A child or young person has special educational needs and disabilities if they have a learning difficulty and/or a disability that means they need special health and education support, we shorten this to SEND.
The SEND Code of Practice 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 gives guidance to health and social care, education and local authorities to make sure that children and young people with SEND are properly supported.
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) can be requested, through the Local Authority, if additional health, care and education support is required.
Supporting Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
We work in partnership with local authorities to contribute to the implementation of the SEND reforms as outlined in the Children and Families Act 2014. These partnerships help to jointly identify the needs of the local population, address gaps in local provision, and ensure that children and young people receive the support they need.
Support in your area – ‘The Local Offer’
Each of our areas has a SEND Local Offer, providing comprehensive information in one place. Explore the Local Offers below:
Essex Local Offer (not including Southend or Thurrock) Southend Local Offer Thurrock Local Offer