Children's Services Department

Children and young people with special educational needs

We are determined to offer the best possible education opportunities for all children, no matter what special educational needs they may have. Whenever possible, the learning needs of all children are met in mainstream schools.

Some children find it much harder to learn than other children of the same age. They may need extra help in school. These children are said to have special educational needs.

A number of pupils will have special needs some time during their school life. These can range from temporary to more complex or permanent needs.

Most of these can be met through careful planning by the child's school, but a small number of children with more complex or long-term needs may need extra resources.

It is important to identify special educational needs as early as possible. Playgroups and nurseries watch the children and will speak to you if they think your child may have special educational needs. School teachers continually check the progress children are making and will adapt their teaching to help children learn.

A very few children with very severe difficulties will have detailed assessments arranged by the Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review Team. This may lead to a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Most children with special educational needs have their needs met in their local school, without a statement.

The Department of Education and Skills publish a special educational needs code of practice that gives guidance to schools and the local authority on how they should provide help for children with special educational needs. They also publish a booklet for parents and carers explaining special educational needs.

Parental request for a Statutory Assessment PDF 14K