What Are SEN Policies In School?
SEN policies are put in place to support pupils that need additional support with their learning. These policies are designed to ensure that every child and young person gets the education they deserve, even if they face barriers to learning, such as learning difficulties, special educational needs, or disabilities.
What do SEN policies do?
SEN policies explain how schools identify pupils who need extra support, the methods they use to provide that support, and how they regularly track each student’s progress. The goal of these policies is to create an inclusive learning environment where each and every child can thrive.
What are the key things SENCOs need to know about SEN policies?
As the SENCO, it’s important to understand the legal frameworks, how to identify and assess needs, and what training the school team should undertake to ensure they are able to best support learners.
Spotting and assessing needs
During a typical school assessment, teachers will observe pupils, speak with their parents or carers, and sometimes involve other professionals such as a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist or psychologist. Working holistically helps to give a clear picture of a child’s needs, making it easier to create a support plan of action.
What does a support plan look like?
Once a child’s needs are identified, schools often create a plan specifically for them. This could be an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which sets out learning goals and explains the type of help the student will get. The school, in particularly the school SENCO, may also support in obtaining and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for the child. Both of these plans are regularly reviewed to make sure they are fully supporting the young person.
Focusing on inclusion in the classroom
One of the key goals of SEN policies is to ensure SEN learners are included in regular classroom environments wherever possible. For example, teachers should ensure lessons are adapted to suit pupils with additional learning needs, or special tools can be put in place to help these students learn alongside their peers.
Working with your pupils’ parents, carers and families
It’s important to involve parents and carers in their child’s education. SEN policies encourage regular communication and meetings to ensure families are part of decisions about the support their child receives, and so that they are up-to-date with anything that concerns their child.
Utilising training and additional resources for staff
To make SEN policies work, schools need to give teachers and staff training on how to help support their pupils with additional learning needs. Schools often invest in resources like learning aids, assistive technology, or equipment to support pupils thrive socially, emotionally and academically.
Legal Guidance
In many countries, SEN policies are guided by laws. For example, in the UK, the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice explain how schools should help students with special needs.
Why are SEN policies so important?
SEN policies are key to ensuring all students, regardless of their challenges, have a chance to succeed in school. They promote fairness, equality, and inclusion. By working together—schools, families, and governments—these policies help create a better education system for everyone.