What is SEN support in schools?

SEN Support is the school-based provision for children identified as having special educational needs but who do not require an EHCP. The school's SENCO coordinates this support using the 'assess, plan, do, review' graduated approach. Around 1 in 5 children in England have some form of SEN — it's more common than most people think.

How do I get an EHCP for my child?

You can request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment from your local authority. The school can also make this request. The LA has 6 weeks to decide whether to assess, then 20 weeks to complete the process. IPSEA and SOS!SEN offer free legal advice to parents going through this process.

What schools are good for autism?

The best school for an autistic child depends on their individual needs. Look for schools with autism-trained staff, sensory rooms or quiet spaces, low pupil-teacher ratios, and strong SEN provision data. Use WhatSchool.ai's inclusion pages to check each school's SEN support numbers, specialist units, and named provisions.

What is the difference between SEN Support and EHCP?

SEN Support is help coordinated by the school's SENCO without a statutory plan — it's the most common level of support. An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a legally binding document issued by the local authority for children who need more support than a school can normally provide. EHCPs give parents legal rights to specific provision.