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SEND glossary

Get a handle on the key terms relating to special educational needs and disability (SEND), with a downloadable version to share with new governors.

Last reviewed on 2 July 2024
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 34906
Contents
  1. Types of SEND
  2. Assessments, plans and provision
  3. Other key terms
  4. Downloadable version
  5. Training for SEND link governors

Types of SEND

SEN

Special educational needs. A pupil has SEN if they need special educational provision due to a learning difficulty or disability

SENDSpecial educational needs and disability. Both terms are used, often interchangeably
Areas of need

4 broad categories are used to describe a pupil’s SEN. They are:

  • Communication and interaction
  • Cognition and learning
  • Social, emotional and mental health difficulties 
  • Sensory and/or physical needs
ASDAutistic spectrum disorder
GLDGlobal learning difficulties
HIHearing impairment
MLDModerate learning difficulties
PMLDProfound and multiple learning difficulties
SEMHSocial, emotional and mental health
SLCNSpeech, language and communication needs
SLDSevere learning difficulties. Can also refer to speech and language difficulties
SpLDSpecific learning difficulties e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia
VIVisual impairment

Accessibility plan A document that sets out how a school plans to improve accessibility for its pupils with disabilities  Annual review A review of a pupil's education, health and care (EHC) plan carried out by the LA at least every 12 months Assessment (or EHC needs assessment) An initial assessment, carried out by the LA, which decides whether a child or young