SEND SUPPORT ENGLAND
Overview
In England, the term Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is used. The SEND system is governed by the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (2015), which set out a framework that is person-centred and focused on inclusion, outcomes, and collaboration. However, research shows that Black children, particularly Black Caribbean and Mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils are over-identified for behaviour-related SEND categories and under-identified for autism and speech, language and communication needs (Strand & Lindorff, 2022). Parents can ask how the school or local authority ensures that assessments are fair and culturally informed, and raise concerns if they feel their child’s background or experiences are not being properly considered.
Key Rights
- Children and young people with significant and complex needs may be entitled to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- An EHCP can cover ages 0–25, provided the young person remains in education or training (excluding higher education).
- Parents/carers (or the young person themselves if over 16) can request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment from the Local Authority.
- Disputes about EHCPs, placement, or provision can be appealed to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).
- Schools must use their best endeavours to meet the needs of pupils with SEND, even without an EHCP.
Support Process
- Schools and colleges should adopt a graduated approach: assess → plan → do → review.
- Support is recorded on a SEND Support plan (sometimes called an Individual Education Plan) for children without an EHCP.
- Local Authorities are responsible for carrying out assessments and issuing/maintaining EHCPs for children and young people with more complex or long-term needs.
- Families must be actively involved in decision-making at every stage.
Help & Advice
ALN SUPPORT WALES
Overview
In Wales, the term Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is used instead of SEND. The ALN system is designed to be more unified, person-centred, and rights-based under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018.
Key Rights
- Every child with ALN is entitled to an Individual Development Plan (IDP), regardless of setting (school, college, or early years).
- Parents/carers can request an IDP directly – school consent is not required.
- Disputes about support or IDPs can be appealed to the Education Tribunal for Wales.
- The law applies from age 0–25 across all educational settings.
Support Process
- Schools must take a person-centred approach and involve families in IDP planning.
- Local Authorities are responsible for maintaining IDPs for children with more complex needs or who attend specialist placements.
Help & Advice
- SNAP Cymru: Independent advice on ALN and appeals. www.snapcymru.org
- Education Tribunal for Wales: gov.wales/education-tribunal-wales
ASN SUPPORT SCOTLAND
Overview
In Scotland, the law uses the term Additional Support Needs (ASN). Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, any child who needs extra help to learn has a right to additional support.
Key Rights
- Every school must identify and support pupils with ASN, including those with disabilities, care experience, health needs, or disrupted learning.
- Some children will qualify for a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) if multiple agencies are involved.
- Families can request assessments and disagree with decisions through the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland (ASNTS).
Help & Advice
- Enquire: Scotland’s national advice service for ASN
Website: www.enquire.org.uk
Helpline: 0345 123 2303
- My Rights, My Say: Supports children aged 12–15 to express their views in decisions
SEN SUPPORT Northern Ireland
Overview
In Northern Ireland, children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are supported under the SEN Code of Practice (2005) and revised legislation under the SEND Act (NI) 2016.
Key Rights
- Schools must follow a 5-stage approach to identifying and supporting SEN.
- If a child’s needs cannot be met at school level, you can request a Statutory Assessment, which may lead to a Statement of SEN.
- Parents can appeal decisions (e.g. refusal to assess or disagreements about provision) to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST NI).
Support Process
- Stage 1–3: Support is delivered by the school (e.g. individual Education Plan (IEPs), SENCO involvement)
- Stage 4–5: Involves the Education Authority (EA) – may result in formal statementing
Help & Advice
- NICIE (NI Council for Integrated Education): www.nicie.org
- SENAC (Special Educational Needs Advice Centre):
Website: www.senac.org.uk
Helpline: 028 9079 5779
- Disability Action NI: Support for disability rights in education and more
