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 26 October 2022
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 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
  • Sensory and/or physical needs
ASDAutistic spectrum disorder. 
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.

Accessibility plan A document that sets out how the school plans to improve accessibility for pupils with disabilities at school. Annual review A review of a pupil's EHC plan carried out by the local authority at least every 12 months.  Assessment Or 'EHC needs assessment'. An initial assessment, carried out by the local authority, which decides whether a child or young person needs an EHC plan. Can