11th September 2019
Teaching within SEND has numerous requirements for pupils with varied needs and disabilities. As such, the SEND sector has an almost intimidatingly large number of acronyms and terms to learn.
Worry not, at Engage, we’ve put the most frequently used terms into an easy-to-use reference guide which you can see here or download and print out to take with you!
Download the SEND Jargon Buster here
A special education need which impacts on social communication, social interaction, interests and behaviour.
A special education need which affects concentration and the ability to focus.
A behavioural disorder which includes symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
An umbrella term for a wide range of provision where the Local Authority contracts resources in addition to those provided by the school
The most common sign language used by deaf people in the UK
A school document which is created to help a pupil with behavioural difficulties
The term for all services working with children and young people who have difficulties with their emotional or behavioural wellbeing
Professionals complete this form as the first step to assess the needs a child or young person may have
The law which introduced the current system of supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
A government document that schools, EYFS settings and local authorities follow when identifying children with SEN and meeting their needs
The national government department overseeing schools and education
Lays out the duty on employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities
A benefit which can be claimed by the family of a child with special needs
A monetary allowance for disabled students to cover some of the extra costs incurred because of their disability
A condition in which behaviour or emotional responses of a child adversely affect their performance at school
This plan outline educational needs a child has and the provision that the local authority must put in place to help them
The standards for learning, development and care of a child from birth to 5 years old
Education below degree level for people above school age, such as Sixth Form
The co-ordination of small muscles and the eyes, such as buttoning clothes
Larger movements made3 with the arms, legs, feet, or entire body, such as running or jumping
The term used when a child has not met two or more milestones in all areas of development
Partial or total inability to hear
A provider of independent and impartial advice to parts of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
A school-based document which records, tracks, and reviews the support a child with special education needs receives in school
A document which contains a series of observations and assessments on a child’s strengths, weaknesses, and special education needs
The body responsible for public services such as libraries, schools, parks, and child protection
Difficulties in acquiring knowledge and skills to the normal level expected of those of the same age, especially because of a mental disability or cognitive disorder
The SEND local offer is providedby the Local Authority and gives information for parents in a single place
A member of staff in a school provided to support teachers and pupils in the classroom
The term for a child who is looked after by a local authority
The umbrella term used to describe children who have cognitive ability and attainment levels significantly lower than that of their peers
A condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms such as problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation, or balance
Pupils with MSI have a combination of visual and hearing difficulties
This term is used to describe young people (18-24) who are not in education, employment, or training
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by unwanted thoughts and repetitive activities
A disorder that is defined by a pattern of hostile, disobedient, and defiant behaviours
A therapist who provides support to people whose health prevents them from doing particular activities
A non-ministerial department of the government which is responsible for inspecting a range of educational institutions
An approach to developing communication skills using pictures
A way of planning that sees people using health and social services as equal partners in the development and monitoring of their care to ensure it meets their needs
A limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina
A condition characterised by an overwhelming need to avoid or resist demands
Children with PMLD have complex learning needs and may also have other significant difficulties such as physical disabilities or sensory impairment
A section in the Code of Practice which lays out the need for local authorities and their partners to work together with young people to help them achieve successful outcomes in the long term
A type of school which caters for children who aren’t able to attend a mainstream school because they require greater care and support than their school can provide
A school-based programme which is designed to help a child improve their social, emotional, and behavioural skills
A member of support staff who provides treatment for children who have difficulties with communication
The umbrella term for children who have a learning difficulty and/or a disability that means they need special health and education support
The teacher who is respoinsible for special education needs and disability provision in a school
A very significant intellectual or cognitive impairment that impacts a person’s ability to live independently
Children with SLCN may have a single specific language impairment or experience secondary communication needs resulting from another condition
Decreased or total inability to see
A person generally from 14 to 18 years of age
A local authority team that supports young people who are not receiving the standard of care of protection appropriate to their age
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