Special Educational Needs are identified across four broad areas, which help schools and families understand and support each child’s unique profile of strengths and challenges. Below you can find resources, information and guidance for a range of needs in each area.

Communication and Interaction 

Includes children who have difficulty communicating with others. This may be due to speech and language delays, difficulties understanding social rules of communication, or conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

• National Autistic Society
• Autism Education Trust
• Speech and Language UK

Cognition and Learning 

Includes children who may learn at a slower pace than their peers. This includes moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), and specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia.

• British Dyslexia Association
• Dyscalculia – British Dyslexia Association
• Dyspraxia Foundation
• Moderate Learning Difficulties
• Severe learning disability – Challenging Behaviour Foundation
• Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities – Mencap

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Refers to a wide spectrum of needs that affect a child’s emotional wellbeing, social relationships, and mental health. This could include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, eating disorders, self-harm and trauma-related responses.

• Mentally Healthy Schools
• ADHD Foundation
• Attachment Disorders
• Anxiety UK
• Eating disorders – NHS
• How to help yourself if you self-harm – Mind

Sensory and/or Physical Needs 

Includes children with visual or hearing impairments, physical disabilities and medical conditions that affect access to learning.

• National Deaf Children’s Society
• Information for parents of children with vision impairment – RNIB
• MSI specialists for deafblind children and young people – Sense
• Support groups for parents – Scope UK

General support for SEND