If a child has a Special Educational Need (SEN) their needs will fall into one or more of the following four areas:
Communicating and interacting
For example, a child or young person may:
- have speech, language and communication difficulties which make it difficult for them to make sense of language
- have speech, language and communication difficulties which make it difficult for them to understand how to communicate effectively and appropriately with others
Cognition and learning
For example, a child or young person may:
- learn at a slower pace than others their age
- have difficulty in understanding parts of the curriculum
- have difficulties with organisation and memory skills
- have a specific difficulty affecting one particular part of their learning performance such as in literacy or numeracy
Social, emotional and mental health difficulties
For example, a child or young person may:
- have difficulty managing their relationships with other people
- are withdrawn
- behave in ways that may hinder their and other children's learning
- behave in ways that have an impact on their health and wellbeing
Sensory and/or physical needs
For example, a child or young person may:
- have a vision impairment and/or hearing impairments
- have a physical need that means they must have additional ongoing support and equipment