCO Special Educational Needs Coordinator
The member of staff in a school responsible for coordinating SEND support.
LA Local Authority
Your council. Responsible for EHCPs, the Local Offer and SEND services in your area.
Local Offer
Information every local authority must publish about the SEND support and services available locally.
SENDIASS SEND Information, Advice and Support Service
A free, impartial service in every local authority that helps parents understand and navigate SEND.
IPSEA Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
A national charity offering free legal-based advice on SEND and appeals.
EHCPs and the legal side
EHCP Education, Health and Care Plan
A legal document for children and young people up to 25 who need more support than SEN Support can give. It sets out their needs, the outcomes they are working towards, and the support the LA must provide.
EHC needs assessment
The formal assessment the LA carries out to decide whether to issue an EHCP. You, or your child's school, can request one.
Annual Review
The review, at least once a year, that checks an EHCP is still right and up to date.
Outcomes
What the support in an EHCP is aiming to help the child achieve.
Provision
The actual support, therapies, staffing or resources a child receives.
Section 41
Independent special schools approved by the Secretary of State that an LA can name in an EHCP, alongside maintained special schools.
EOTAS Education Otherwise Than At School
A package of education arranged and funded through an EHCP for when a school placement is not suitable.
Personal Budget
An amount from an EHCP that parents can have more say over how it is spent.
Direct Payments
Money paid to you so you can arrange some of your child's support yourself.
Mediation
A voluntary meeting that tries to resolve a disagreement with the LA before, or instead of, going to tribunal.
SEND Tribunal First-tier Tribunal (SEND)
The independent tribunal where you can appeal LA decisions about EHC assessments and plans.
Statutory
Required by law. LAs have statutory duties and deadlines for EHCPs.
Phase transfer
Moving between phases of education, such as primary to secondary. An EHCP must be updated in good time for the move.
People and therapies
EP Educational Psychologist
Assesses a child's learning, development and emotional needs and advises on support.
SALT or SLT Speech and Language Therapy or Therapist
Supports communication and language, and sometimes eating and swallowing.
OT Occupational Therapist
Supports everyday skills, motor skills and sensory needs.
Physiotherapy
Supports physical movement, strength and mobility.
CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
NHS mental-health services for children and young people under 18.
Paediatrician
A doctor who specialises in children, often involved in assessment and diagnosis.
Portage
Home-based early learning support for pre-school children with SEND.
TA Teaching Assistant
Supports the teacher and pupils in class, sometimes working one to one.
Key worker
A named person who helps coordinate a family's support across different services.
Conditions and needs
ASD or ASC Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition
A lifelong developmental difference affecting communication, social interaction and sensory experience. Many people prefer the words autistic and condition.
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Affects attention, impulsivity and activity levels.
PDA Pathological Demand Avoidance
A profile, often linked to autism, where everyday demands trigger high anxiety and avoidance.
SEMH Social, Emotional and Mental Health
A category of SEND needs relating to emotional wellbeing and behaviour.
SLCN Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Difficulties with understanding language, using language, or communicating.
MLD, SLD, PMLD Moderate, Severe, and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
Terms describing different levels of learning difficulty and support need.
Dyslexia
A specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and spelling.
Dyspraxia or DCD Developmental Coordination Disorder
Affects physical coordination and movement.
Sensory processing
How the brain takes in and responds to sensory information. A child may be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to sounds, light, touch and more.
Masking
Hiding or suppressing autistic traits to fit in. It can be exhausting and hard to spot.
Stimming
Self-stimulating movements or sounds, such as rocking or hand-flapping, that help with focus or regulating emotions.
Money and practical help
DLA Disability Living Allowance
A benefit for children under 16 who have extra care or mobility needs.
PIP Personal Independence Payment
Replaces DLA for young people and adults aged 16 and over.
Carer's Allowance
A benefit for people who spend a set number of hours a week caring for someone.
Blue Badge
A parking permit for people with certain disabilities, including some children.
Short breaks
Activities and care that give disabled children fun experiences and give families a break.
Continuing Care
An NHS package of support for children with complex health needs.
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